England squad announcement & latest football news

SMS Message: Not entirely over the moon about this squad. Commendable of Southgate to show loyalty to players who have served him well. But Maguire and Shaw have been unreliable for so long now, and don't get into their club side. They shouldn't be in the team. 14 defenders as well?! I also would've got Sancho in over Saka. If this is close to what we'd take to the World Cup, I won't be that optimistic. from Jamie in West Ham

Not entirely over the moon about this squad. Commendable of Southgate to show loyalty to players who have served him well. But Maguire and Shaw have been unreliable for so long now, and don't get into their club side. They shouldn't be in the team. 14 defenders as well?! I also would've got Sancho in over Saka. If this is close to what we'd take to the World Cup, I won't be that optimistic.

Cooper on Dean Henderson and his England call-up: "It is great for him. I know how important it is for him to play for England in terms of his personal objectives.

"I'm really pleased. He deserves it. He’s been excellent. We are lucky to see him on a daily basis. He’s really committed to his work here and what we’re trying to do. He is a hard worker and obviously a really talented goalkeeper. If he's willing to work hard and wanting to prove himself then his talent can really show. He has to make sure he plays well tomorrow night."

Finally, Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has been speaking ahead of the Fulham game tomorrow. He gave his thoughts on the opposition and, in particular, Aleksandar Mitrovic: "It’ll be difficult. It’s the Premier League. Every game is difficult. Fulham were excellent last year in Championship; they comfortably won the league and deserved it. They have that continuation and momentum and there is lots to be said for that.

"It will be tough. They have Mitrovic who was brilliant last year and has continued that this season. We have to be mindful of all these threats. At same time, we’ve lost some games on the bounce which is never good but also done some good things. We have to take a lot of confidence and reassurance, and have to believe we will continue to perform. There is no better way [to get back on form] than playing games. Friday night football, at home, under the lights; it'll be a brilliant atmosphere. We've got to make most of it."

SMS Message: If that was the World Cup squad they would struggle to get out of the group stages. from Pete

If that was the World Cup squad they would struggle to get out of the group stages.

On the England squad announcement: Pope, Ramsdale and Henderson are the three goalkeepers selected and I think it's a concern for Gareth Southgate at this sage, so close to the World Cup, that so many of his players have either got injury or form problems but that is not the case with the goalkeepers. Aaron Ramsdale is in very decent form, Nick Pope likewise and Dean Henderson's made a good start with Nottingham Forest as well.

On the England squad announcement: This is Gareth Southgate's last squad selection before he has to finalise his plans for the World Cup in Qatar which begins eight weeks today, so for Ivan Toney to receive a call-up now, he has burst right into contention here and he has got a chance of going to the World Cup with England which is quite a story.

On the England squad announcement: There will be great debate, as there has been now for a period of time, because Maguire's patchy form with Manchester United has lasted for a period of time and has continued this season. He started United's first two Premier League games this season but then lost his place. So he's lost his place as the Manchester United captain in their Premier League starting line-up, yet he is an absolute stalwart of Gareth Southgate's England selections.

I think this is a clear message from the England manager that Harry Maguire remains very much in his World Cup plans despite his club form and that is on the basis of what he's done for Southgate in the time that he's been England manager.

On the England squad announcement: There was quite a bit of speculation that Marcus Rashford might be back in it [the squad] and Jadon Sancho as well of Manchester United because their form has improved under Erik ten Hag but neither of them are in.

Marcus Rashford does have an injury currently. Their form will be monitored very closely over the course of those eight weeks and we'll find out in due course whether they've got a chance.

I think in terms of Ivan Toney's position, the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin - injuries continue to be a problem for him. I think that is a large part of the reason that Ivan Toney has got himself into this squad as well as the goals he's scored this year and this season when he's scored five in his seven appearances for Brentford.

