England football squad for March 2023: Southgate calls up Toney for Euro 2024 qualifiers vs Italy, Ukraine
England begin their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign this month with a double header from big games against Italy and Ukraine.
Gareth Southgate’s future was put under scrutiny after falling out in the quarter-finals of the Three Lions World Cup in Qatar 2022, but the former defender has defied calls for his retirement as he tries to find a path to another major tournament.
Southgate’s return of a knockout finish at all three major tournaments during his tenure has given the 52-year-old a solid support base, but Euro 2024 is likely to be his swan song as England’s head coach.
Loyalty to specific players has been a key part of Southgate’s England strategy since taking charge in 2016, but he could refresh his options for the upcoming qualifiers.
The Sporting News takes a look at the 25-man squad selected by Southgate on March 16.
MORE: How does Gareth Southgate’s England record compare to previous managers?
England football squad for March 2023
goalkeeper
Goalkeepers are Southgate’s most direct choice for his first pick in the 2023 squad Jordan Pickford remains as his No. 1 pick, backed by Nick Pope And Aaron Ramsdale.
The trio all traveled to Qatar, with Pickford less involved than in previous tournaments, but Everton’s shot-stopper is crucial for Southgate. Pope and Ramsdale are enjoying impressive domestic seasons with Newcastle United and Arsenal respectively and will be ready to put pressure on Pickford’s position.
defender
Southgate opted to bring nine Arsenal-star defenders to Qatar Ben White later withdrawal from the squad for personal reasons.
The struggle to fit a surplus of right-backs into Southgate’s plans continues to be a big topic of conversation as White is absent from Arsenal at full-back despite a stellar season.
Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier are included, but Trent Alexander Arnolds Fighting at Liverpool has pushed him out of the squad, however ReeceJames fit enough to take his place.
Luke Shaw And Ben Chilwell are using the options on the opposite flank John Steine‘ Returning from injury a timely boost for Southgate.
question mark over Harry Maguire stubborn England preparations for the World Cup but Southgate is sticking with the Manchester United defender despite his diminishing role at club level.
Southgate’s show of faith in Maguire continues his pattern with the out-of-form centre-back, but with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi will be hoping to see some playing time alongside the regular squad Erich Dierfrom Tottenham.
midfield player
Jude BellinghamBorussia Dortmund’s steady rise during and since the World Cup has changed the picture in England’s midfield, alongside which the Borussia Dortmund star is now the first choice Declan Rice.
Jordan Henderson And mason mountain shrugged off both injury worries in time to be included with Southgate also holding out Calvin Phillipsdespite his lack of action at Manchester City.
Southgate has opted against awarding potential senior international debuts to Liverpool Harvey Elliott and Brighton winger Solly March, with Conor Gallagher And JamesMadison both keep their places.
Forward
The majority of forwards who traveled to Qatar keep their places Harry Kane And Bukayo Saka both automatic picks for Southgate but there’s a shock omission in the form of Chelsea Raham Sterling.
Marcus Rashford’s incredible form in 2023 should see him start against Italy… but against his United team-mate Jadon Sancho is not yet ready to return to England.
city duo Jack Grealish And Phil Foden have enough credit in the bank at Southgate to keep their places but despite the ongoing FA investigation Ivan Toney Southgate rolled the dice on the Brentford hit over alleged betting offenses.
Kane (20) is the only English player to have scored more Premier League goals than Toney (16) so far this season and that form has secured his place after missing out in Qatar.
| player | Association | position | International caps | International destinations |
| Jordan Pickford | everton | GC | 50 | 0 |
| Nick Pope | newcastle | GC | 10 | 0 |
| Aaron Ramsdale | arsenal | GC | 3 | 0 |
| Harry Maguire | man united | DF | 53 | 7 |
| Kyle Walker | man city | DF | 73 | 0 |
| Kieran Trippier | newcastle | DF | 40 | 1 |
| ReeceJames | Chelsea | DF | 15 | 0 |
| Luke Shaw | man united | DF | 28 | 3 |
| Ben Chilwell | Chelsea | DF | 17 | 1 |
| John Steine | man city | DF | 64 | 3 |
| Erich Dier | Tottenham | DF | 49 | 3 |
| Marc Guehi | crystal palace | DF | 3 | 0 |
| Jude Bellingham | Borussia Dortmund | MF | 22 | 1 |
| Declan Rice | west ham | MF | 39 | 2 |
| Jordan Henderson | Liverpool | MF | 74 | 3 |
| Calvin Phillips | man city | MF | 25 | 0 |
| JamesMadison | Leicester City | MF | 1 | 0 |
| mason mountain | Chelsea | MF | 36 | 5 |
| Conor Gallagher | Chelsea | MF | 4 | 0 |
| Harry Kane | Tottenham | fw | 80 | 53 |
| Bukayo Saka | arsenal | fw | 24 | 7 |
| Ivan Toney | Brentford | fw | 0 | 0 |
| Marcus Rasford | man united | fw | 51 | 15 |
| Jack Grealish | man city | fw | 29 | 2 |
| Phil Foden | man city | fw | 22 | 3 |
England Euro 2024 Qualifying – March 2023
England have two games to open their Group C this month, on March 23 at the legendary Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples, followed by a home game against Ukraine at Wembley three days later.
| contraption | Date | Location | Kick-off time (GMT/ET) |
| Italy vs England | Thu, March 23 | Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples | 19:45 / 15:45 |
| England vs Ukraine | Sat, March 26th | Wembley Stadium, London | 17:00/13:00 |