Ivan Toney has returned to Gareth Southgate’s England squad – regardless of a possible ban hanging over his head.
The in-form Brentford striker is in Southgate’s first squad because the World Cup quarter-final exit to France in December for Euro 2024 qualifiers in opposition to Italy and Ukraine this month.
But Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling is lacking for the opening qualifying matches, having been absent for the Blues’ 3-1 win at Leicester on the weekend.
Toney continues to be ready for a Football Association verdict after being charged with 262 breaches of FA playing guidelines, with a prolonged suspension attainable.
He missed out for the match in Qatar – having been within the squad for Nations League video games in opposition to Germany and Italy in September with out enjoying.
He scored his seventeenth objective of the season in Brentford’s 2-0 win at Southampton on Wednesday.
Toney’s inclusion means Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, with six objectives in his final seven video games, misses out.
Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker, being investigated by police after allegedly exposing himself in a bar, is included within the 25-man squad.
Along with Sterling, Ben White, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady and Callum Wilson are absent having all gone to the World Cup.
Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell has earned a recall for the primary time because the 10-0 win in San Marino in November 2021.
Harry Maguire retains his place regardless of beginning simply two Premier League video games for Manchester United this yr.
Leicester’s James Maddison, whose World Cup was wrecked by a knee damage, retains his place together with Kalvin Phillips, regardless of his lack of motion for Manchester City.
England journey to Naples to face Italy on March 23 earlier than internet hosting Ukraine on March 26 in Group C.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle United), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders: Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), James Maddison (Leicester City), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (West Ham United)
Forwards: Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford)