Southgate Stays Loyal As Squad Named

Last updated : 13 March 2019 By Three Lions

Declan Rice is the only new face in Gareth Southgate's first England squad of 2019, the West Ham United midfielder handed an expected call-up following his decision to switch his international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland.

With clearance from the game's governing body having been obtained, Rice now has a good chance of making his England debut in one or both of the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro later this month.

Southgate has been impressed with the form shown by the Hammers youngster in the Premier League this season but has otherwise opted to retain a familiar-looking England squad following a highly successful 2018 which brought Nations League success and, of course, a run to the semi-finals of the World Cup.

That means no call-up for Crystal Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who could yet opt to switch his own international allegiance elsewhere, or in-form Southampton man James Ward-Prowse.

Jordan Henderson will reach his half-century of England caps if he plays in both matches while the Three Lions are protecting an unbeaten run in European Championship qualifiers that dates back to the infamous 3-2 loss at home to Croatia in November 2007.

Thanks to englandstats.com for the facts and figures.