Ahead of England’s friendly against Belgium, Gareth Southgate has made some notable additions to the senior team, bringing in two promising U21 talents.
The call-up includes 19-year-old Rico Lewis, a versatile full-back, and 21-year-old goalkeeper James Trafford.
Their inclusion comes as a response to injuries suffered by regular players Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, and Sam Johnstone, forcing them to withdraw from the squad.
Trafford, who plays for Burnley, has been a consistent performer for England’s U21 side, having represented the national team from the age of 17.
This marks his first call-up to the senior team, a recognition of his growing talent. Notably, Trafford played a significant role in England’s triumph at the U21 European Championship last summer.
On the other hand, Lewis, a budding talent from Manchester City, has already earned one senior cap, which came against North Macedonia in November last year.
The absence of Maguire, Walker, and Johnstone has provided an opportunity for Southgate to continue his trend of giving young players opportunities on the international stage.
This approach was evident in England’s recent 1-0 loss to Brazil, where newcomers like Ezri Konsa, Anthony Gordon, and 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo made their senior debuts.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is another hopeful looking to impress in the upcoming match against Belgium.
The match against Belgium serves as a crucial opportunity for England’s prospects to stake their claim for a spot in the squad for Euro 2024.
With friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland scheduled for June, Southgate will soon finalize his selection for the Euros, making this match a pivotal moment for the players.
England’s defensive frailties were exposed in their recent defeat to Brazil, highlighting the importance of solidifying the backline.
Branthwaite’s performance against Belgium could bolster his chances of earning a starting role in the tournament.
While competition is fierce in England’s full-back department, Lewis faces a challenging task to secure a regular place in the squad.
Trafford stands a good chance of cementing his position as the third-choice goalkeeper, potentially ahead of Crystal Palace’s Johnstone.
Overall, the match against Belgium offers an opportunity for England’s emerging talents to showcase their abilities and stake their claim for a place in Southgate’s plans for the upcoming Euros.
