Ollie Watkins will be hoping for an
England recall when boss Gareth Southgate names his first squad since the
World Cup on Thursday. Southgate opted to carry on in his role after England’s quarter-final defeat to
France in Qatar before
Christmas and will lead the country into Euro 2024 next summer, with qualifying getting under way later this month. Watkins could be named in the squad to play
Italy and
Ukraine following his outstanding form for Aston Villa, while
Chelsea duo Reece James and Ben Chilwell may return after they missed the World Cup through injury. Watkins, who has won seven caps, was not part of the squad that went to the
Middle East, but having scored six goals in his last seven games, it will be difficult for Southgate to ignore him, especially with other issues in attack. Here’s everything you need to know. The England manager will announce his squad at 2pm today. Brentford striker Ivan Toney , who was also left out of the World Cup squad, may miss out again as the
Football Association disciplinary case for breaching betting rules hangs over him. Callum Wilson did go to Qatar and impressed in a cameo role, but has scored just one goal in 13 games for Newcastle since the domestic season resumed. Jadon Sancho may be in contention for a recall after a spell out of the reckoning. The
Manchester United winger has only featured once for England since the Euro 2020 final and was not part of Southgate’s plans for the World Cup. Elsewhere, James Maddison will be hoping to still be in favour, while eyes will be on whether
Arsenal defender Ben White , who is having a fine season for the Gunners, is included after leaving the World Cup camp early for “personal reasons”. Southgate could also look to give some fresh faces a chance, with Nottingham Forest forward Morgan Gibbs-White , who Southgate is a known admirer of, and Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott both possible inclusions. England begin their Group C campaign when they visit Italy on March 23, with Ukraine travelling to Wembley three days later.