Jadon Sancho has been omitted from England’s crucial World Cup qualifiers, while Marcus Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold were recalled on Thursday.
Gareth Southgate’s side will host Albania on November 12 before traveling to San Marino three days later in order to secure a place in next year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho will miss those games after paying the price for his poor form since joining the club from Borussia Dortmund in the offseason.
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Sancho faced backlash on social media after missing a penalty in England’s Euro 2020 final shootout loss to Italy in July.
Sancho, who is rarely used at United, has lost his England spot to teammate Rashford, who is available to Southgate for the first time since the Euro final due to shoulder surgery.
Rashford returned to Manchester United in October and has already scored three goals in five games.
Jesse Lingard, another Manchester United forward, was also dropped by Southgate.
“Jadon and Jesse aren’t getting as much football as other players in their positions,” Southgate told reporters.
“Some say I’m inconsistent, but I’m not sure. Jesse has had between 10 and 15 minutes. I don’t know his form or fitness level, so I can’t evaluate him.
“When I spoke to them, both of those players understood. They are players who have performed admirably for us, and I am confident they will return.
“They just aren’t playing as much football as the other players in their positions.” “If you’re playing regularly for your club, you have a much better chance of us accessing your level than the rest of the group.”
“Mason and his family felt they needed time,” Southgate said of United striker Mason Greenwood’s latest absence after opting out of the previous qualifiers. We met with him earlier this month and completely understand where he’s coming from.”He’s at a huge football club with huge expectations.” He understands that this is a necessary part of making it in international football. “With young players, we want to get it right.”
‘Fantastic competition’
Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold, Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, and Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips were all recalled to Southgate’s squad.
United’s center-back Chelsea’s right-back Harry Maguire Reece James returned from injury, while Kieran Trippier, Fikayo Tomori, and Ollie Watkins were ruled out.
“Reece and Trent are at an extremely high level.” “Kieran is a player we hold high regard for, and I’m confident he’ll be back with us in the future,” Southgate said.
Despite his excellent form this season, Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe was not selected.
Conor Gallagher, on loan from Chelsea at Crystal Palace, was another promising youngster who fell short after a strong start to the season.
“Emile and Conor Gallagher are doing well, but we have depth.” “We move players quickly, and a lot of them are now in this squad,” Southgate said.
“They’re on the right track, but we think it’s a little early.”
England leads Group I by three points over second-placed Poland and will qualify if they get four points from their final two games. When asked about the possibility of extending his England contract beyond the World Cup, Southgate said, “The only thing I will share is that we have to nail our qualification before we sit down and have those in-depth conversations.”
England squad:
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling
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