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      Portugal vs Spain: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for CRUNCHING Nations League tie

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      ALL eyes will be on Portugal and Spain when they go toe-to-toe in the standout Nations League fixture of Group A2 – and it is not to be missed.Cristiano Ronaldo captained his country to the first ever Nations League triumph in 2019.
      Portugal were the very first victors of the Nations League in 2019Credit: Getty
      And the Manchester United legend will be eager to do it once more despite being off the pace this season at club level.
      However, Luis Enrique’s men have unfinished business with this tournament having marginally lost in the 2021 final to France.
      But Spain have to navigate their way past Portugal first which is an encounter that has ended as a draw on the past four occassions.
      What time does Portugal vs Spain kick off?

      Portugal roll out the red carpet for Spain on Tuesday, September 27.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time – same time locally.
      Estadio Municipal de Braga in Braga, Portugal is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host around 30,286 fans.
      Ricardo Horta’s 82nd minute strike ensured Portugal held Spain to a 1-1 draw in June this year.

      Read More on Nations League
      What TV channel is Portugal vs Spain on and can I live stream it?

      Portugal vs Spain will be broadcasted LIVE on Box Nation in the UK which is part of the Premier Sports pack.
      Build up is scheduled to commence from 7:35pm UK time – 10 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscription holders of Premier Sports can also stream entire action live through the Premier Sports website or Premier Sports Player app.

      Team news
      Cristiano Ronaldo has been selected for Portugal despite only scoring one goal in nine matches this season.
      While the Manchester United’s former colleague Sergio Ramos is left out of the Spain side for the second consecutive time.
      Sergio Ramos hasn’t figured for Spain since 2021Credit: Reuters
      Portugal’s full squad for Nations League fixtures:
      Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves), Rui Patricio (Roma).
      Most read in Football
      Defenders: Danilo Pereira (PSG), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Joao Cancelo (Manchester United), Tiago Djalo (Lille), Pepe (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund).
      Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Fulham), Ruben Neves (Wolves), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Mario (Benfica), Matheus Nunes (Wolves), Vitinha (PSG), William Carvalho (Real Betis).
      Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Pedro Neto (Wolves), Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid), Rafa Silva (Benfica), Ricardo Horta (Braga), Rafael Leao (AC Milan).
      Spain’s full squad for Nations League fixtures:
      Goalkeepers: Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao), Robert Sánchez (Brighton), David Raya (Brentford)
      Defenders: Pau Torres (Villarreal), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), José Gayà (Valencia), Hugo Guillamón (Valencia), Diego Llorente (Leeds), Eric García (Barcelona), César Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
      Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Rodri Hernández (Manchester City), Pedri González (Barcelona), Koke Resurrección (Atlético Madrid), Gavi Páez (Barcelona), Carlos Soler (Paris Saint-Germain), Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid)
      Forwards: Pablo Sarabia (Paris Saint-Germain), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Álvaro Morata (Atlético Madrid), Borja Iglesias (Real Betis), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Ferran Torres (Barcelona) More

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      Netherlands vs Belgium: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Nations League derby

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      NETHERLANDS and Belgium are set to add another chapter to their fierce rivalry this weekend – and its a fixture which promises goals.There hasn’t been a scoreless draw between these two European giants since a 0-0 back in 1987.
      Netherlands ran riot when they met Belgium in the reverse Nations League fixtureCredit: Rex
      And Oranje ensured that the tradition continued by humiliating Belgium in the reverse fixture earlier on this year.
      However, Holland have shockingly failed to beat the Belgians on home soil in their last four attempts.
      But Louis van Gaal will feel a little more confident as the Red Devil’s all-time top goal scorer Romelu Lukaku is unavailable due to an ongoing injury.
      What time does Netherlands vs Belgium kick off?

      Netherlands will host Belgium on Sunday, September 25.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time – 8:45pm local time.
      Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, Netherlands will be the allocated venue for this match and it has a capacity of 55,865.
      Holland embarrassed Belgium 4-1 in the last fixture between these two nations.

