Ivan Toney in England squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers v Italy and Ukraine, Trent-Alexander-Arnold, Raheem Sterling out

Ivan Toney has been included in Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine at the end of March.

“There hasn’t been a trial yet or any judgement so I don’t know on what basis we wouldn’t pick him really,” Southgate said of Toney’s selection in relation his FA case.

“Ivan has been consistent throughout the season. He is playing really well. I like his presence in games.”

In his first squad since the 2022 World Cup, Southgate has kept faith with several players who participated in Qatar.

In defence, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is a notable exclusion after a difficult campaign at club level.

Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi makes the cut having missed out in Qatar, while Manchester City’s Kyle Walker is also included despite currently being subject of a police investigation.

“It’s a complicated situation,” said Southgate.

“I have spoken at length with him. The situation at the moment is he’s playing with his club and there’s no conclusive evidence at this stage.”

Captain Harry Kane, level on 53 goals with Wayne Rooney, will have the opportunity to go clear of the former Manchester United forward at the top of the all-time scoring charts.

However, Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling has not been selected reportedly due to fitness concerns.

England first face Italy in Naples on March 23 at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Southgate’s side then welcome Ukraine to Wembley three days later on March 26.

Malta and Macedonia make up Group C as the Three Lions will look to secure their place at the tournament which takes place in Germany next summer.

England’s first opponents Italy are the reigning European champions after beating Southgate’s team on penalties in the final of Euro 2020.

Full squad:

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

Defenders: Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), James Maddison (Leicester City), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (West Ham United)

Forwards: Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford)