Athletic revealed earlier on Thursday that Toney, 26, was in line for a first England call-up. Toney has been rewarded for a strong start to the season after impressing with 12 Premier League goals last season, while Dier is recalled for the first time in nearly two years as England prepare for Nations League games against Italy and Germany. GO DEEPER It’s time for Ivan Toney to play for England Rashford was ruled out of United’s Europa League clash against Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday through injury, but Sancho has been pushing for a return to the fold after making a strong start to the season following a disappointing 2021-22 campaign. Speaking on Wednesday about Rashford’s injury, United manager Erik ten Haag said: “No, I’m not thinking too much about it, but I can’t say how long. It’s not too bad and we expect it to be back very soon. “It’s clear (he can make the England team), definitely, yes. He has shown his great potential and quality (this season). Southgate’s 28-man squad, which will inform his selection in Qatar, also includes West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, but Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher does not feature. Manchester City’s Calvin Phillips is included despite playing just 13 competitive minutes this season, as is Harry Maguire, who has been benched three times in the Premier League this season by Ten Haag. Jordan Pickford’s thigh injury means Nottingham Forest loanee Dean Henderson returns to join fellow goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope. England take on Italy at the San Siro on Friday 23 September (kick-off 7.45pm BST) before hosting Germany at Wembley on Monday 26 September (kick-off 7.45pm). England are currently bottom of Nations League Group A3 and could be relegated with a further defeat. Next week’s games are England’s final matches before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which starts on November 20. England begin their campaign against Iran the following day.
England’s mission in detail
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Eric Dier, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Ivan Toney
England’s schedule
September 23: Italy – England (19.45), Nations League September 26: England – Germany (19.45), Nations League November 21: England v Iran (1pm), World Cup November 25: England – USA (19.00), World Cup November 29: Wales vs England (7pm), World Cup
GO DEEPER World Cup 2022: Fixtures, schedule and kick-off times (Photo: Getty Images)
