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Bukayo Saka named in England squad for Australia and Italy clashes despite injury but Man Utd’s Mason Mount misses OUT
JARROD BOWEN and Ollie Watkins have been recalled to the England squad by Gareth Southgate.
And Bukayo Saka has also been included despite injury concerns.
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Bowen and Watkins have both enjoyed goalscoring starts to the season with the latter netting a hat-trick against Brighton on Saturday.
Both have done enough to impress Southgate and are part of the squad to face Australia on Friday week and Italy the following Tuesday - but Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling miss out.
Watkins returns to the squad for the first time since March 2022, while Bowen could win his fifth England cap, having last featured in the 4-0 defeat to Hungary in June 2022.
England have been boosted by the inclusion of Saka, who was an injury doubt after being forced off during Arsenal's defeat to Lens on Tuesday.
But Mount is absent once again, despite returning to action for Manchester United after overcoming a hamstring problem.
However Southgate still faces a dilemma in defence with United defender Luke Shaw still injured.
Kieran Trippier could fill in at left-back after performing well in that position against Scotland last time out.
But his defensive options have been bolstered by the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold - even though he is named among the midfielders - who has overcome a hamstring problem.
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Manchester City star John Stones also returns to the squad. The centre-back is yet to play this season but will be hoping for minutes in the friendly against Australia.
Harry Maguire also makes the squad once more despite his limited appearances for the Red Devils.
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Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze will also miss the next few weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury against United last Saturday.
The returning Jack Grealish means the Three Lions boss still has plenty of options in attack, despite Callum Wilson's injury.
England face a Wembley double-header starting with the visit of Australia.
Then there is a replay of the Euro 2020 final as Italy return to the national stadium for a Euro 2024 qualifier.
Southgate has revealed Saka will be assessed ahead of the game against Australia, with the winger a doubt for Arsenal's clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
The England boss said of Saka and Wilson's injuries: "He is still being assessed and he obviously have a big game this weekend and then there is another seven days before we play Australia and ten days before we play Italy.
"Callum Wilson is carrying an injury so we are not sure if he will be fit.
"Ollie has started the season well and has hit a bit of scoring form in the last couple of weeks although you have to be careful with that in terms of bias on recent games. But he is in good form and is coming in on a high."
Southgate was also asked about the absence of Raheem Sterling, who has now missed the last two squads.
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He said of the Chelsea winger: "We spoke before the last squad. We have been happy with the wide players in the performances in the last four games and the two in March.
"The team are playing really well and there is stability there although we have added Jarrod Bowen who has added five goals in seven games."
England squad to face Australia and Italy
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Levi Colwill, Lewis Dunk, Marc Guehi, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, James Maddison, Eddie Nketiah, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Ollie Watkins
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