Watkins and Bowen called up to England squad

Aston Villa's forward Ollie Watkins and West Ham United's winger Jarrod Bowen have been called by Gareth Southgate for England's upcoming matches against Australia and Italy in October.

The Three Lions will host Australia for a friendly match at Wembley on October 13, just four days before they continue their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign against Italy also at Wembley.

Watkins expressed his satisfaction at being called up, stating that he felt he had already done everything he could to earn this opportunity after he has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 11 games this season.

Jarrod Bowen, who was last called up to the England squad in May 2022, returns after missing out on the squad in September.

Bukayo Saka has also been included in the squad, despite concerns about his recent injury. 

Southgate has chosen to stick with Kalvin Phillips, despite his limited playing time at Manchester City. Jordan Henderson from Al-Ettifaq also joins the midfield, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had to withdraw from the September fixtures due to an injury.

The offensive ranks include Saka, Bowen, and Watkins, as well as Eddie Nketiah, who is still waiting for his first senior cap after being called up for the first time in September. However, Raheem Sterling from Chelsea has once again not been selected.

John Stones has been recalled as expected after recovering from a hip injury. On the other hand, Harry Maguire, who is not a regular starter for Manchester United, continues to be pickedfor the squad.

ENGLAND SQUAD IN FULL:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace)

Defenders: Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), James Maddison (Tottenham), Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)