      Read More on Nations League
      What TV channel is Netherlands vs Belgium on and can I live stream it?

      Netherlands vs Belgium will be broadcasted LIVE on Premier Sports 2 in the UK.
      There will only be a short build up which is scheduled to commence from 7:35pm UK time – 10 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscription holders of Premier Sports can also stream the entire action via the Premier Sports website or Premier Sports Player app.

      Team news
      Netherlands full squad for Nations League fixtures:
      Louis van Gaal has given a strong indication of the Netherlands side he will go with for the World Cup.
      Most read in Football
      While Roberto Martinez has been forced to leave talisman Romelu Lukaku out due to a flexor injury.
      Romelu Lukaku will be unavailable for both of Belgium’s Nations League matchesCredit: AP
      Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (NEC Nijmegen), Mark Flekken (Freiburg), Andries Noppert (Heerenveen), Remko Pasveer (Ajax Amsterdam)
      Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Daley Blind (Ajax Amsterdam), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich), Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Tyrell Malacia (Manchester United), Bruno Martins Indi (AZ Alkmaar), Devyne Rensch, Jurrien Timber (both Ajax Amsterdam), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
      Midfielders: Steven Berghuis (Ajax Amsterdam), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Davy Klaassen (Ajax Amsterdam), Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta), Kenneth Taylor (Ajax Amsterdam)
      Forwards: Steven Bergwijn (Ajax Amsterdam), Memphis Depay (Barcelona), Cody Gakpo (PSV Eindhoven), Vincent Janssen (Royal Antwerp), Wout Weghorst (Besiktas)
      Belgium’s full squad for Nations League fixtures:
      Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Simon Mignolet (Club Brugge). Matz Sels (Strasbourg), Koen Casteels (Wolfsburg)
      Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Royal Antwerp), Dedryck Boyata (Club Brugge), Zeno Debast (Anderlecht), Jason Denayer, Wout Faes (Leicester), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Arthur Theate (Rennes), Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht), Timothy Castagne (Leicester), Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund)
      Midfielders: Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Dortmund), Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Leander Dendoncker (Aston Villa), Amadou Onana (Everton), Youri Tielemans (Leicester), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Axel Witsel (Atletico Madrid)
      Forwards: Michy Batshuayi (Fenerbahçe), Charles De Ketelaere (AC Milan), Eden Hazard (Real Madrid), Dodi Lukebakio (Hertha Berlin), Dries Mertens (Galatasaray), Loïs Openda (Lens), Leandro Trossard (Brighton) More

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      Scotland vs Rep of Ireland: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for British Nations League clash

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      SCOTLAND will be determined to edge closer in sealing Nations League group qualification when they take on Republic of Ireland THIS SATURDAY.Two wins over Armenia in June saw the Scots overcome the misery of failing to qualify for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
      Ireland annihilated Scotland 3-0 when the nations last met in JuneCredit: AFP
      And they’ll be hoping that they can find that form once again to top Group B League 1 come the conclusion of the group stages.
      However, Scotland’s one blip during the last international break was Republic of Ireland who demolished them 3-0 in Dublin.
      But they’ll be eager to get their revenge and claim the bragging rights of Britain.
      What time does Scotland vs Rep of Ireland kick off?

      Scotland are set to entertain Republic of Ireland this Saturday, September 24.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time.
      Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland is the allocated arena for this huge encounter and it can host approximately 51,866 fans.
      The Irish embarrassed Scotland 3-0 when these nations last met.

      Read More on Nations League
      What TV channel is Scotland vs Rep of Ireland on and can I live stream it?

      Scotland vs Republic of Ireland will be broadcasted LIVE on Premier Sports 1 in the UK.
      Pre-match coverage is scheduled to commence from 7:15pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscription holders of Premier Sports also have the option to stream the entire action live via the Premier Sports website or Premier Sports Player app.

