Here are five things you need to Know before England take on Malta And North Macedonia in their Euro Qualifiers
England's men's side will be back in action against Malta and North Macedonia for this month's international fixtures. With England looking ahead to next Summers Euros, here are five things you must know before their game on Saturday night at Wembley Stadium versus Malta.
Number One: England have qualified for Euro 2024
England have already qualified for Euro 2024 which takes place in Germany next summer. This is thanks to their 3-1 win against Italy in the October break which saw Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane secure England's qualification.
Gareth Southgate will be looking to end the qualifying campaign on a high with the final two fixtures against Malta and North Macedonia as they look to top the group. A win and a draw will guarantee England top spot in their group which could give them an easier route in Euro 2024.
Currently Ukraine are second with 13 points with them needing a win against champions Italy in their final game to confirm their place for the competition next summer.
Number two: Three new faces in the England Camp
Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis and Ezri Konza have all been called up to the national side for the first time after James Maddison, Lewis Dunk and Callum Wilson withdrew from Southgate's side.
Palmer and Lewis were originally called up to the under 21's side for the upcoming break but have met up with England's senior side instead.
Konza was a 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup winner as well as the 2018 Toulon Tournament as he comes in to secure the defensive lines.
Number three: Sterling Snubbed again
Raheem Sterling was once again snubbed by Southgate as he decided to not include the Chelsea player. With the 28 year old putting in an incredible performance against his former club and grabbing a goal in Chelsea's 4-4 draw with Man City, Southagte opted to Include Sterling's teammate Palmer instead.
Speaking after his decision, Southgate said "The door is 100 per cent open not only for Raheem but for other players not in the squad.
"We don't need to know about his quality, his personality. He is a crucial part of why we've had the journey we've had over the last few years.
"I can only repeat what I have said in the meetings, we're playing exceptionally well and who can I leave out?"
Number four: Injury crisis for Southgate's side
Jude Bellingham and Levi Colwill have also withdrawn from the England team to play these final two fixtures. These are the other two players to not be involved in this break as they are nursing injuries. With these two out alongside Maddison, Dunk and Wilson, it is clear to see the lack of players for the next two fixtures.
We will likely see Trippier play on the left side of the defence with no natural left back available as Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell remain out.
Jude Bellingham's influence in midfield will be sorely missed as he is out with a shoulder injury. The English international has ten goals and two assists in 11 appearances for Real Madrid in the league this season.
Number five: Youngster spotted training with the senior side.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis was seen training with the senior side ahead of the fixture against Malta. The England under 21 captain was spotted alongside the senior players as they trained on Friday. It is not uncommon for younger players to step up and train but his inclusion is a sign of faith by the England management.
He has played 10 games in the championship this season at Southampton whilst on loan from premier league champions Manchester city.
With Both Dunk and Colwill withdrawing from injury, this would be the perfect time for the youngster to impress Southgate in training.
