Southgate makes five changes from World Cup squad - with Ashley Young, Phil Jones, Gary Cahill, Jamie Vardy and Nick Pope absent
Thursday 30 August 2018 17:13, UK
Luke Shaw has been recalled by England for the forthcoming matches against Spain and Switzerland, with his Manchester United team-mate Ashley Young left out by manager Gareth Southgate.
Shaw has not played for England since appearing as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 friendly defeat to Germany in March 2017 but returns at the expense of Old Trafford team-mate Young in the Three Lions' first squad since the World Cup.
Vardy, Cahill step down from England duty
"He has had a difficult period adapting to a new club, a horrendous injury, but he has had an extra edge to his game," Southgate said of 23-year-old Shaw, who has featured in United's opening three Premier League matches and scored his first goal for the club in the curtain-raiser against Leicester at Old Trafford.
"When it's been going against his team he has been one who has shown aggression and a desire not to lose. I'm really pleased for him that he looks like he's playing with confidence."
Burnley defender James Tarkowski has also been recalled along with Liverpool duo Joe Gomez and Adam Lallana.
Uncapped Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is included in the squad, along with Stoke's Jack Butland and Everton's Jordan Pickford, with Burnley's Nick Pope sidelined by a shoulder injury.
Stressing the importance of continuity after his side's run to the semi-finals in Russia, Southgate: "We're on the back of a successful tournament. Not too much can have changed in that time because we reached the semi-final and there has only been three league games.
"We had some mature conversations with Jamie Vardy, Gary Cahill and Ashley Young in terms of the desire to look at younger players. We had five changes anyway and we felt that was enough.
"Luke Shaw is still only 23, Joe Gomez is 21 so we have lowered the age again. We are aware of the excitement around other young players but it might be a bit too early for some."
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Alex McCarthy, Jordan Pickford
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Harry Maguire, Danny Rose, Luke Shaw, John Stones, James Tarkowski, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Fabian Delph, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Jesse Lingard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Raheem Sterling
Forwards: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck
