Gareth Southgate has called up uncapped duo Jarrod Bowen and James Justin for England’s Nations League campaign.
But there is no place for Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson in the 27 man squad for the fixtures in Hungary and Germany on June 4 and 7 respectively plus Italy and the return tie with Hungary which are both at Molineux on June 11 and 14. England boss Southgate insisted that his absence is merely about giving the veteran midfielder a rest after a busy campaign, stating: "The decision around Jordan Henderson - I don't need to know anymore about him and he's played a lot of football this season."
England’s results in the Nations League games contribute to their seeding in the Euro 2024 qualification draw plus also they are playing top class opponents in Italy and Germany and they want a proper test. It is a major boost for West Ham forward Bowen who has scored 12 goals, provided ten assists and would have been in the last squad but for the fact he was unavailable through injury.
Asked why he has included Bowen, Southgate said: “Constantly strong performances. We were certainly thinking about involving him in March before he got injured.
“He’s a goal threat and his direct journey is an interesting reminder that you don’t have to be at an elite academy – experience is a great route to go. He works incredibly hard for the team, which we want all our players to do. He thoroughly deserves his call-up.”
Leicester's versatile full back Justin, 24, is almost more of a surprise but England have a major issue at left back with Ben Chilwell recovering from knee surgery and Luke Shaw has been struggling for form and game time.
Southgate has name checked Justin before and kept close tabs on him and now this is a big chance for him in a problem area for England. There is a recall for Fikayo Tomori after his hugely impressive season with AC Milan after they clinched the Series A title.
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is also in and while he was given the chance to link up late because of his club’s involvement in the Champions League final, he is set to join straight away.
"I was very conscious with the Champions League boys - they've had a remarkable season really and couldn't have been involved with any more games," said Southgate. "We've learnt in the last three or four years from players we've had involved in that match that the emotional fall out, win or lose, is very high.
"I spoke with the two lads about where they were with that and where they felt like they were with that - they are in different positions in that with their age. We've got good players in both positions so we've got cover and we felt that Henderson we didn't need to see this summer but we wanted to see Trent with the camp. We gave him the option of joining late but he preferred to keep going and then leave a bit earlier."
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There is still no place for Leicester ’s in-form James Maddison while Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho miss out again and time is running out on them for the World Cup. Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi keeps his place despite an ankle injury which underlines just how highly Southgate rates him and he now looks a very strong bet to reach the World Cup squad.
Aston Villa captain Tyrone Mings is also a surprise omission as he has been a mainstay for England but has had mixed form this season and may now be sweating on his World Cup place.
On Maddison's absence, Southgate explained: "He has finished the season very well. He is obviously scoring goals but we just feel we are very happy with the players that have been with us.
"He is competing with Mason Mount and Phil Foden and these types of players in the role where he is at his best. It's one of the positions where there is a lot of strength in depth and you may have to leave players out who may be equally as deserving."
Squad in full
Goalkeepers : Pickford, Pope, Ramsdale
Defenders : Alexander-Arnold, Coady, Guehi, James, Justin, Maguire, Stones, Tomori, Trippier, Walker, White
Midfielders : Bellingham, Gallagher, Mount, Phillips, Rice, Ward-Prowse
Forwards : Abraham, Bowen, Foden, Grealish, Kane, Saka, Sterling
