Fans disgusted with Gareth Southgate for overlooking uncapped star after fine season

Fans have expressed their disappointment over one of Gareth Southgate's England squad decisions.

Southgate named his latest England squad on Thursday ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers with Malta and North Macedonia.

Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze and Brighton defender Lewis Dunk were the two big inclusions after fine form for their respective clubs, while there was also a recall for Liverpool's Trent Alexander Arnold.

Elsewhere, Callum Wilson got the nod ahead of Ollie Watkins, while Arsenal defender Ben White was left out again.

Many thought Morgan Gibbs-White might get a look in after impressiving for Nottingham Forest but he is remaining with the Under 21 side for the time being.

But another omission caused a serious stir amongst supporters. Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff was overlooked despite plenty of Magpies fans feeling as though his performances warranted a call-up.

The 25-year-old, who made 28 starts this term, is still uncapped at international level and the Toon faithful have shared their frustrations with Kalvin Phillips getting in ahead of him.

Image: Alamy

One fan said: "What do you think it’ll take for Sean Longstaff to make the England set up? Clearly become a stalwart in our midfield."

Another commented: "He has been fantastic this year, so has Willock and either (if Willock wasn’t injured) should have been given England call up over Kalvin Phillips.

A third added: "Sean Longstaff could’ve scored ten goals and made fifteen assists this season, and Phillips would still get picked ahead of him. Southgate has always had his favourites regardless of form, and always will."

Another stated: Gareth Southgate - 'Players have to be playing to get into the England setup'. Sean Longstaff - 33 games, 28 starts. Kalvin Phillips - 11 games, 1 start. Guess who got into the England squad?"

A fifth wrote: "Not sure how Sean Longstaff hasn’t made the England squad. Been unbelievable in the Newcastle midfield all season."

A final user commented: "Harsh on Longstaff not getting into the England squad, been phenomenal all year and is missed in the team when not available."

Image: Alamy

With six points from a possible six after wins over Italy and Ukraine, England take on Malta on June 16 before they host North Macedonia at Old Trafford three days later.

Topics: Gareth Southgate, England, Premier League

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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