England will be aiming to take a major step towards Euro 2024 qualification this summer as Gareth Southgate's side take on Malta and North Macedonia in a June double-header.
The Three Lions secured successive wins over Italy and Ukraine in the their two opening qualifiers in March, and maximum points in the coming weeks would put them on the brink of reaching Germany 2024.
Southgate has rotated his options for the upcoming matches, rewarding strong Premier League form with call-ups, while also balancing the need for a break after a demanding club campaign.
England will be aiming to ease through these games and reach a fourth tournament under Southgate as they look to finally secure a first major trophy since 1966.
MORE: Euro 2024 groups: How many teams advance to European Championship in Germany?
England squad for next European qualifiers
Southgate is expected to give emerging players a chance to impress in the June matches, but the core of his team will remain unchanged, with Jordan Pickford, Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka all selected.
However, Southgate's initial plans have been disrupted, with Brighton & Hove Albion captain Lewis Dunk forced to pull out with an injury. Dunk confirmed he played through the pain barrier in the final games of the 2022/23 season, but he is not match-fit.
The apparently Real Madrid-bound Jude Bellingham has also withdrawn from the squad with a hamstring issue, but he will continue his rehabilitation work with the squad at St. George's Park.
Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi has been called up as Dunk's replacement, with Southgate happy with his midfield options in the absence of Bellingham. Levi Colwill, who spent the season on loan at Brighton from Chelsea, has joined the squad for training.
| Position | Name | Club | International Caps |
| GK | Jordan Pickford | Everton | 52 |
| GK | Sam Johnstone | Crystal Palace | 3 |
| GK | Aaron Ramsdale | Arsenal | 3 |
| DEF | Kyle Walker | Newcastle United | 75 |
| DEF | Trent Alexander-Arnold | Liverpool | 18 |
| DEF | Kieran Trippier | Newcastle United | 41 |
| DEF | John Stones | Manchester City | 66 |
| DEF | Harry Maguire | Manchester United | 55 |
| DEF | Marc Guehi | Crystal Palace | 3 |
| DEF | Tyrone Mings | Aston Villa | 17 |
| DEF | Luke Shaw | Manchester United | 29 |
| MID | Declan Rice | West Ham | 41 |
| MID | Jordan Henderson | Liverpool | 75 |
| MID | Ebere Eze | Crystal Palace | 0 |
| MID | Jude Bellingham | Borussia Dortmund | 24 |
| MID | Phil Foden | Manchester City | 23 |
| MID | Conor Gallagher | Chelsea | 6 |
| MID | James Maddison | Leicester City | 2 |
| MID | Kalvin Phillips | Manchester City | 26 |
| FWD | Bukayo Saka | Arsenal | 26 |
| FWD | Harry Kane | Tottenham | 82 |
| FWD | Callum Wilson | Newcastle United | 6 |
| FWD | Jack Grealish | Manchester City | 31 |
| FWD | Marcus Rashford | Manchester United | 51 |
Why is Ebere Eze in the England squad?
Eze has been called up on the back of a superb end to the season as the 24-year-old played a huge role in hauling Crystal Palace away from relegation danger.
Following Roy Hodgson's return, Eze has not missed a single minute of Premier League action as the Eagles picked up five wins from eight games to seal survival.
Six Premier League goals in seven games makes him one of the most in-form players in Southgate's squad, as Hodgson moved him into a more advanced role that mirrors the No.10 on his shirt.
◉ Eberechi Eze has now scored 10 Premier League goals this season
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) May 13, 2023
◉ Michael Olise has now provided 10 Premier League assists this season
What a duo. 😍#CRYBOU pic.twitter.com/RvDrwEddXV
Eze has been the Premier League take-on king this season, successfully completing more one-on-one dribble duels than any other player, including Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Kaoru Mitoma in the top 10.
His ability to beat players with ease and offer creativity in an attacking midfield role is unrivalled in Southgate's squad, with Jude Bellingham's midfield bursts offering something different, and Southgate is excited by his adaptability.
"He's finishing the season very strongly, he can play in a couple of positions across the front line," said the England boss. "He has high quality and bursts of speed to go past players with those dribbling skills."
Southgate omits Sterling
Southgate has chosen not to recall Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling after leaving him out of the March camp despite playing a key role at the 2022 World Cup.
The former Manchester City star has struggled for form and fitness since his summer move to Stamford Bridge and he wants to focus on a full recovery during the off-season, according to Southgate.
"I spoke with him a week or so ago. He's not happy with his condition physically, carrying a hamstring problem," said Southgate. "He wasn't really in consideration."
Man City stars face rapid Champions League final turnaround
Southgate has opted to include the bulk of his Manchester City players and they have been granted a delayed arrival slot following their Champions League final win on June 10.
The City contingent will face a quick turnaround following a long trip back from Istanbul, and Southgate will manage their game-time in both matches.
Who are England playing next?
England face two Euro 2024 qualifiers in June as they reach the halfway point of a compacted qualification campaign.
Southgate's team will face Malta at the National Stadium in Ta'Qali on June 16 followed by a clash with North Macedonia at Old Trafford on June 19.
| Fixture | Date | Kickoff time (ET/GMT) |
| Malta vs England | June 16, 2023 | 7:45 p.m./2:45 p.m. |
| England vs North Macedonia | June 19, 2023 | 7:45 p.m./2:45 p.m. |
