Five Manchester City players have been named to the England squad.

Gareth Southgate has named a 28-man squad for the Three Lions’ final two matches before the World Cup begins in just over two months.

England manager Gareth Southgate has named his squad for the final two games before the World Cup this summer.

Three Manchester United players make his 28-man squad for the Nations League doubleheader against Italy and Germany later this month, while Manchester City has five representatives. On Friday, September 23, the Three Lions will visit the San Siro. Three days later, they face archrivals Germany in the final group stage match at Wembley Stadium.

United captain Harry Maguire, who has been dropped by Erik ten Hag in recent weeks, makes the squad, while Luke Shaw is a surprise inclusion after not playing for his club in over a month. Dean Henderson, who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, has also been recalled.

Marcus Rashford’s strong start to the season had led to hopes of a recall. But those were dashed after he suffered an injury meaning he misses United’s Europa League clash with FC Sheriff on Thursday. The 24-year-old has not played for his country since the defeat by Italy in the Euro 2020 final. Fellow United colleague Jadon Sancho also misses out despite an encouraging start to the campaign.

As for City, the quintet of Kyle Walker, John Stones, Kalvin Phillips, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish all retain their squad spots.

Southgate’s men will not play any friendlies before the first-ever winter staging of the World Cup in Qatar. England will contest the second game of the tournament when they face Iran in Al Rayyan on November 21.

England’s 28-man squad to face Italy and Germany: Dean Henderson, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Eric Dier, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker; Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse; Tammy Abraham, Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Ivan Toney.