      Team news
      Steve Clarke is forced to be without Scottish serial winner Andy Robertson while Stephen Kelly brings Robbie Brady, Andrew Omobamidele and Callum O’Dowda back into the fold.
      Andy Robertson has been left out of the Scotland squad due to injuryCredit: Reuters
      Most read in Football
      Scotland’s full squad for Nations League fixtures:
      Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon, Liam Kelly, Jonathan McLaughlin
      Defenders: Jack Hendry, Scott Mckenna, Greg Taylor, Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston, Grant Hanley, Ryan Porteous, Nathan Patterson
      Midfielders: Kenneth McLean, Ryan Jack, Stuart Armstrong, Callum McGregor, John McGinn, Ryan Christie, Billy Glimour, Aaron Hickey, Scott MCTominay
      Forwards: Ryan Fraser, David Turnbull, Lyndon Dykes, Che Adams, Jacob Brown
      Republic of Ireland’s full squad for Nations League fixtures:
      Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu, Mark Travers, Max O’Leary
      Defenders: Seamus Coleman, Matt Doherty, Shane Duffy, John Egan, Nathan Collins, Andrew Omobamidele, Dara O’Shea, James McClean, Robert Brady
      Midfielders: Josh Cullen, Jeff Hendrick, Jason Knight, Marcus Browne, Jayson Molumby, Conor Hourihane
      Forwards: Chiedozie Ogbene, Michael Obafemi, Troy Parrott, Scott Hogan, Callum O’Dowda, Callum Robinson
      Latest odds

      Scotland to win 11/10
      Draw 21/10
      Rep of Ireland to win 13/5

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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      Kylian Mbappe REFUSES to appear in France team photo as image rights row threatens to disrupt World Cup campaign

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has refused to appear in France’s latest team photo.His omission is amid a row over his image rights which threatens to disrupt Didier Deschamps’ World Cup campaign.
      Kylian Mbappe says he will not take part in France’s latest team photo amid an image rights rowCredit: AFP
      The defending champions are currently preparing for upcoming Nations League matches again Austria and Denmark this month.
      Tomorrow, the team is due to have a group photo at their Clairefontaine training base.
      Other sponsorship activities will also take place ahead of November’s World Cup group stage opener against Australia.
      But Mbappe is not taking part due to a row over his image rights.
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      ESPN claims the Paris Saint-Germain star, 23, does not want to endorse several brands – including betting and fast food outlets.
      Instead, he hopes to have a say on future sponsors with French footballers.
      And after refusing to take part in March’s activities, Mbappe insists he will continue to stay away from France’s latest photoshoots.
      Mbappe said in a statement: “I have decided to not take part in the photoshoot after the French federation refusal to change the image rights agreement with the players.
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      “My representatives and I fully regret that no agreement could be reached, as asked, before the World Cup.”
      French FA president Noel Le Graet is expected to meet players shortly to discuss the issues and Mbappe’s concerns.
      He already met with the player’s mother, Fayza Lamari, in June to discuss potential changes.
      And it’s claimed Mbappe was led to believe things would be different ahead of the World Cup.
      But based on the striker’s statement and refusal to participate, those changes have not come to fruition. More

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      Italy vs England: Live stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for HUGE Nations League clash

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      ENGLAND return to Nations League action THIS FRIDAY with a tough Italian hurdle to overcome in Milan.The Three Lions remain determined to get revenge over the heartbreak Italy put them through in the Euro 2020 final.
      Italy pipped England to the Euro 2020 trophy via the penalty shoot-out routeCredit: Getty
      England were shockingly hammered 4-0 by Hungary in JuneCredit: Getty
      And three points by a healthy score-line would accomplish that as it would see gli Azzurri temporarily drop to the bottom of Group 3.
      However, Gareth Southgate’s men are on a horrid run of form which includes losing 4-0 to Hungary in the previous international break.
      But the English players will be eager to bounce back with the 2022 Qatar World Cup only a couple of months away.
      What time does Italy vs England kick off?

