Rashford, Sancho, Walker left off England squad as Guehi gets 1st call-up

Gareth Southgate left some big names out of his squad as England steps up its preparations for the World Cup later this year.

Manchester United attacking duo Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho will miss out, along with Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker, for the Three Lions' friendlies against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast later in March.

Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi was handed his first international call-up. The defender, 21, has impressed under Patrick Vieira at Selhurst Park following his £20-million summer transfer from Chelsea. He was previously on a season-long loan with Championship side Swansea City.

There's a youthful look to the roster, with Guehi, Phil Foden, and Trent Alexander-Arnold headlining a group of 11 players aged 23 and under. Aaron Ramsdale, 23, only has one England cap but will be expected to push for the No. 1 shirt off the back of some standout performances in goal for Arsenal.

England hosts Switzerland at Wembley on March 26 before facing the Ivory Coast at the same venue three days later.

England squad

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

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Coady (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Ben White (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Conor Gallagher (Crystal Palace, on loan from Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham United), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

Forwards: Tammy Abraham (Roma), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)