International football is almost upon us again and Gareth Southgate is ready to name his first England squad since suffering World Cup heartache.
After falling at the quarter-final hurdle in Qatar with an agonising 2-1 defeat to eventual runners-up France, the Three Lions go again this month in search of glory as they take on Italy and Ukraine as part of qualification for the 2024 European Championships. Next summer's Euros in Germany offers Southgate another chance of winning his first piece of silverware in charge of England, having made the decision to stay on after a period of uncertainty following his side's World Cup exit.
The new journey starts next Thursday, March 23, as the Three Lions travel to Naples to face top seeds Italy, who've pained Southgate's men on numerous occasions over the past couple of years. Then, a Ukraine side fighting against the backdrop of their nation's war with Russia visit a sold-out Wembley on Sunday, March 26.
England hope to top Group C, which also contains North Macedonia and Malta. As ever, Southgate will aim to use the qualification period to suss out who's fit for tournament football.
When will Southgate name his England squad?
Gareth Southgate is due to announce his latest England squad for the March international window at 2pm this Thursday. The Three Lions manager will then hold a news conference explaining his selection choices which fans are already anticipating amid a hectic period of club football.
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Have your say! Who should make Southgate's England squad? Give us your picks in the comments section.
Gareth Southgate will announce his latest round of England call-ups at 2pm on Thursday (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)There's clamour for Ivan Toney to receive only his second ever call-up after missing out on the World Cup. But Southgate faces a dilemma over the in-form Brentford striker, whom he travelled to watch struggle alongside fellow England hopeful Rico Henry in a 1-0 defeat by Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Toney is awaiting the outcome of an investigation into 232 alleged breaches of the Football Association's betting rules which could lead to a lengthy ban. Meanwhile, Manchester City defender Kyle Walker, who's long been a staple of the England set-up, is the subject of a police probe after videos emerged online of him allegedly exposing himself in a bar.
The FA insists that Walker's case is a club matter and Southgate is also reluctant to pre-judge Toney ahead of his hearing and punishment. Brentford boss Thomas Frank believes that his talisman deserves a call-up, saying: "If you look at the performances I don't think you can look past him, but I know there are different types and it depends on what kind of strikers he (Southgate) wants.
Ivan Toney received his first England call-up last September and could rejoin Gareth Southgate's squad (Naomi Baker/Getty Images)"But I think he has shown on goals and assists – which are two pretty good numbers to be high on – and performances that he is the number two behind Harry [Kane]. I understand that Marcus Rashford can play as a striker as well, whether he is a striker or a winger, he is a different type. I understand it is a tricky situation overall but I just think he is a very good striker."
Ben White left England's World Cup camp early and isn't in line for a recall, despite his form for Premier League title-chasing Arsenal. Fellow defender Fikayo Tomori, on the other hand, is likely to get the nod thanks to his performances in Italy with AC Milan.
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