      Italy will go into footballing battle with England on Friday, September 23.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time – 8:45pm local time.
      San Siro in Milan, Italy is the allocated arena for this mouth-watering match and it can host 80,018 supporters.
      England were booed off when Italy held them to a draw last time out at Molineux Stadium in June.

      Read More on England
      What TV channel is Italy vs England on and can I live stream it?

      Italy vs England will be broadcasted LIVE on Channel 4 in the UK.
      Pre-match build up is scheduled to commence from 7pm UK time – 45 minutes before kick-off.
      Viewers in the UK also have the option to stream the entire action live on the Channel 4 website or All 4 app.

      Can I watch Italy vs England for FREE?
      Yes! All UK citizens who hold a valid TV license can watch the match between Italy and England for FREE.
      Team news
      Italy’s full squad for Nations League fixtures:
      Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain), Alex Meret (Napoli), Ivan Provedel (Lazio), Guglielmo Vicario (Empoli)
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      Defenders: Francesco Acerbi (Inter), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Federico Dimarco (Inter), Emerson Palmieri (West Ham), Federico Gatti (Juventus), Luiz Felipe (Real Betis), Pasquale Mazzocchi (Salernitana), Rafael Toloi (Atalanta)
      Midfielders: Nicolò Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Jorginho (Chelsea), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Tommaso Pobega (Milan), Sandro Tonali (Milan), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain);
      Forwards: Matteo Cancellieri (Lazio), Wilfried Gnonto (Leeds), Vincenzo Grifo (Friburgo), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Napoli), Gianluca Scamacca (West Ham), Alessio Zerbin (Napoli).
      England’s full squad for Nations League fixtures:
      Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Nottingham Forest) Nick Pope (Newcastle), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal).
      Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Everton), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City).
      Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City) – OUT with shoulder injury, Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton).
      Forwards: Tammy Abraham (Roma), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Ivan Toney (Brentford).
      Latest odds

      Italy to win 7/4
      Draw 21/10
      England to win 13/8

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold will struggle to make England squad for World Cup due to defensive frailties, claims Danny Mills

