Gareth Southgate to call up England duo with zero caps since 2020 for Brazil and Belgium friendlies

Gareth Southgate is reportedly set to call up two forgotten England players to his next squad to face Brazil and Belgium.

England face two friendlies during the upcoming international break as part of their early preparations for this summer's Euro 2024.

Southgate has a number of selection dilemmas ahead of naming his squad, with the likes of Cole Palmer, Ivan Toney and Kobbie Mainoo among those pushing hard to be included.

There could also be a long-awaited recall for Luton's Ross Barkley, who has been one of the Premier League's star midfielders this season. The former Everton star has 33 caps for England, but hasn't played for his country since 2019.

But it is in defence where Southgate has significant problems, with four full-backs out injured and both Harry Maguire and Levi Colwill doubts as they recover from fitness issues.

According to Sky Sports, the England boss is strongly considering a recall for Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, with the 26-year-old having received regular football under Jurgen Klopp over recent months amid the Reds' own injury crisis.

It is claimed that Gomez's versatility across the entire backline, and even in defensive midfield, is of great appeal to Southgate with so many regular starters unavailable.

Elsewhere, it is added that a surprise recall for former Crystal Palace and Manchester United goalkeeper Jack Butland is on the cards.

The 31-year-old, who now plays for Scottish Premiership side Rangers, has had an impressive first season in Glasgow after his Palace contract expired last summer.

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Butland is set to be preferred over Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale, who has played just two Premier League games since David Raya usurped him as the Gunners' first-choice goalkeeper last year. He only played in those fixtures - both against Brentford - due to Raya's loan agreement rendering him ineligible for selection.

Butland received nine caps for England between 2012 and 2018, and was named in the Three Lions squad for the 2018 World Cup.

His most recent appearance was in March 2018, when he fractured his ankle during a friendly against Germany.

Gomez, meanwhile, made his England debut in 2017 and has received 11 caps. His last appearance was in 2020, with a mixture of injury issues and lack of gametime meaning he hasn't been handed a recall since then.