BUKAYO SAKA, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Harvey Barnes have been called up to the England squad for the first time.
But there is no space in the squad for Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood who have been dropped after breaking Covid-19 protocols in the previous friendly with Iceland.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been called up to the England squadCredit: EPA
The Manchester duo were sent home after they invited two Icelandic girls back to their hotel room.
England face a triple header of matches starting with a friendly against Wales at Wembley on October 8.
Gareth Southgate’s men then take on Belgium on October 11 and Denmark three days later in the Nations League.
Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish is also named in the 30-man squad alongside Kalvin Phillips, Danny Ings and Conor Coady.
After being criticised for failing to pick one recognised left-back in his last squad, Southgate has recalled Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell after recovering from injury.
Arsenal ace Saka, who has started one league match, will provide extra depth on the left side of defence.
But all eyes will be on Calvert-Lewin’s call-up after his blistering run of form at the start of the season.
The Everton striker has hit five in his opening three league matches and followed it up with a hat-trick in the 4-1 Carabao Cup win over West Ham.
Bukayo Saka has been called up to the England squad for the first timeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Speaking of his inclusion, Southgate said: “He’s obviously been in the pathway of the Under-21s, had a good season last season.
“A lot of Dominic’s game I’ve liked for a long time and what he’s adding now is the goals that haven’t always been there.
“He’s been a big part of Everton’s start of the season and I’m very pleased for him to be able to call him up.”
Southgate feels Barnes also deserves his chance after impressing in Leicester’s unbeaten start to the campaign.
The 22-year-old has registered a goal and assist in his first three matches.
Southgate was forced to hit back at Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho after he pleaded with him to rest Kane ahead of the international sixtures.
The England boss said: “All Jose needs to do in April and May is he’s got to look after Harry Kane for us because there will be 55 million people relying on that.
“Jose was on great form, I heard him. He won’t phone but he will stand on the top of Tottenham’s stadium and tell us, so that was good.
“We’re certainly not looking to start players in three games.
“I can’t guarantee that no player will play no minutes of all three games. You might end up having to put someone on for five minutes and then people will be saying “well you didn’t do what you said.”‘
Man Utd target Dominic Calvert-Lewin discusses hat-trick heroics for Everton against West Brom
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
