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England squad announced with Watkins IN, Alexander-Arnold OUT, Lingard back and Bellingham named despite Dortmund row


ASTON VILLA striker Ollie Watkins has been picked for England for the first time.

Gareth Southgate has also recalled Jesse Lingard and picked Jude Bellingham despite the FA’s row with Borussia Dortmund for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Ollie Watkins has been picked for England for the first timeCredit: Getty
Jude Bellingham is also in despite the fallout with Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has been dropped after his poor form for the Reds. And West Brom keeper Sam Johnstone has also received his first ever call-up with Jordan Pickford out injured.

Manchester rivals Luke Shaw (United) and John Stones (City) are playing the best football of their careers and have been given the nod for the first time since 2018 and 2019 respectively.

The Three Lions face San Marino (h), Albania (a) and Poland (h) before the end of March as they attempt to qualify for Qatar 2022.

Lingard has been in scintillating form since joining West Ham from Manchester United on loan in January.

The midfielder has not played for the Three Lions since 2019.

But his four goals and two assists in six games for David Moyes’ side has seen him recalled.

Watkins has 12 goals and three assists from 30 games for Villa this season and has been widely backed for an England bow.

And elsewhere, the FA will be hopeful Dortmund soften their stance over Bellingham, 17.

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LATEST ENGLAND SQUAD

Gareth Southgate has named his England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland.

GOALKEEPERS

Dean Henderson – Man Utd

Sam Johnstone – West Brom

Nick Pope – Burnley

DEFENDERS

Ben Chilwell – Chelsea

Conor Coady – Wolves

Eric Dier – Tottenham

Reece James – Chelsea

Harry Maguire – Man Utd

Tyrone Mings – Aston Villa

Luke Shaw – Man Utd

John Stones – Man City

Kieran Trippier – Atletico Madrid

Kyle Walker – Man City

MIDFIELDERS

Jude Bellingham – Borussia Dortmund

Phil Foden – Man City

Jesse Lingard – West Ham

Mason Mount – Chelsea

Kalvin Phillips – Leeds

Declan Rice – West Ham

James Ward-Prowse – Southampton

FORWARDS

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Everton

Harry Kane – Tottenham

Marcus Rashford – Man Utd

Bukayo Saka – Arsenal

Raheem Sterling – Man City

Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa

Jesse Lingard has been recalled having not played for the Three Lions since 2019Credit: Getty
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been dropped as a result of his poor form for Liverpool this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The England camp were on Monday assured by officials at Dortmund that they would be OK to pick Bellingham.

They believed he would not have to quarantine for 14 days when returning to Germany after the three matches.

But after speaking to their local health officials, Dortmund altered their stance.

And they insisted they would not allow Bellingham to join up with the England squad or Gio Reyna with the United States.

The FA believe the situation is fluid and could change in their favour. In Germany, there is not an overall countrywide ruling over quarantine as each region decides on its own health laws.

Bellingham has 22 starts for Dortmund since his £30million move from Birmingham last summer.

He made his senior Three Lions debut in November’s 3-0 friendly win over Ireland.

Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

Jose Mourinho hopes Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane can reach ‘compromise’ to protect Tottenham star on World Cup duty


Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


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