England squad announcement recap: Gareth Southgate names squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers vs Italy and Ukraine

Southgate on Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink links

Southgate was also asked to provide clarity on reports that former Chelsea and Netherlands striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is in talks to join the England coaching team.

The Three Lions are searching for a replacement for Chris Powell, who coached the squad during Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup but, as per the Daily Mail, is now leaving the setup.

He replied: "Chris Powell, we've really enjoyed working with him. He was on a placement with us for the Euros originally, and we extended it.

"The spirit of that was that we would give other people opportunities. We're in discussions with another coach at the moment, and when we've got something to announce on that, we will do."

Southgate comments on squad

Ivan Toney is in the England squad, and now has another opportunity to make his senior debut after being an unused substitute on three occasions for the Three Lions.

Speaking about his inclusion, Southgate said: "The fact is that Ivan is playing for his club, he's available for his club. There hasn't been a trial as yet, or any judgment. So I don't know on what basis we wouldn't pick him, really.

"Before the World Cup, Callum Wilson had a brilliant run of form, and hit form just at the right time. He's obviously had a bit of an injury that has inhibited his performances in the last few weeks.

"Ivan's been consistent across the season. Of course, as soon as we named that [World Cup] squad, he had a brilliant game against Manchester City, which was typical.

"He's playing really well. I like his presence in games - I saw his game against Arsenal, when I thought he was outstanding. He deserves his opportunity."

Southgate comments on squad

There is also a question on Southgate's decision not to select Brighton pair Solly March and Lewis Dunk, with Seagulls head coach Roberto De Zerbi believing they were deserving of a call-up.

Southgate says: "Brighton are having an outstanding season as a club.

"Solly, we had him in the U21s so he's a player we know well. But at the moment I don't see him ahead of Rashford, Grealish, Foden, Saka, on those positions on the field.

"They're hard calls, and we're always watching everybody. We're watching everybody regularly, live or on our systems every week. There's not a game that we miss.

"We know there are some players that are playing well for their clubs regularly, but as I said, I've got to pick the squad that gives us the best chance of winning in two really big matches coming up.

"Experience is part of that. We go to Naples to play Italy, they're a top side, it's a different sort of environment, you've got to get the balance right of experience for those types of games as well."

Southgate comments on squad

Southgate is asked about Kyle Walker, who is currently under a police investigation. The Manchester City defender has been selected in the England squad.

He replied: "It is a complicated situation. I've spoken at length with him.

"The fact is, as we sit here at the moment, he's back playing with his club, there's no conclusive evidence to leave him out at this stage. I think I've got to be very careful on being the moral judge on things.

"As I say, we've had a couple of long conversations and we feel we want him with us, we feel that is the right thing to do and we also know that when you're an England international, there's an even higher bar on how you conduct yourselves and what's expected.

"I don't think we're taking those decisions lately, but we are where we are with it at the minute."

Southgate comments on squad

Southgate has now explained his decision not to select Arsenal's Ben White and Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, who were both named in the World Cup squad last year.

He explained: "With Ben White, it's similar to Trent Alexander-Arnold, really.

"The three boys who are in as right full-backs, we've got them just ahead of those two, we're blessed in that position with the depth of talent.

"It's the hardest position to pick, albeit it's never straightforward criteria and shifting around a little bit on form."

Southgate comments on squad

On the non-selection of Raheem Sterling, Southgate says the Chelsea winger is not fully fit after his return from a recent injury, and would have been picked otherwise.

The England boss also spoke of his delight of Reece James being available to return, describing him as a "top player".

England squad in full

Here is the full England squad:

• Goalkeepers - Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
• Defenders - Ben Chilwell, Eric Dier, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker
• Midfielders - Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson, James Maddison, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice
• Forwards - Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney

Gareth Southgate has named his England squad

Gareth Southgate's official squad has landed - and there are returns for Chelsea's Reece James and Ben Chilwell, and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi.

Brentford's Ivan Toney is included as well, and has the opportunity to win his first cap.

Ben White, Conor Coady, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Raheem Sterling all dropped from the squad that travelled to Qatar.

We're now just minutes away from Gareth Southgate's squad announcement, which is set for 2pm. Updates to follow.