- Sterling and James not in squad
- Wilson returns
- England favourites to win Euro 2024
England boss Gareth Southgate has named his squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
Check out the best UEFA Euro 2024 betting sites for the UK at Betting.com.
Sterling and James not included, return for Wilson
Southgate has omitted Raheem Sterling from the England squad for the fifth consecutive time, despite Sterling’s impressive performances at Chelsea. The winger has featured in 10 out of Chelsea’s 11 league matches this season, netting three goals. However, he has not been selected by Southgate since the 2022 World Cup last November. This situation raises concerns for Sterling’s chances of making the European Championships next summer.
Southgate clarified that his relationship with Sterling has not soured, stating, “We started on a good run and the performances in June were excellent so we’ve stuck with that group….. Raheem looks invigorated but we’re really pleased with the team.”
Reece James, Chelsea’s club captain, is also absent from the squad. He informed Southgate that he’s not yet prepared for an international return after recovering from injury with the Blues. Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson, who has scored seven Premier League goals this season, has been recalled, despite sustaining a hamstring injury iagainst Borussia Dortmund.
However, midfielder Sean Longstaff, Wilson’s uncapped teammate at Newcastle, did not make the cut despite an impressive string of performances. There was also no place for Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon who has also been in great form and starred for the under 21s in the summer. James Maddison of Tottenham and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal secured spots in the squad despite injury concerns. Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins retains his place after being included in the squad for the first time since March 2022 during the October international matches. Jordan Henderson, who transferred to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq from Liverpool in July, also maintains his spot.
Unfortunately, injuries have ruled out Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah and Manchester City’s John Stones.
England, having already secured qualification for the European Championships in Germany next June and July with a 3-1 victory against Italy in October, will face Malta on 17 November and North Macedonia on 20 November.
Betting Implications
The upcoming matches will offer insight into the team’s performance and provide a glimpse of the squad’s development as they prepare for the tournament in Germany. England are favourites to win both matches, but bettors should look at the performances of the established and fringe players alike to weigh up their chances of success in the finals. At the time of writing bet365 have England as 4/1 favourites to win the Euros, ahead of France, 9/2, Germany, 13/2 and Spain, 7/1.
Check out the best football betting sites at Betting.com.
