Jarrad Branthwaite called up to England squad, Kalvin Phillips dropped
The duo have earned their maiden first-team call-ups thanks to stellar seasons in the Premier League, with Branthwaite — an Under-21 European champion last year — making 25 starts for the Toffees and scoring two goals.
Meanwhile, Gordon — who was also part of Lee Carsley's continental champions in 2023 — has contributed to 15 top-flight goals from 27 outings for the Magpies, scoring nine of his own and registering six assists to warrant a senior selection.
Gordon joins a nine-strong attacking contingent which also includes Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who is immediately recalled for the first time since March 2023 following his nine-month betting suspension.
Manchester City's Jack Grealish makes way for Gordon due to his groin problem, while Cole Palmer — who was promoted to the first team from the Under-21s in November — earns his first official senior call-up thanks to his continued exceptional form at Chelsea.
James Maddison and Jarrod Bowen are also back following their recoveries from injuries, but Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze has not been called up, and nor has Manchester City's under-performing West Ham United loanee Kalvin Phillips.
After repeatedly struggling for minutes at the Etihad, Phillips has made a below-par start to life at the London Stadium, and Gareth Southgate told reporters at his press conference that the 28-year-old's form had simply not been good enough.
«I think he knows exactly what we think of him, a good version of him is an important player for us. We don't have many players of that profile,» Southgate told
Read on sportsmole.co.uk
