England manager Gareth Southgate has announced his latest Three Lions squad today – but there is no place for Newcastle United star Karl Darlow.
The next international break will commence following this weekend’s round of Premier League fixtures, and England have World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland.
Earlier this week, there was news of an injury to Jordan Pickford which made him unavailable for selection.
Some Newcastle fans felt that Darlow might have been in the manager’s thinking to replace the Everton stopper.
But Southgate has overlooked Darlow in favour of West Bromwich Albion star Sam Johnstone, with Nick Pope and Dean Henderson taking the other two spots.
On his decision, Southgate said (via Chronicle): “Karl Darlow has had a very good season for Newcastle.
“He’s probably found himself out of the team at just the wrong time in many regards really.
“But Sam Johnstone, in a team that has had a difficult season, has kept a very good level of performance.
“He’s comfortable in possession as well as keeping the ball out of his net.”
Darlow can count himself unlucky
Johnstone has been great for West Brom, but Darlow probably can feel a little hard done by.
His form dip did a bit before eventually causing him to lose his place to Martin Dubravka, but he was magnificent in the first few months of the season.
Perhaps losing his place to Dubravka was what ultimately sealed it for Southgate.
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