England boss Gareth Southgate has named his squad for the final two games before this year's World Cup.
Three Manchester United players make the cut in his 28-man squad for the Nations League double-header against Italy and Germany later this month, while there are five representatives from Manchester City. The Three Lions travel to the San Siro on Friday, September 23. Three days later they face arch-rivals Germany at Wembley in the final group stage clash.
United captain Harry Maguire, who has lost his place in Erik ten Hag's side in recent weeks, makes the cut while Luke Shaw is a surprise selection having not played for his club in over a month. Dean Henderson, out on loan at Nottingham Forest, is also recalled.
Read more: FIFA 23 ratings with United and City stars named Premier League's best
Marcus Rashford's strong start to the season had led to hopes of a recall. But those were dashed after he suffered an injury meaning he misses United's Europa League clash with FC Sheriff on Thursday. The 24-year-old has not played for his country since the defeat by Italy in the Euro 2020 final. Fellow United colleague Jadon Sancho also misses out despite an encouraging start to the campaign.
As for City, the quintet of Kyle Walker, John Stones, Kalvin Phillips, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish all retain their squad spots.
Southgate's men will not play any friendlies before the first-ever winter staging of the World Cup in Qatar. England will contest the second game of the tournament when they face Iran in Al Rayyan on November 21.
England's 28-man squad to face Italy and Germany: Dean Henderson, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Eric Dier, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker; Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse; Tammy Abraham, Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Ivan Toney.
READ MORE:
