Disappointment for Liverpool and Chelsea stars as England boss finally trims squad

It is understood that England boss, Gareth Southgate has trimmed his squad to 23 players ahead of their crucial game against Italy in tonight’s Nations League encounter.

National Daily learned that Southgate has left out four players including Liverpool and Chelsea stars out of the final 23-man team.

Also left from the squad is Brentford’s Ivan Toney, who earned his first call-up following his fine start to the season with his club.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell were unfortunate to miss out of the final squad. Similarly, Crystal Palace centre-half Marc Guehi could not also make the cut..

John Stones, meanwhile, is suspended after he was sent off against Hungary during a shock 4-0 defeat back in June.

Henderson had joined up with the squad after he interestingly recovered earlier than expected from a hamstring injury and joined up with his international teammates earlier this week with Jurgen Klopp’s blessing.

Meanwhile, National Daily understands that Chilwell is still working his way back to full fitness having suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury this season.

Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell and Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson have failed to make the last 23-man squad

Interestingly, Manchester United captain Harry Maguire who has been under-fire for his poor form with the Red Devils is in line to feature from the start, however.

Maguire has since been relegated to the bench after United embarrassingly lost their opening two League matches with a series of indifferent performances from former Leicester City stalwart as boss Erik ten Hag opted for new signing Lisandro Martinez who has marvelously formed an impressive partnership with Raphael Varane.

England boss was however quick to defend his decision in sticking with Maguire. For Southgate: ‘You always have to back your judgement and we feel he is an important player,’ said Southgate, who joked he was putting ‘whatever reputation I have’ on the line by picking Maguire.

‘If we thought there were experienced players ready to step in and play at a level above him there would be a different consideration and in some positions, there would be a different level of competition in that way.

‘He is our most dominant aerial centre-back. Him and John [Stones] are incredible with the ball.’

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Southgate, who was taunted with chants of ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ by England fans at Molineux, says he expected nothing less than to be strongly criticised.

‘No, I’m the manager of England and you’re judged purely on results and in the moment so after 30-plus years in football I know how it works with fans,’ he added.

‘The most important thing is the players are together, the staff, and I am supported by the people I work with.

‘I am my own biggest critic, I am somebody who will always review everything intently, however, well it has gone, and you don’t expect to lose 4-0 at home and not be criticised.’