As the next international break approaches managers are beginning to announce their selections for the upcoming international matches. England faces Germany and Lithuania in the upcoming break and Gareth Southgate has selected a very fresh faced 26 man squad for the Three Lions.
Perhaps the biggest surprise has been the inclusion of Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe. Ever since he found himself outside of the England set up there’s been constant rumors of his return as regardless of what club he’s been at he’s always been able to perform well. In many ways, it’s been this consistency that the England side has been lacking. Year on year England do incredibly well in games where the result isn’t that important but when it comes to the big games, it all falls apart. So it could be debated that the squad would have benefited from the consistency that Defoe offers but regardless that’s in the past now. Given his age, I personally did wonder if he’d ever make it back into the squad. At 34 years of age there are very few players who can still cut it for both club and country but at long last Jermain Defoe is back in the England side. He’s been having nothing short of a top quality season thus far in the Premier League with Sunderland, scoring 14 goals. Without his abilities, it’d be worrying to imagine where Sunderland might be in the league.
Whether Defoe’s inclusion in the side is permanent remains a mystery, however. Strikers Harry Kane and captain Wayne Rooney missed out on the squad through injury which may have paved the way for Defoe’s call up but whether this is the case or not only time will tell. But for now here’s to hoping he can offer something to the side while he’s still able to play to such a high standard. Defoe hasn’t featured in the England setup since 2013 but he’ll be hoping to get back on the field for his nation, something which he’s expressed that he would be delighted with.
In addition to Defoe the only other recognised strikers in the side come in the form of Jamie Vardy and Marcus Rashford meaning that we could see a very makeshift but also exciting attack.
There’s also some other exciting new inclusions in the side which are likely to have been influenced by Gareth Southgate’s time as England 21s manager. Southampton duo James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond are amongst the 26 players and have yet to feature in the senior side. In addition to them there’s also Michael Keane and Michail Antonio who are included but uncapped. Another player making a come back to the side after a long time is West Brom’s Jake Livermore who will be looking to add to his single cap which was against Italy in 2012.
Another surprise comes in the form of Luke Shaw. The Manchester United full back has played just one Premier League game since October. But in my opinion at least he’s so young and versatile that he could walk straight into the side. His inclusion was also likely helped by the fact that Tottenham’s Danny Rose was unavailable for selection due to injury.
England Squad:
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster, Joe Hart, Tom Heaton
Defenders: Ryan Bertrand, Gary Cahill, Nathaniel Clyne, Phil Jones, Michael Keane, Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling, John Stones, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Dele Alli, Michail Antonio, Ross Barkley, Eric Dier, Adam Lallana, Jesse Lingard, Jake Livermore, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Nathan Redmond, Raheem Sterling, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards: Jermain Defoe, Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford
