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England Lions squads named for Sri Lanka tour

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The England Lions Test and ODI squads have been named for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

The red-ball tour will begin with a three-day warm-up match in Colombo on January 25 before two four-day Tests against Sri Lanka A in Galle.

The white-ball squad will then play three ODIs against Sri Lanka A in Colombo, with the opening match scheduled for 15 February.

16-Player Lions Test Squad:

Tom Abell (Somerset), Josh Bohannon (Lancashire), Jack Carson (Sussex), Sam Cook (Essex), Matt Fisher (Yorkshire), Nathan Gilchrist (Kent), Tom Haines (Sussex), Haseeb Hameed (Nottinghamshire), Tom Hartley (Lancashire), Jack Haynes (Worcestershire), Lyndon James (Nottinghamshire), Alex Lees (Durham), Liam Patterson-White (Nottinghamshire), Ollie Robinson (Durham), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Josh Tongue (Worcestershire).

16-Player Lions ODI Squad:

Tom Abell (Somerset), Tom Banton (Somerset), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Sam Cook (Essex), Jordan Cox (Kent), Mason Crane (Hampshire), Matt Critchley (Essex), Matt Fisher (Yorkshire), Sam Hain (Warwickshire), Tom Hartley (Lancashire), Tom Lammonby (Somerset), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Tom Prest (Hampshire), James Rew (Somerset), Luke Wood (Lancashire).

Four players have been selected into both squads – Tom Abell, Sam Cook, Matt Fisher and Tom Hartley – with a total of 28 players selected across the two formats.

The Test squad includes a strong representation from the England Lions training camp that was in the UAE before Christmas, and includes three Test-capped players - Alex Lees, Hameed Haseeb and Fisher.

The ODI squad provides a return to action for Saqib Mahmood and Brydon Carse after they were both a part of the pace bowler rehab programme during the UAE camp.

The squad also includes Jacob Bethell, Tom Prest and James Rew who were a part of the England Under-19s team that reached the 2022 ICC Under-19s World Cup final in Antigua. Bethell and Rew, who are both currently playing grade cricket in Australia, will join the England Under-19s squad for this month’s two Youth Tests in Australia before joining the Lions ODI squad.

ECB Performance Director, Mo Bobat, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to expose players to the challenges of playing A-team cricket in the sub-continent, which will be fantastic for their development.

“The series also provides us with the chance to observe the players ahead of this year’s World Cup as well as next winter’s Test series in India.

“The squads have been selected with careful consideration of each player’s individual programme. We’ve worked closely with the counties to understand the players’ best interests as we map their development opportunities. In some cases that includes enabling players to play in domestic franchise cricket.

“The ODI squad takes into account the strength in depth that we have across a number of key roles in our England Men’s white-ball teams and many of the players will join us directly from cricket they’ve been playing elsewhere, in Australia, South Africa or the UAE.

“After a hugely exciting and successful first half of the winter for our Test and Twenty20 teams, I am sure the Lions players will be suitably motivated to make the most of this opportunity.”

The ECB is set to confirm the Head Coach and the captains for each squad before the series, while selection is subject to attainment of England Lions minimum fitness standards.

England Lions Tour of Sri Lanka – Schedule (Timings are local)

Three-day warm-up match: SLC Board XI v England Lions; 25-27 January, RPICS Colombo (10am start)

First four-day Test: Sri Lanka A v England Lions; 31 January – 3 February, GICS Galle (10am start)

Second four-day Test: Sri Lanka A v England Lions; 7-10 February, GICS Galle (10am start)

First ODI: Sri Lanka A v England Lions; 15 February, RPICS Colombo (10am start)

Second ODI: Sri Lanka A v England Lions, 18 February, RPICS Colombo (10am start)

Third ODI: Sri Lanka A v England Lions, 21 February, RPICS Colombo (10am start)

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England Lions tour of India, 2024 Squads

England lions tour of india, 2024.

The independent voice of cricket

Josh Bohannon captains strong England Lions squad for unofficial Test series v India A

The ECB have named a 15-strong England Lions squad to take on India A in an unofficial three-Test series, to run alongside England’s tour of the country .

The second-string side will play a two-day warm-up starting on January 12 before playing three back-to-back four-day games between January 17 and February 4. All games will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Lancashire’s Josh Bohannon will lead the group, which is markedly stronger than the inexperienced group that travelled to the UAE in November for a training camp. Four of the group – Alex Lees, Keaton Jennings, Matthew Potts and Matthew Fisher – have played Test cricket.

There is a strong Durham contingent, with the Division Two champions embracing a Bazball-style of play in the 2023 County Championship. Along with Lees and Potts, Brydon Carse, wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson, and Callum Parkinson, who has joined the club from Leicestershire, are all part of the squad.

Carse’s presence is notable as a player who would otherwise be likely to attract attention on the franchise circuit, with Surrey trio Dan Lawrence, Will Jacks and Jamie Smith among the Test prospects likely to be in action elsewhere.

Somerset’s Kasey Aldridge is the one lesser-known addition to the group that toured the UAE. The 22-year-old right-arm seamer has taken 39 first-class wickets at an average of 40, but is rated for his height, standing at six feet four inches tall.

“Playing a series in India at any level is a challenge to get excited about, it’s one of the truest tests for any cricketer,” said England men’s performance director Mo Bobat. “It’s great that our Lions team can experience that challenge and have the opportunity to showcase their skills in those conditions. The squad has a strong core of players in it that were out in Abu Dhabi recently for the training camp, with some of those players already selected into the Test squad. There’s also a return for some more experienced players which aligns with supporting England’s more immediate needs.”

England Lions squad to tour India : Josh Bohannon (c), Ollie Robinson, Alex Lees, Matthew Potts, Matthew Fisher, Brydon Carse, Keaton Jennings, Callum Parkinson, Ollie Price, James Coles, Kasey Aldridge, Jack Carson, Tom Lawes, Dan Mousley, James Rew.

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BCCI announces India A squad for England Lions series

Abhimanyu Easwaran led India A squad will be playing in a two-day warm-up fixture and a multi-day match against England Lions.

The Indian men’s selection committee has announced a 12-member India A squad to face the visiting England Lions side later this month.

The side captained by Abhimanyu Easwaran will take on its English counterparts in a two-day warmup fixture and a multi-day match.

The Men in Blues will be playing a five-match test series in India’s England tour 2024 between January 25 and March 11. Before that India A and England Lions will be playing in two-day warm-up fixtures and a multi-day game.

“The tour will begin with a two-day warm-up game, starting on January 12, 2024, and will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium Ground ‘B,’ Ahmedabad. The first four-day match, commencing on January 17, 2024, will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad,” the BCCI press release quoted.

England Lions have announced their squad for the tour. Lanchsire player Josh Bohannon will be captaining the side. Ollie Robinson is part of the senior team squad that will play against India in a match Test series which is scheduled to start on January 25.

“Playing a series in India at any level is a challenge to get excited about, it’s one of the truest tests for any cricketer. It’s great that our Lions team can experience that challenge and have the opportunity to showcase their skills in those conditions,” England Men’s performance director Mo Bobat said.

“The squad has a strong core of players in it that were out in Abu Dhabi recently for the training camp, with some of those players already selected into the Test squad. There’s also a return for some more experienced players which aligns with supporting England’s more immediate needs,” he added.

India A squad

Abhimanyu Easwaran (Captain), Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, KS Bharat (WK), Manav Suthar, Pulkit Narang, Navdeep Saini, Tushar Deshpande, Vidwath Kaverappa, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Akash Deep.

England Lions Squad

Josh Bohannon (captain), Kasey Aldridge, Brydon Carse, Jack Carson, James Coles, Matt Fisher, Keaton Jennings, Tom Lawes, Alex Lees, Dan Mousley, Callum Parkinson, Matt Potts, Ollie Price, James Rew, Ollie Robinson .

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England tour of India: Ollie Robinson named in England Lions squad for red-ball tour

England pacer ollie robinson has been named in the england lions squad that will tour india for multiple red-ball matches..

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• England Lions have announced a 15-man squad for their red-ball tour of India
• Star England pacer Ollie Robinson has been named in the England Lions squad
• Lancashire batter Josh Bohannon will lead England Lions in red-ball tour of India

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the England Lions squad for their tour of India, which will coincide with the senior men's team's five-match Test series. Star England pacer Ollie Robinson has been named in the Lions squad that will be led by Lancashire batter Josh Bohannon.

Bohannon topped the County Championship Division One run-scoring records last summer, scoring 1257 runs at an average of 59.85 and four centuries. In January and February 2024, he will lead a 15-man England Lions squad in four red-ball multi-day matches in Ahmedabad.

The squad also includes young batter James Rew, who hit five hundreds and scored 1086 runs for Somerset last season, earning him the PCA Young Player of the Year award. The England Lions touring party also includes Keaton Jennings, who has a Test century in India, opener Alex Lees, and fast bowler Matt Potts.

"Playing a series in India at any level is a challenge to get excited about, it's one of the truest tests for any cricketer. It's great that our Lions team can experience that challenge and have the opportunity to showcase their skills in those conditions."

The tour will begin with a two-day warm-up against India A (January 12-13), followed by three four-day matches from January 17 to February 4. All games will be held in Ahmedabad's renowned Narendra Modi Stadium.

England Lions Squad

January 12-13: England Lions v India A, Narendra Modi Stadium - Ground B, Ahmedabad

January 17-20: England Lions v India A, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

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British and Irish Lions 2025: Which Six Nations stars would make the Lions right now?

We take a closer look at which stars from the 2024 Six Nations could be on the plane to Australia for the Lions; Watch every game of 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, including all three Test matches against the Wallabies, exclusively live on Sky Sports

Digital Sports Journalist @MegWellensX

Tuesday 19 March 2024 08:20, UK

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While the British and Irish Lions Tour to Australia might be over a year away, with the Six Nations wrapping up, there is never a more opportune moment to look at who the star performers could be.

Sky Sports will exclusively show the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, with all three Tests and six warm-up matches to be shown live.

The agreement sees Sky Sports broadcast its eighth consecutive Lions Tour, with the partnership starting in 1997 with the iconic 2-1 series win over South Africa.

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So, if Lions head coach Andy Farrell was picking his team right now, who would be on the plane to Australia?

Here are three picks from each nation...

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Ellis Genge

Position: Prop

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Lions Tours: 0

Ellis Genge progressively got better throughout the Six Nations and it culminated in a brilliant scrummaging performance against France's Uini Atonio.

Atonio has six, yes six, stone on Genge but the England man worked hard, got low, and showed what an asset he can be in that front row.

He is also a leader in the England camp and a voice like that will be essential for life on Tour.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

Position: Wing. Centre

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso made quite the impression in the few games he played for England, his start against Ireland cementing him as a real future star.

Ireland could not figure out how to stop his combination of power and pace and if he can continue to grow in the England shirt, he will be a certain name on Farrell's list for 2025.

Ollie Lawrence

Position: Centre

Another man who had a tournament to remember, when Ollie Lawrence came back into the England side, he showed why he is lethal in that centre position.

He can play any role required - if you need him running hard lines he will, but if you need him using his brute strength to power up the field, he will also do that in abundance.

If he is partnered with a certain Ireland centre, it could be a sensational combination.

Jamie Gibson-Park

Position: Scrum-half

Ultimately, Jamie Gibson-Park is the best scrum-half out there for the Lions at the moment.

His consistency for Ireland is second to none, and his kicking game and match awareness have been integral to the Ireland system that has seen them dominate so much.

A calm head is always needed in such a vital role and Gibson-Park can fulfil that for Farrell.

Lions Tours: 1 (2021)

Why wouldn't you put this guy on the plane? His sensational World Cup performance plus his performance at the Six Nations would have Bundee Aki down as a dead cert starter for the Lions at the moment.

His ability to make metres is not matched by any worldwide and he will be a lot for Australia to handle.

It could also be exciting to see him partner someone like Lawrence who also has power and pace.

Jack Crowley

Position: Fly-half

A reward for a seamless transition, Jack Crowley can be a solid fly-half option for the Lions.

He has an old head on young shoulders and is never fazed when he makes a mistake, plus he can kick goals like the best of them.

Not many could step into Johnny Sexton's shoes and perform and he did that brilliantly for Ireland.

Finn Russell

Finn Russell will always bring that flair and you know on a Lions Tour he would enjoy himself creatively on the pitch.

Right now, he is probably the most experienced and in-form fly-half option for the Lions and combined with some other big stars, we could see some Russell flair on show.

He also is a sensational goal kicker and that will be vital for Farrell's side.

Duhan Van der Merwe

Position: Wing

A man who can create something spectacular all on his own, Duhan Van der Merwe showed why his pace and power on the wing is pretty much unmatched.

There are not many as big as him who can show individual finesse like he does and he already has a solid understanding with Russell that could serve the Lions well in 2025.

Zander Fagerson

Fagerson is one of the few players in these picks who went on the 2021 Lions Tour. However, he did not play.

The Glasgow Warriors prop has battled against the best of them and could be a solid option off the bench when that front row needs a new breath of life.

Mason Grady

Position: Centre, Wing

Mason Grady didn't get a whole host of minutes across the Six Nations, but when he did grace the field, Grady sparkled.

Scoring in the dying moments of their clash vs Italy, Grady showed that he offers something different with his dazzling footwork and could be someone that Farrell could take on Tour as the Lions look to the future.

Dafydd Jenkins

Position: Lock

The one thing a young captain needs is experience and quickly and a Lions Tour could offer the perfect environment for Wales skipper Dafydd Jenkins to grow.

It would be a vital opportunity for him to use his own voice but learn from other huge leaders across the nations as Wales continue their rebuilding journey.

Aaron Wainwright

Position: No 8, Flanker

Aaron Wainwright was one of Wales' standout players in the Six Nations, making metres like no other in that Wales jersey.

His energy was electric and his enthusiasm even when under the pump could be a key asset for the Lions.

The fifth nation: The exiles available

Owen farrell.

Position: Fly-half, Centre

Lions Tours: 3

Although the former England captain may be out of contention for international selection with his move to Racing 92 imminent, he can very much still be picked for the Lions Tour.

As England's top points scorer ever and with three Tours under his belt, his experience could be invaluable and what a storyline it would be to see father and son in action.

Courtney Lawes

Position: Lock, Flanker

Lions Tours: 2

Lawes retired from international duty after the 2023 Rugby World Cup,but he made sure to make clear that he still sees starring for the Lions in his future.

With a year out in France to come, Lawes could earn himself a shirt and when someone with 105 caps comes knocking, it is hard to turn them down.

Henry Arundell

Position: Full-back, wing

Henry Arundell was originally given a special exemption to represent England after London Irish went into administration, but after making his move to Racing 92 permanent, Arundell has locked his door to international duty for now.

However, Arundell has been a constant star and his pace at the back could be huge for the Lions if they come calling.

He knows how to score tries and in a Lions shirt, he could thrive.

British and Irish Lions 2025 tour schedule

Watch every game of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, including all three Test matches against the Wallabies, exclusively live on Sky Sports . Also stream with NOW .

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Predicting England's Euro 2024 squad after Jude Bellingham strikes late to earn Three Lions draw with Belgium

Jack grealish, kobbie mainoo, jordan henderson: who will be on the plane to germany.

LONDON --  For what will surely not be the last time in his career, Jude Bellingham delivered for England at the death as his 95th-minute goal secured a 2-2 draw against Belgium at Wembley. Gareth Southgate will ultimately conclude that improvements on their display in defeat to Brazil on Saturday are of more value than the result but avoiding a second defeat in four days was a moment worth celebrating with their Euros opener against Serbia just 82 days away.

Phil Foden, Bellingham and particularly Kobbie Mainoo all impressed while Ivan Toney netted his first England goal from the penalty spot but this game will serve as a warning of how diminished the Three Lions look without their first-choice defenders. After nine minutes, Southgate found himself without any of his preferred back four as John Stones caught his boot on the turf, a worrying sight for Pep Guardiola ahead of Manchester City's clash with Arsenal on Sunday.

Stones was not the only one to suffer on the drenched turf though it would be a generous defense of Pickford to blame the turf for a woefully miscued pass upfield, intercepted by Amadou Onana, who teed up Youri Tielemans to roll the ball back past the scrambling goalkeeper.

In possession, England looked altogether more purposeful and incisive, Mainoo drawing pressure from the Belgium midfield before slipping the ball on to Bellingham. His through pass was perfectly weighted to draw the loose challenge from Jan Vertonghen on Toney, who sent Mats Selz the wrong way from 12 yards out.

The game looked to be in English hands but Dunk struggled to deal with a ball into the sodden channel as impressively as Romelu Lukaku, whose trivela cross demanded Tielemans head home to restore Belgium's lead on 36 minutes.

