England squad: Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah handed first Three Lions call-up for Ukraine and Scotland matches
Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah handed first England call-up; Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire included but no place for Raheem Sterling; England face a Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine in Poland on September 9 before taking on Scotland at Hampden Park in a friendly on September 12
Thursday 31 August 2023 14:59, UK
Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has been handed his first senior England call-up after being picked in the squad for September's matches against Ukraine and Scotland.
Nketiah has scored twice in his three Premier League appearances this season and is England's record Under-21 scorer with 16 goals.
Al Ettifaq midfielder Jordan Henderson has been named in Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad despite England's vice-captain moving to the Saudi Arabian club this summer.
Southgate admits he has some concerns around the 33-year-old's decision to join the Saudi Pro League.
The Three Lions boss said: «We've watched every game, the key as we move forward is going to be the physical intensity of the league, because of the heat as well, whether that is going to allow him to perform at the level we need.»
On the decision to select Henderson despite moving to Saudi Arabia and their lack of LGBTQ+ rights, Southgate said: «I think we are supportive of the LGBT+ community, a large number of the team and staff have either relatives or friends from that community.
»We have tried to be very supportive but I also accept members of the community felt let down. You have to live your life as you see fit, I can only speak on personal level and what the team represents and I try to be accepting of all cultures and understanding of everyone in different positions.
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