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD will struggle to make the plane to the World Cup, according to ex-England star Danny Mills.Gareth Southgate named a 28-man squad for the Nations League matches against Italy and Germany.
      Danny Mills reckons Trent Alexander-Arnold could be without a seat on the plane to QatarCredit: Getty
      Alexander-Arnold doesn’t make Mills’ squadCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      But the Three Lions boss can take just 26 to Qatar and Mills thinks Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold may miss out.
      Mills, who was England’s right-back in the 2002 World Cup, said: “There is a real possibility that he doesn’t make the squad.
      “I’ve always been concerned about his defensive ability and that has really come to the fore.
      “When on form, going forward he’s exceptional. But that papers over the cracks a bit, especially at Liverpool.
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      “You accept his defensive frailty because of what he gives you going forward. But this isn’t about getting out of the group in Qatar.
      “This is about the last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, big games against very good teams.
      “We’ve seen that Trent’s defensive capabilities are not always there.”
      Alexander-Arnold’s problem is the number of rivals for a place on the right side of defence, whether Southgate goes for a back three or a four.
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      Mills added: “As an out and out right-back, Kyle Walker is way better, Kieran Trippier is better. And so is Reece James. That’s three right-backs and do you need to take four? I don’t think you do.
      “James can play wing-back, so can Walker if he needs to.
      “Trippier played wing-back at the World Cup four years ago in Russia.
      “Everyone goes on about Trent’s delivery in the final third but look at Trippier’s and his set-pieces.
      “It’s a toss of the coin between Trent and Trippier for second wing-back.
      “And Trippier can play in other positions that Trent can’t.
      “If it was today, I would take Walker, Trippier and James. I think that gives you ample cover and plenty of options.”
      But Southgate does not have the same embarrassment of riches in the rest of his defence. 
      Euro 2020 stars Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are in the squad to face Italy on Friday and the Germans at Wembley three days later, despite both being dropped by Manchester United.
      Ben Chilwell is the only other recognised left-back in the party but is only just back from injury and has been in and out of Chelsea’s team.
      Mills, who starred in all five games when England reached the quarter-finals before losing to Brazil in 2002, said: “Shaw and Maguire aren’t playing for United but what are the options?
      “Gareth says he will pick players on form but you also need players you know and trust and you know can work in the environment. Those players are still in there because of that.
      “There are just two months to go. That’s why he has no choice but to revert to those he knows.
      “A big question will be how fit is Harry Maguire?
      “Gareth might well give him a game and a half next week to keep his levels up.
      “Come Qatar he needs a fit Harry Maguire because his options are limited.”
      Mills is also concerned that midfielder Kalvin Phillips — another Euro 2020 stalwart — has “barely had a kick” since joining Manchester City.
      Southgate at least has more choices up front and is taking the chance to assess if Brentford’s Ivan Toney has what it takes to be Harry Kane’s understudy — or even partner — up front.
      But, overall, Mills fears England will have trouble matching the performances in the last two major tournaments if their first 11 are not fit and firing in November.
      The talkSPORT and Sky Sports pundit added: “England’s best 11 players, all in good form, have a great chance to go deep in the tournament, possibly win it.
      “If you have two or three out of that, you are weaker. That is the problem.
      “If Harry Kane is out, where do you go from there?
      “How many of the first 11 are in good form and not injured right now? Not many.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Gareth took us within a penalty of winning the Euros. He’s done an incredible job.
      “But are we the second best team in Europe? Probably not. We need to be realistic.”
      Gareth Southgate is aiming to lead England to World Cup glory later this yearCredit: PA More

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      Ivan Toney handed first England call-up by Gareth Southgate for pre-World Cup matches with Dier back and Maguire in

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      IVAN TONEY has been given his first England call-up while Eric Dier is returning to international football.The FA have announced the squad for the forthcoming Uefa Nations League matches against Italy and Germany and, as exclusively revealed by SunSport, Brentford striker Toney is included.
      Brentford star Ivan Toney has been named in the England squadCredit: Reuters
      Eric Dier is back in the squad for the first time in two yearsCredit: Reuters
      Harry Maguire is in the England squad for this month’s gamesCredit: Getty
      But there are no places for Manchester United duo Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, along with Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings.
      Southgate has given Toney, 26, his big chances after his terrific form for Brentford.
      He scored 14 times last term and has already struck five times this season.
      The former Newcastle forward, who joined from Peterborough in an initial deal worth £5m in 2020, comes into the squad as Southgate is short of in-form strikers other than Harry Kane.
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      On the decision to call-up Toney, Southgate said: “With Ivan Toney, we have been tracking him for a long time. I had a good chat with Thomas Frank about him last season.
      “His form and his qualities – not only his goalscoring but his technical ability, build-up play and aerial prowess – gives us a different threat to some of the other players we could pick.”
      England face Italy in Milan on September 23 and entertain Germany and Wembley three days later.
      Tottenham defender Dier, one of the heroes of the 2018 World Cup campaign for England, has been rewarded for his club form.
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      He has not featured in an England squad since facing Iceland in November 2020 but he now looks set to win his 46th cap. 
      Speaking on the decision to include Dier, Southgate said: “With Eric Dier, he has been playing well for a period of time.
      “We think it is a really close call across our centre-backs and he has deserved to be picked back in the group.
      “We know what a good character he is. He fits in with the culture and has great international experience and leadership qualities.”
      Full England Squad
      Goalkeepers
      Dean Henderson, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
      Defenders
      Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Eric Dier, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker
      Midfielders
      Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
      Forwards
      Tammy Abraham, Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Ivan Toney

