Zero Newcastle United players have been named in Gareth Southgate’s first England squad of 2022.
The Three Lions are preparing for friendlies against Switzerland and Cote D’Ivoire during the upcoming international break, and there have been calls for two Magpies to be involved.
Fans have been dazzled by Dan Burn since he joined Newcastle in January. The local lad has been sensational since his £13million move, producing defensive masterclass after defensive masterclass.
He’s certainly played better than Harry Maguire, who has been named in Southgate’s squad.
The other potential Newcastle option was Matt Targett. The Daily Mail reported this week that Southgate had been watching the 26-year-old.
However, neither have been called up to the England squad.
No surprise to see no Newcastle names in England squad
While it’s disappointing for Burn and Targett, it’s hardly a surprise. Burn has been brilliant for Newcastle, but it felt incredibly unlikely that he would get his first international callup.
He turns 30 in May, so Southgate probably doesn’t see any value of bringing him into the fold. Instead, he’s called up Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi for the first time – another defender who is playing brilliantly for his club.
Given Guehi is 21-years-old, it’s no shock that Southgate would choose him over someone like Burn.
Targett felt much more likely to get a callup, and he can perhaps feel hard done by given the left-backs selected by Southgate.
Luke Shaw is the only out-and-out left-sided defender named in the squad. It’s surprising to see no backup option included.
Targett could have filled that role – he’s been playing very well since he joined Newcastle on loan.
It’s disappointing for the Newcastle players who had hopes of being called up, but at least they can spend the international break focussing on the rest of the season with the Magpies.
If only Kieran Trippier was still fit – then we surely would’ve had someone in the England squad.
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