Young London trio handed England debuts

Tammy Abraham, Joe Gomez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are the latest debutants to be called up to the England senior squad for the upcoming friendlies against Germany and Brazil at Wembley.

The trio, all London born, have put in a series of displays for their clubs this season which haven’t gone unnoticed. Abraham and Loftus-Cheek, on loan at Swansea and Crystal Palace respectively, are reaping the rewards of being first choice at smaller teams than their parent club Chelsea. Elsewhere, Gomez, formerly of Charlton Athletic has impressed at U21 level for England and for Liverpool this season whether at right back or centre back.

England boss Gareth Southgate has shown he is much more willing to select young talent at smaller teams than previous England coaches who have tended to take fewer risks in the squad choices.

But if there were ever a time to promote the youth, it is now, on the back of an incredible summer which saw England U17s and U20s both win World Cups in their respective age groups.

Harry Winks keeps his place in the senior squad after impressing on his debut and for Spurs in central midfield, as do Fabian Delph and Harry Maguire. The squad announcement also sees Ashley Young being recalled after four years without an England cap. The 32 year old winger-turned-utility man has been a useful weapon for José Mourinho at Manchester United, doing a job on either wing in attack or defence and retaining his ability to deliver excellent crosses.

 

Words: Reuben Pinder | Subbing: Nikolay Kolev

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