Gordon, Branthwaite get first England call-ups

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Anthony Gordon and Jarrad Branthwaite have been called up to the England squad for the first time, while Ivan Toney has been recalled for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium this month.

Forward Gordon, aged 23, has netted 10 goals in various competitions for Newcastle this season, while 21-year-old defender Branthwaite has showcased his talents for Everton, despite their struggles.

Brentford striker Toney, aged 28, is included in the squad for the first time since serving an eight-month ban for breaching FA betting regulations in January.

Additionally, uncapped Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, aged 26, has been selected in the 25-man squad.

England is scheduled to face Brazil on March 23 and Belgium on March 26, both matches taking place at Wembley. These fixtures mark the team’s final matches before manager Gareth Southgate announces the squad for Euro 2024.

England squad

Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal).

Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Kyle Walker (Man City).

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), James Maddison (Tottenham), Declan Rice (Arsenal).

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Man City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Man United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).

Defender Joe Gomez, who has not played for England since 2020, has been included after impressing for Liverpool at left-back, centre-back and right-back this season.

Former Liverpool team-mate Jordan Henderson, now at Ajax, has been selected, but Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who is on loan at West Ham, misses out.

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer features, while clubmate Raheem Sterling has been overlooked.