England name squad for October clashes with Australia and Italy

West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins have both been included in the England squad to face Australia and Italy during the October international break.

Bowen, who has made four previous appearances for the Three Lions, makes the cut after netting five goals in seven Premier League games. Watkins has four strikes in England’s top flight this season and most recently grabbed a hat-trick in the 6-1 thumping of Brighton.

While former Hull winger Bowen returns to manager Gareth Southgate’s squad, there is no space for Hammers teammate James Ward-Prowse despite contributing three goals and an assist since joining from Southampton.

There remains space, however, for defender Harry Maguire, who is still searching for form and a regular spot in Manchester United’s starting XI despite the injury crisis at Old Trafford. Jordan Henderson is also present again, with his performances for Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League enough to warrant inclusion.

Bukayo Saka, who suffered another injury scare during Arsenal’s Champions League defeat to Lens and is a doubt for the behemoth clash with Manchester City on Sunday, is also named in the squad.

Eddie Nketiah will hope to make his England debut, having gone unused on the bench during the last international break, while Manchester City’s John Stones is included having just returned from injury. Fikayo Tomori, who has won only three caps despite winning Serie A with AC Milan in 2021/22, makes his return to the fold.

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson is injured and misses out, while Anthony Gordon – who is uncapped but had played his way into contention – doesn’t make the cut.

England face Australia in a friendly at Wembley on 13 October before hosting Italy in Group C of 2024 European Championship qualification four days later at the same location. They sit six points ahead of the Azzurri and can all but seal their spot in Germany next year with victory thanks to their vastly superior goal difference.

England’s 26-player squad for international break in full

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards