Ivan Toney and Kyle Walker make England squad despite betting and 'flashing' sagas

Gareth Southgate has named his first England squad since crashing out of the Qatar World Cup in the quarter-finals to France as the Three Lions face Euro 2024 qualifiers vs Italy and Ukraine

Jeremy Cross Chief Sports Writer and Sam Fletcher

14:02, 16 Mar 2023Updated 14:14, 16 Mar 2023

[Gareth Southgate the England head coach just before kick off during the FIFA World Cup 2022 quarter-final match between England and France at the Al Bayt Stadium on December 10th 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar ]

Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 preparations are underway(Image: Getty Images)

Gareth Southgate has ringed the changes to his England squad as the Three Lions turn their attention towards Euro 2024 qualification.

Kicking off the road to Germany with clashes against Italy and Ukraine, both Ivan Toney and Kyle Walker have earned a call-up despite ongoing probes against the duo. Toney is being investigated by the FA for breaches surrounding betting rules while Walker is under scrutiny for allegedly flashing a woman at a bar in Manchester.

And in a further show of faith from Southgate, he has named both Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips even though the duo have been unable to secure game time with their respective clubs. Phillips has just two games for Manchester City this season, while Maguire has started just five for Manchester United since returning from Qatar.

But it is the inclusion of Toney that will cause the most surprise. The forward is awaiting the outcome of a probe into 232 alleged breaches of FA betting rules, which could lead to a lengthy ban. Toney was called up in September but did not win a cap and Southgate did not take him to the World Cup in Qatar, but insisted he had not been blocked from selecting him.

"The fact is he [Toney] is available for his club and there has not been a trial or judgement yet, I dont know on what basis we wouldnt pick him," voiced Southgate regarding Toney's inclusion. "Ivan has been consistent across the season. He is playing really well. I like his presence in games and he deserves his opportunity."

HAVE YOUR SAY! Has Southgate got his squad selection right? Let us know in the comments section.

[Ivan Toney has been called up to the England squad]

Ivan Toney has been called up to the England squad(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

[Kyle Walker has also been included despite an ongoing probe]

Kyle Walker has also been included despite an ongoing probe(Image: Getty Images)

Bleeding in a new crop of England starlets, Conor Coady and Ben White are the obvious omissions for the spring doubleheader. Both were included in Southgate's World Cup camp before the Arsenal defender returned home for "personal reasons".

Stepping in is Marc Guehi, who has been rewarded for a string of strong performances at Crystal Palace. After missing out in Qatar through injury, Chelsea duo Reece James and Ben Chilwell return to the defensive fold.

Southgate does revert to type between the sticks. Trusty shot-stopper Jordan Pickford has been an ever-present since the England manager stepped up to the senior squad and the Everton No1 will be expecting to keep his starting berth ahead of Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope.

Despite hitting six goals in seven Premier League outings, there is no call-up for Ollie Watkins. The Aston Villa striker snubbed in favour of Toney.

[Southgate has named his first Three Lions squad since the World Cup]

Southgate has named his first Three Lions squad since the World Cup(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

[Marc Guehi has been included in Southgate's 25-man squad]

Marc Guehi has been included in Southgate's 25-man squad(Image: Offside via Getty Images)

Southgate reaffirmed his commitment to the manager's job after defeat to France in the World Cup quarter-finals despite speculation that he would hand in his resignation. The 52-year-old refused to comment on his future in the immediate aftermath of the 2-1 reverse, instead stating he would need a period of reflection to contemplate what was best for himself and the national side.

After a week of soul-searching, Southgate then confirmed to the FA that he would remain in post and spearhead the charge to Germany in 2024. An FA statement read: "We are delighted to confirm that Gareth Southgate is continuing as England Manager, and will lead our Euro 2024 campaign. Gareth and Steve Holland have always had our full support, and our planning for the Euros starts now."

England kick-off their Euro 2024 campaign against Italy at the Diego Armando Maradona on March 23rd before Ukraine are the visitors to Wembley on March 26th.

England Squad In Full:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Nick Pope (Newcastle)

Defenders: Luke Shaw (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Kyle Walker (Man City), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), Kieran Tripper (Newcastle), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Reece James (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Kalvin Phillips (Man City), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), James Maddison (Leicester), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Buyako Saka (Arsenal), Jack Grealish (Man City), Phil Foden (Man City), Ivan Toney (Brentford)

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