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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.

Photo: IMAGO

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.

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