The end of the 2023/24 campaign will see Gareth Southgate having to decide his final 23-man squad to represent England, at the forthcoming European Championships.
That tournament could well be his last in a largely successful reign for the former Middlesboro manager. I suspect domestic offers will be forthcoming, despite having a contract with the FA that runs until December of this year.
Emerging Talents and Veteran Loyalties
I sense that the former central defender will no longer stay loyal to a raft of players he has so often stood by, instead opting for a bright and talented group, which could see his tenure end on the absolute high.
A successful international campaign would make him a viable candidate for either the Manchester United or Chelsea posts, however, an early elimination would see him more likely to become a Championship manager.
As with most international traveling parties, some call-ups will surprise England fans, whereas many will be deflated and demoralised to have been left at home.
Liverpool’s Influence on England’s Squad
As Liverpool continue their courageous pursuit for silverware this season, the ongoing regeneration has allowed certain players to rise through the Anfield ranks.
Previous fringe or academy players such as Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah, will have an outside chance of inclusion (for international duty), which could depend on the fitness and misfortune of others.
Trent Alexander Arnold is now assured of his place and perhaps a new and prominent role in the team. His own Three Lions elevation has coincided with the bounce-back year that his hometown club is currently enjoying, as the hybrid initiative has allowed the famous dogmatic preference of Southgate to plant him into a more advanced midfield role.
Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones: Deserving of Recognition
Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones have been brilliant this season, which should be recognised by their national team coach. Though the former has already amassed 11 caps in his international career, the last of those appearances came way back in October of 2020. Regarding Curtis Jones, I fully expected him to have been called up long before now.
Gareth Southgate’s 23-Man Squad Selection
Below is how I would select the traveling 23-man squad, with any current injuries ignored.
Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford
Sam Johnstone
James Trafford
Defenders
Kyle Walker
Joe Gomez
Ben White
John Stones
Fikayo Tomori
Levi Colwill
Ezri Konsa
Midfielders
Declan Rice
Jude Bellingham
Trent Alexander Arnold
Curtis Jones
Kalvin Phillips
Cole Palmer
James Maddison
Forwards
Harry Kane
Phil Foden
Bukayo Saka
Jack Grealish
Ollie Watkins
Jarrod Bowen
If circumstances and form allow, I suspect Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah may be close also, as not all of the above will be fit for a summer tournament.
📊 | Joe Gomez vs Arsenal:
• Touches – 49
• Accurate Long Balls – 1/2
• Final 3rd Passes – 7
• Tackles Won – 2/4
• Blocks – 1
• Clearances – 4
• Headed Clearances – 1
• Interceptions – 2
• Recoveries – 3
• Duels Won – 5/9Superb again today!🏴🔥 pic.twitter.com/YDba7wG9Da
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) January 7, 2024
🏴 Curtis Jones has now scored four goals in his last six games for #LFC.
He’s got 6 goal contributions in his last 9 games in total.
In that time he is averaging a goal or assist every 92.5 minutes.
Those are Jude Bellingham esque stats. pic.twitter.com/yXVsqhBsjZ
— Bence Bocsák (@BenBocsak) January 10, 2024