      Mings, who has played 17 times for England, has again been left out and his hopes of reaching the World Cup now look extremely uncertain.
      Rashford was hoping to get a call-up having not played for England since missing a penalty at the Euro 2020 final.
      But he has been struggling with a muscle injury and has not travelled with United to Moldova for the Europa League clash.
      But Sancho is another player who now faces a tough task to make the plane for Qatar.
      His form for England has generally been poor.
      Nottingham Forest keeper Dean Henderson returns as Jordan Pickford is crocked with a thigh problem.
      There is also no place for Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson as he, too, has a thigh injury.
      Arsenal’s Ben White is missing but he has an injury.
      Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has scraped into the squad despite his poor form but both Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw are carrying injuries so could be forced to pull out.
      England’s first game at the World Cup is against Iran on November 21.
      While Rashford is not in this squad, Southgate insisted he is still “under consideration” for his World Cup squad.
      Southgate said: “This is a bigger than normal squad and part of the rationale is that we are very close to a World Cup and we feel, although our results were disappointing in the summer, we have picked on the basis of form and capability over a long period.
      “There were certain players we wanted to keep involved this time, but that said it doesn’t mean that this is the end for some of the others who aren’t involved.
      “Marcus Rashford, for example, has shown some encouraging signs recently.
      “He is a player we know well so if he can perform at a high level in the next few weeks, he of course will be under consideration.”
      The likes of Maguire, Shaw, Ben Chilwell and Kalvin Phillips are also included, despite not featuring regularly for their clubs.
      Southgate said: “Clearly, we have a number of players including Ben Chilwell, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips who are not playing a lot of minutes with their club.
      “It is not ideal, but we feel they have been, and can be, important players for us.
      “It is not a perfect situation but there is still a lot of football to be played before Qatar.”
      Southgate chose not to hold a press conference to announce his squad, with the country still in mourning following the passing of The Queen.
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “We recognise the country is still in a period of mourning and my thoughts remain with the Royal Family.
      “While it is important to explain some of our decisions around selection, we didn’t feel it appropriate to hold a full press conference, when it might divert attention from where people’s minds should be at this time.”
      Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are not in Southgate’s squadCredit: Reuters
      Trent Alexander-Arnold is in the England squad despite a difficult start to the campaignCredit: Reuters More

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      Brentford star Ivan Toney included in England squad for first time by Gareth Southgate for pre-World Cup fixtures

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      IVAN TONEY will be included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad when it is announced later today.The Brentford ace has been called up for the Three Lions’ Nations League matches against Italy and Germany.
      Ivan Toney has received his first England call upCredit: Getty
      This international break will be Southgate’s final opportunity to run the rule over his players before picking a squad for Qatar in November.
      Toney, 26, earned a spot with his exceptional form for Brentford this season.
      He has bagged five goals in six Premier League outings thus far, while laying on two assists.
      The forward scored 12 league goals last term, having fired the Bees to promotion with 31 efforts the season before.
      Read More England News
      SunSport reported on Wednesday night that a number of Three Lions stars are sweating on their places.
      Toney’s first call-up could be bad news for fellow forward Tammy Abraham.
      Tyrone Mings, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford are all hoping for recalls after being snubbed from previous squads.
      Tottenham star Eric Dier IS set for an England return after two years out of the set-up.
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      Dier’s fellow defender Harry Maguire is set to keep his place despite his underwhelming start to the season.
      Meanwhile, Jordan Pickford and Jordan Henderson will miss out through injury.
      And Luke Shaw has been nursing a foot problem.

      England travel to Italy for their clash next Friday before hosting Germany at Wembley the following Monday.
      Stars will then have until November 9 or 10 to impress Southgate, when he announces his 26-man World Cup squad.
      The Three Lions’ opener will take place against Iran on November 21.
      England stars have two more matches to impress Gareth SouthgateCredit: PA More