GARETH SOUTHGATE has had to drop TWO stars ahead of England’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy.
Both AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori and Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah have been omitted from the squad.
GettyEddie Nketiah made his debut against Australia[/caption]
GettyFikayo Tomori has been left out against Italy[/caption]
England boss Gareth Southgate had 25 players for the final training session but only 23 can be named in matchday squads.
Nketiah made his debut in England’s 1-0 friendly win over Australia on Friday, coming on as a substitute for winner Ollie Watkins.
Tomori – who left Chelsea for Milan in 2021 – has made four senior Three Lions appearances.
England sit atop of Group C with Italy three points behind.
And tonight’s match gives Southgate’s side another chance to avenge their heartbreaking Euros final loss in 2021.
But Southgate – who led England to World Cup quarters last winter – claimed he is a better manager for the heartache.
He said: “You are managing big matches all the time in one of the most high-profile jobs in football so of course, like every manager, you are improving every day.
“I’m sure every coach would be saying they are better than six months ago; they know more, are more experienced and have encountered more of the situations.
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“I hadn’t managed a European final before so the next one I am in I will have another reference and you have more experience.
“It’s as simple as that. You can only gain experience by being in those moments.
“People have asked what I would do differently that night but if I had done something differently I don’t know how that would have played out.
“You make decisions with the information you have at a given time and it’s played out in front of everybody.
“Everybody can then, in hindsight, say what should have happened but that tape is never played and nobody really knows the answer.”
Gareth Southgate speaks ahead of England’s game with ItalyRichard Pelham / The Sun
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