Gareth Southgate has announced his third England squad since replacing Sam Allardyce, calling upon two familiar faces from his U21 days for the first time.
James Ward-Prowse was England U21 captain during Southgate’s time in charge, while Nathan Redmond was among his most reliable attacking outlets, and both are now in line for a senior debut.
England face Germany in a friendly next Wednesday before a World Cup qualifier with Lithuania and they approach the double header with a new-look squad, albeit with a return for a familiar face.
Jermain Defoe is back in the fold at ripe old age of 34, benefitting from the absence through injury of Harry Kane. Elsewhere there was a shock call-up for Jake Livermore, hoping to add to a solitary cap earned back in 2012, with Jordan Henderson also sidelined. The most notable omission was perhaps that of Theo Walcott, who misses out to the likes of Redmond, Lingard and Antonio.
There are also recalls for Manchester United pair Phil Jones and Luke Shaw, despite the latter featuring just twice for the club since November. However, Ross Barkley is certainly deserving of his place back in the squad having earned the third highest rating from WhoScored.com (7.38) of Englishman available for selection since the last international break.
Above is how the XI would look based on form in the Premier League over that period.
