Gareth Southgate names injured player in England squad to face Brazil and Belgium as Kalvin Phillips dropped

England manager Gareth Southgate has announced his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

The Three Lions will step up their preparations for Euro 2024 by playing two friendly matches against quality opposition.

England will take on five-time World Cup winners Brazil at Wembley on Saturday 23 March, before facing Belgium on Tuesday 26 March.

England booked their place at the upcoming European Championships in Germany back in October with two games to spare.

Southgate's side topped their qualifying group ahead of Italy and Ukraine after winning six of their eight games.

The headline inclusion is Newcastle United attacker Anthony Gordon, who has received his first senior England call-up despite being injured.

The 23-year-old suffered a knee injury during the first half of Newcastle's 3-2 defeat to Chelsea on Monday, but he is expected to return to training within the next few days.

21-year-old Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has also receive his first senior cap.

The youngster was part of the England U21s side that won the Euros last summer, and has impressed for his club in the Premier League this season.

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez have been recalled having not been included in an England squad 2020.

A string of injuries to full-backs Kieran Trippier, Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James and have led to Gomez's recall, with the Liverpool star capable of playing across the defensive line.

With Southgate to name his Euros squad ahead of England's final warm-up games in June, this squad gives a good indication of who will be on the plane to Germany.

Cole Palmer will be hopeful of making the cut following his inclusion, after he narrowly missed out on a call-up for the November international break.

Kalvin Phillips has been left out of the squad after enduring a nightmare start to his loan spell at West Ham, as has Raheem Sterling, who has not been included in the last six England squads since appearing at the 2022 World Cup.

There's no place for Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo, despite calls for the 18-year-old to be rewarded for his impressive performances.

England squad to face Brazil and Belgium

Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale.

Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite, Ben Chilwell, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kyle Walker.

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Conor Gallagher, James Maddison, Declan Rice.

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins.

Topics: England, Gareth Southgate, Brazil, Belgium, Euro 2024, Jack Butland, Joe Gomez

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a Sports Trends Writer at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He enjoys running, cooking and watching non-league football.

@alex_brotherton