Wilshere returns to England squad, Burnley duo get nod

Jack Wilshere returned to the England fold on Thursday as Gareth Southgate revealed the squad to face the Netherlands and Italy in March's friendlies.

There were also first call-ups for Burnley duo Nick Pope and James Tarkowski, and Swansea City defender Alfie Mawson. Injured Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane, Chelsea veteran Gary Cahill, and Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles are notable absentees.

(Courtesy: @England)

Liverpool midfielders Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana were also called in after missing recent national team duty through injury, and uncapped Lewis Cook keeps his place in Southgate's plans after establishing himself in Bournemouth's first team.

Pope's inclusion is the latest development in the much-debated goalkeeping situation. Tom Heaton's long-term injury has allowed Pope to assume his place in both the Burnley lineup and England squad, while Jordan Pickford, Joe Hart, and Jack Butland were selected despite tricky campaigns at Everton, West Ham United, and Stoke City, respectively. Shot-stoppers missing the chance to impress ahead of this summer's World Cup include Fraser Forster, who has been dropped at Southampton, England Under-21 standout Angus Gunn, and Derby County's Scott Carson, who hasn't been picked since 2011.

England takes on the Netherlands in Amsterdam on March 23, before hosting Italy at Wembley four days later.