Though neither Southgate nor Domenico Tedesco rushed to rotate their side in the second half, the game was still meandering towards a low-intensity finish typical of any friendly played just before the business end of the season. Still, England upped the intensity in the dying minutes, drawing fine blocks from Wout Faes and Vertonghen before the ball dropped to Bellingham in the box when Pickford's deep free kick was kept alive by Ollie Watkins and James Maddison. The finish was precise, the response remarkably exuberant given how Wembley had long since begun to empty. Both players and manager seemed to realize they could do without two defeats with Euro 2024 so near.

Predicting England's squad

Write down your locks for this England squad and you'll swiftly find yourself with little more than half a dozen spaces to fill. Southgate has his favorites and while that may infuriate a particularly vocal subsection online, the likes of Harry Maguire and Pickford tend to justify their backing in the games that really matter. If there is one veteran who might have a fight on his hands it is Jordan Henderson, who missed both friendlies through injury. It would take a brave man, perhaps even foolhardy one, not to take Mainoo when he so impressed on the sodden Wembley turf. Conor Gallagher is another valued part of the England setup, it might just be that he makes it as an option to play alongside Rice and with Henderson as a backup for Tuesday night's captain.

Perhaps the most intriguing dilemma comes at left back. Southgate has already admitted that he is not expecting Luke Shaw to be fit enough to play all seven games at the Euros, it may not take much of a setback for the Manchester United man to be ruled out. That Ben Chilwell kept his place even after a trying night against Brazil would suggest that the manager's mind is made up on a starter. Taking Joe Gomez and Kieran Trippier would offer cover across the backline, the Liverpool man in particular an option at center back and both full back positions.

Dunk might have been able to nail down a center back spot behind Maguire and Stones but he hardly radiated authority against Lukaku, even aside from his error. Both Tyrone Mings and Marc Guehi should return from injury before the season is out, but given that the former has not played since the opening day, it may be that he does not have enough time to force his way back into contention.

Really, Southgate is just preening around the fringes of his squad but one of his most significant decisions might be the backup to Kane, assuming there is just one and Rashford functions as the third option at center forward, though his spot is certainly not a given. Watkins and Toney are both great options to have in that spot, the Aston Villa man perhaps more able to play alongside the captain and take minutes on the wing. Toney looked particularly impressive against Belgium and perhaps merits a spot because he is so different to the rest of the field: the archetypal big man it's always good to have in case of emergencies but also one who can run the channels and takes a mean penalty.

Then there are the forward options. Rashford will need to sustain his recent upswing to hold off a cavalcade of rivals. Cole Palmer has carried Chelsea on his back this season, Jarrod Bowen looked lively against Belgium while in years gone by no one would sniff at Anthony Gordon. All that and we haven't even got to Jack Grealish, Eberechi Eze, Mason Mount, Dominic Solanke or Raheem Sterling. At most two of them can go, dependent on whether Southgate feels his squad has enough cover for Rice. You could perform a similar exercise at right back or even in central midfield. We haven't mentioned Curtis Jones once. This is the greatest display of embarrassing wealth since the Bluth family.

With that will come expectations, whoever Southgate turns to. This will be a squad with a significant number of high-grade starters, options that can allow England to tailor their game to the opposition (as much as possible in an international game that tends to be tactics optional) and the depth to change the course of a tournament off the bench. Here's our pick of 23:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), James Trafford (Burnley)

Defenders: Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), John Stones (Manchester City), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Joe Gomez (Liverpool)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), James Maddison (Tottenham), Jordan Henderson (Ajax)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

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Andy Walker

All of the latest news from the England men's squads during the March 2024 international window, as Man Utd midfielder joins Gareth Southgate's group

11am, Monday 25 March

Adam Wharton has joined England MU21s ahead of their 2025 U21 EURO qualifier against Luxembourg on Tuesday 26 March.

The Crystal Palace midfielder started this international window with Ben Futcher’s England men’s Elite League squad, playing 55 minutes in the 5-1 victory over Poland  on Friday 22 March, and he has now joined Lee Carsley’s side as they look to build on the recent 5-1 defeat of Azerbaijan.

Meanwhile, Teden Mengi has rejoined England MU21s ahead of Tuesday’s fixture. The Luton Town defender initially reported to St. George’s Park before returning to his club for further medical assessment. However he will be available for the qualifier at Bolton Wanderers’ Toughsheet Stadium.

