Seven England regulars eased out by Southgate

Gareth Southgate has overseen a radical shift in the make-up of the England team, abandoning a host of experienced campaigners in favour of younger faces. Only 11 players remain from Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2016 squad and five from the World Cup in 2014. Some high-profile players have fallen by the wayside.

If you want 16 Conclusions from Southgate’s England squad, click here.

 

WAYNE ROONEY (Age 32, caps 119)
Southgate inherited Rooney as captain but quickly made it clear he would not be a first-choice pick. Having eased him out of the captain’s armband and then the team, it became clear the country’s record goalscorer would not make it to Russia and he retired. He knew where he was not wanted.

 

JOE HART (31, 75)
Kept the new manager’s faith throughout qualifying, missing his only competitive game once top spot had already been secured. But turbulent club form saw him lose his grip on the number one shirt and Southgate decided against bringing him along in a support role. Obviously it’s all David Moyes’ fault.

 

THEO WALCOTT (29, 47)
Appeared in Southgate’s earliest squads but was dropped in a tense phone call on the day of his 28th birthday. A move from Arsenal to Everton has not improved his standing in the new regime and he may not be seen again.

 

PHIL JAGIELKA (35, 40)
Missed out on Euro 2016 under Roy Hodgson but restored by Southgate in his interim stint. Became Everton’s most capped England international when winning a 40th cap against Spain but was not called up again after being pictured socialising with Rooney and wedding guests in the early hours at the team hotel.

 

JACK WILSHERE (26, 34)
The Arsenal man has been more talked about than seen on international breaks during the past two years, with his role frequently debated but no appearances since the Iceland defeat at Euro 2016. Was handed an eleventh hour chance in March but his withdrawal through injury strengthened the manager’s scepticism.

 

CHRIS SMALLING (28, 31)
At the age where central defenders are typically thought to be entering their prime, Smalling has instead been cast to the periphery. Southgate did not sugar the pill when cutting him loose, explaining his comfort levels on the ball did not pass muster. Seeing Alfie Mawson called up must have hurt.

 

DANIEL STURRIDGE (28, 26)
Has plummeted down the reckoning for club and country in the past 18 months. Scored the injury-time winner against Wales in Euro 2016 and notched against Malta and Scotland in qualification, but has not impressed either Southgate or Jurgen Klopp with his wider contribution or his fitness. Ended the season at relegated West Brom.