Gordon and Branthwaite: A Promising Debut for England
In an exciting development for English football fans, Anthony Gordon and Jarrad Branthwaite have received their first call-ups to the England national team. The talented duo will join a strong squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium this month. Additionally, Ivan Toney has been recalled after a period of absence due to a suspension.
Anthony Gordon, a 23-year-old forward, has been in impressive form for Newcastle this season, scoring 10 goals across all competitions. His inclusion in the England squad is a testament to his skill and potential. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how he performs on the international stage.
Equally deserving of recognition is Jarrad Branthwaite, a 21-year-old defender who has been making waves at Everton. Despite his club’s struggles, Branthwaite has consistently displayed maturity and composure in his performances. This call-up is a well-deserved reward for his hard work and talent.
Another notable addition to the squad is Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa. The 26-year-old defender, who is yet to earn a cap for England, has been impressive in the Premier League this season. His inclusion highlights the depth of talent that England possesses in the defensive department.
Ivan Toney’s return to the England setup is an intriguing development. The Brentford striker had previously served an eight-month ban for breaching FA betting rules. However, his performances since returning have been exceptional, warranting a recall to the national team. Toney will be eager to make an impact and prove his worth on the international stage.
Manager Gareth Southgate has also made some other interesting choices for the squad. Joe Gomez, who has not played for England since 2020, has been included after a string of impressive performances for Liverpool in various defensive positions. This versatility makes him a valuable asset for the national team. Meanwhile, former Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson, now at Ajax, has also been selected.
However, there are a few notable omissions from the squad. Kalvin Phillips, who is on loan at West Ham from Manchester City, has missed out on a call-up. Phillips has been in excellent form this season and his exclusion may come as a surprise to some. Additionally, Raheem Sterling, a key player for both Manchester City and England, has been overlooked for this particular squad.
The upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium will be crucial for the players to showcase their abilities and stake their claim for a spot in the squad for Euro 2024. With these matches being the final games before Southgate makes his selection, the pressure will be on for all the players to perform at their best.
As the nation eagerly awaits these fixtures, fans and pundits alike will be closely watching the performances of Gordon, Branthwaite, and the rest of the squad. This is an exciting time for English football, with a new generation of talent emerging and making their mark on the international stage. The future looks bright for the Three Lions.