England manager Gareth Southgate has opened up about what he feels is "the hardest position to pick" after naming his latest Three Lions squad.
Southgate unveiled his 25-man selection for England's first two Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine next week, and there are a few notable absentees.
But while Raheem Sterling, for example, misses out due to doubts over his fitness – Southgate confirmed that he would have included the Chelsea forward otherwise – the simple fact of stiff competition has necessitated some big calls elsewhere, namely in the right-back department.
Asked by reporters about the omission of Arsenal's Ben White and Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold – both of whom were included in England's 2022 World Cup squad – Southgate explained:
"With Ben and Trent, we have three boys in at right full-back and we have got them just ahead of those two. We're blessed in that position with depth of talent; it is the hardest position to pick."
Kieran Trippier has made the cut again, as has Kyle Walker – despite currently being investigated by police after allegedly indecently exposing himself at a bar earlier this month – while Reece James returns to the fold after missing the World Cup through injury.
Meanwhile, Ivan Toney could make his international debut after being called up for the second time – although the Brentford striker faces a potential ban having accepted numerous breaches of FA betting rules – and Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi is back in the squad.
England play Italy in Naples next Thursday, before hosting Ukraine at Wembley three days later.
North Macedonia and Malta complete Group C of qualifying for next year's Euros in Germany.
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