Graymanuk: Southgate doing some fact-finding with this squad. He has to be wondering if Grealish and Maguire are good enough for England (probably not!). Also needs to narrow choice at right back. Shame one of them can't also play on the left where we're short.

Daniel: Amazed Southgate has only picked 12 defenders. Thought he would have had at least 20 in there.

Trevor: Great to see Ivan Toney get his first England call up, very much deserved. Pickford injured, will be interesting to see how the other keepers do. Two months till WC, stop moaning about the 28 man squad people. Just get behind the team & let's see what Nov brings!

More from Gerrard on his squad, with Emi Martinez struggling: “He hasn't been feeling too good overnight, we've had him in front of the doctor and given him some medicine to hopefully make him feel better in the coming hours. "I've got no doubt that he'll pull through and I think he'll be available.”

Gerrard on the draw with Manchester City: “The performance was the most important thing, we want to make it a turning point. “We’re on the back of one positive performance, the challenge is to back that up.”

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has reacted to Eric Dier's England recall in his pre-Leicester news conference: "I’m really pleased because when the national team call my players I am really proud because it means we are working very well. We are trying to help the players to go with the national team. In this case with Eric, it was a really good achievement for him. I can only tell him that it is to be a starting point.

"He has to gain the possibility to go to the World Cup. Before the World Cup he has to continue to play well, have a good performance, have a good stability and [show] that he is a reliable player. What I can tell him is only this, to continue this way, to continue to work hard and to have this concentration. My staff and I and his team-mates are very happy for this call for the national team."

He also spoke about the defeat to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League this week: "I think we need to be disappointed because the final result was negative. I watched the game again and I think that we lost a big chance. Not only to draw but to get three points. You have to be a bit upset. When I have the possibility to get three points, we have to do it. Don’t forget last season in all games in Europe we lost."

A couple of quick lines from Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard's pre-Southampton news conference.

On the 'All-Star' game discussion “The calendar is busy enough, it’s a nice thought, but I think we have enough to focus on.”

On team news: “We have a few issues that we need to make late calls on.

“Ollie Watkins has been unwell, Emi Martínez missed training today and we also had Robin Olsen out of training today.”

Brentford boss Thomas Frank on Ivan Toney's England recognition: “This is a fantastic day, especially for Ivan but also for everyone at Brentford. "

Glen: Fully understand Southgate naming players not getting game time now but expected to by the time he names a WC squad, but 4 right backs? Surely give some contenders elsewhere a chance to shine. White and Sancho have impressed recently to name a few.

Vishant: Maguire and Shaw included even though not regular at Man Utd . Doesn't make sense if Southgate wants to look at new players for the WC. Sancho out also seems short sighted. At least him and Rashford can rest for the Man City game.

Alex: Shaw, Maguire, Phillips, Bowen should all count themselves fortunate to be included in that squad. Sancho, Gallagher, Elliot, Mings should be there instead IMO

Tinashe: Are you seriously telling me Conor Coady is a better player than Ben White?

Dean: K Philips - one minute of football is in. Sterling has been rubbish is in - Bowen, with West Ham near the bottom is in. Maguire, Shaw are in. Seriously?

Matt: Foden, Grealish, Saka and Sterling? Really?

Adam: I like that Harvey Elliott has been left out. I'm a Liverpool fan and I know he is a HUGE part of Englands future. But for now, let the lad concentrate on Liverpool and he will get better and better. His time will come.

Rodgers lays out what he's demanding from his players after a difficult start: “Everyone’s still working very hard, there’s no other way. You want to see that grit and that passion within your workplace, and that’s something we have here in abundance.”

While you get in touch, I'll let you know what some of the Premier League bosses are saying this afternoon.

Brendan Rodgers is still looking for a first win of the season with Leicester. They travel to Spurs on Saturday.

“It’s clearly a big challenge. They did very well last season, into the Champions League, and they have some very talented players. Antonio [Conte] works how he works, he’s got them playing well and with quality.”