Carney Chukwuemeka, who has been part of Carsley’s squad for the first time this week and travelled with the group to Azerbaijan, has now returned to Chelsea as he works his way back to full fitness.

7.50pm, Sunday 24 March

James Trafford and Rico Lewis  have moved across from the MU21s to join the England senior men’s squad.

The pair report to Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground following the withdrawal of Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker and Sam Johnstone through injury. 

It is Burnley goalkeeper Trafford’s first senior call up having previously represented his nation from MU17 through to MU21 level, including being a part of last summer’s U21 European Championship-winning squad.

Manchester City’s Lewis has one senior cap  having made his debut for Gareth Southgate’s side in North Macedonia in November 2023. 

Maguire, Walker and Johnstone have returned to their respective clubs for assessment having sustained injuries in recent days. 

England host Belgium for an Alzheimer’s Society International at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday (26 March, 7.45pm kick-off).

9.30pm, Saturday 23 March

Gareth Southgate confirmed in his post-match media conference after the game with Brazil that Harry Kane will return to his club at Bayern Munich for continued rehabilitation on an injury he reported to St. George's Park with.

6.15pm, Thursday 21 March

Bukayo Saka has left the England camp and returned to his club for continued rehabilitation. 

The Arsenal forward reported to St. George's Park with an injury and has been unable to participate in training. 

No further replacements are planned as a 25-man England squad continue their preparation for the forthcoming internationals with Brazil and Belgium. 9am, Thursday 21 March

Ryan Andrews (Watford) has left the England men's Elite League squad ahead of their game with Poland on Friday due to injury. Reuell Walters (Arsenal) will join up with the squad as a replacement for the game with Czechia next week.

1pm, Wednesday 20 March

Teden Mengi has withdrawn from the England MU21s squad and has returned to Luton Town for further medical assessment.

The defender initially reported to St. George’s Park to join Lee Carsley’s squad for the first time ahead of the upcoming 2025 U21 EURO qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Luxembourg, however he has now returned to his club and will play no part in the upcoming fixtures. No replacements are planned at this moment in time.

2pm, Tuesday 19 March

Kobbie Mainoo has received his first call up to the England men's senior squad.

The 18 year old was initially part of the MU21s squad  but has been drafted into Gareth Southgate’s group.

All other 25 players reported to St. George’s Park on Tuesday ahead of the forthcoming internationals against Brazil  and Belgium.

Manchester United midfielder Mainoo has previously represented England at MU17 through to MU19 level.

9pm, Monday 18 March

Amario Cozier-Duberry, Jacob Wright and Nico O’Reilly have withdrawn from the England MU19s squad  due to injury. Josh Duffus and George Abbott have been called up from standby.

8pm, Monday 18 March

Sam Proctor (Aston Villa) has been withdrawn from the England MU18s squad  due to injury. Jack Thompson (Derby County) been called up from standby. 

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When do England name their squad for Euro 2024?

England take on Belgium tonight in their final match before Gareth Southgate names his initial squad for Euro 2024 .

The Three Lions boss will be looking for a swift response from his depleted and injury-hit side after Saturday night’s 1-0 friendly loss to Brazil at Wembley in which they did not impress at either end of the pitch.

A late winner from Real Madrid-bound teenage sensation Endrick condemned England to their first home defeat since October 2020, and better will be expected on Tuesday although it’s another tough test in store against the team currently positioned just one spot below them in fourth in the latest Fifa world rankings.

Southgate has handed a number of players chances to impress against Belgium, including Kobbie Mainoo, Ezri Konsa, Lewis Dunk, Jarrod Bowen and Ivan Toney, with Declan Rice captaining the senior side for the first time on the occasion of his 50th cap.

It is the final chance for a number of England’s hopefuls to make their mark ahead of the summer squad for Germany being picked.

When do England name their Euro 2024 squad?

Southgate’s announcement of his preliminary squad will follow hot on the heels of the final day of the Premier League season, coming just 48 hours later on Tuesday, May 21.

England then face two final pre-Euros friendlies, meeting Bosnia and Herzegovina at Newcastle’s St James’ Park on June 3 and Euro 2016 conquerors Iceland in a Wembley send-off three days later.

Southgate will then have until the June 7 deadline to name his final squad. For this tournament final squad sizes have been reduced from 26 back down to 23, making selection even tougher than it was for both the delayed Euro 2020 which took place after the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which was played in the middle of the domestic season in Europe.

