Joe Gomez and Jack Butland set for England recalls by Gareth Southgate
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is set to be named in the England squad for the first time in four years, with Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland, who hasn't played for England for more than five years, expected to be included too.
Brentford's Ivan Toney is also likely to be recalled when Gareth Southgate names his squad on Thursday for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley.
That will be Toney's first involvement with the national team since his eight-month ban from football for breaching The Football Association's betting rules.
Cole Palmer's tremendous form for Chelsea means he is pushing hard for a forward's place in the most competitive position in the England squad.
Southgate will name his long list for this summer's Euros in less than 10 weeks' time, and he is currently in the midst of his worst injury crisis since he took the top job in 2016. As a result, expect the England manager to name a bigger-than-usual squad again.
Twelve players are missing in total, though the England boss is likely to include Harry Maguire in this squad, despite his muscle problem. Maguire may return to action for Manchester United this weekend and Southgate is closely monitoring Levi Colwill's toe problem too.
For most of his reign, Southgate has had an embarrassment of riches at full-back. Not any more. Four first-choice full-backs in Reece James, Luke Shaw, Kieran Trippier and Ben Chilwell are all injured. That's why Gomez's versatility has made him a must-pick for Southgate.
The 26-year-old has been outstanding in his 39 appearances for Liverpool this season, across four different positions - centre-back, central midfield, right-back and left-back. His last game for England was in the 3-0 friendly win over Wales in
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