That means Southgate can take fewer gambles with his final picks, increasing the need for those on the fringes of the squad to make an impression against Belgium.

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England are in Group C for Euro 2024 in Germany this summer, beginning their campaign against Serbia at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen on June 16.

They then battle Denmark at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt on June 20, later moving onto Cologne’s RheinEnergieStadion to face Slovenia on June 25.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Gareth Southgate names England squad for Euro 2024 warm-up matches with Brazil and Belgium

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England head coach Gareth Southgate has named his 25-man squad for the side’s Euro 2024 warm-up friendlies against Brazil and Belgium , with uncapped trio Anthony Gordon, Jarrad Branthwaite and Ezri Konsa in line to make their debuts.

Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer and Brentford striker Ivan Toney also make the cut, while West Ham midfielder Kalvin Phillips, capped 31 times and one of England’s top performers at Euro 2020, misses out.

There had been some question marks surrounding Jordan Henderson’s inclusion, but the ex-Liverpool captain has been given the nod despite his struggles with Ajax since cutting short a widely condemned spell with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq.

Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Ben White has asked Southgate not to be considered for selection and Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo will have to wait for his first call-up .

This month’s heavyweight double-header represents the last chance players have to impress in England colours before Southgate announces his final party for this summer ’s eagerly anticipated European Championships in Germany .

The squad size for the tournament will return to 23 players after the competing nations at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup entered with bumper 26-man squads.

The Three Lions first welcome Dorival Junior’s Brazil to Wembley on March 23 before entertaining Domenico Tedesco’s star-studded Belgium side three days later on March 26.

Ranked fifth and fourth respectively in the world, England’s opponents should provide a strong test as Southgate’s men look to build momentum heading into the Euros.

England's 25-man squad to face Brazil and Belgium

Goalkeepers

Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace); Jordan Pickford (Everton); Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton); Ben Chilwell (Chelsea); Lewis Dunk (Brighton); Joe Gomez (Liverpool); Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa); Harry Maguire (Manchester United); John Stones (Manchester City); Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielders

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid); Conor Gallagher (Chelsea); Jordan Henderson (Ajax); James Maddison (Tottenham); Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Jarrod Bowen (West Ham); Phil Foden (Manchester City); Anthony Gordon (Newcastle); Harry Kane (Bayern Munich); Cole Palmer (Chelsea); Marcus Rashford (Manchester United); Bukayo Saka (Arsenal); Ivan Toney (Brentford); Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

England – currently the bookies’ favourites to triumph in Germany – have been drawn against Slovenia, Denmark and Serbia in Group C ahead of this summer’s tournament.

Harry Kane and co sailed through qualifying with an unbeaten record in their group, winning six and drawing two of their eight matches, while scoring 22 and conceding just four goals.

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Asked how difficult it was to omit Phillips from his current plans, Southgate told reporters: ‘I think he knows exactly what we think of him. I think we’ve shown that support.

‘A good version of him is an important player for us and that’s why we’ve supported him in the way we have. We don’t have many players with that profile.

‘Unfortunately, his form just hasn’t been good enough and I’ve spoken to him about that. He understands.’

Southgate refused to close the door on Phillips’ potential’ return ahead of the European Championships but stressed that the midfielder’s form would have to improve.

‘He’s got all the attributes to force his way back in and we’re really keen for him to do that,’ the England manager added.

‘But I said towards the end of last year when we were picking squads, if we wasn’t playing at City then that was going to be a problem and he just needs to find that rhythm and confidence.

‘There’s an outstanding player in there and I’m sure he’ll find that.’

The England boss believes 21-year-old defender Branthwaite deserves great ‘credit’ for forcing his way into the squad after an eye-catching breakout season with Everton under Sean Dyche.

‘He’s played consistently well. We watched him as a back-up centre-half at the Under-21 finals last year and if you’d have told me he would play as consistently well at a Premier League level as he has, then I’d question that last summer ,’ he explained.

‘Great credit to him and Sean that he’s given a young centre-half an opportunity.

‘He’s good with the ball, shows good composure, good mentality, he’s a left-footer and we don’t have many left-footed defenders.

‘He’s in on merit and we’re really keen to work with him and find out more about him.’

For more stories like this,  check our sport page .

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