Unexpectedly, Gareth Southgate has decided to add two more young English players to the senior team.

Gareth Southgate has added two promising U21 players to the senior team ahead of England’s friendly match against Belgium.

James Trafford, a goalkeeper, age 21, and Rico Lewis, a talented full-back, age 19, are among those called up.

The reason for their selection is that regular players Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, and Sam Johnstone were forced to withdraw from the squad due to injuries.

Burnley player Trafford, who has played for England’s U21 team since he was 17, has been a reliable player for the squad.

His first call-up to the senior squad indicates that people are taking notice of his developing talent. Notably, Trafford was a key player in England’s victory at the U21 European Championship the previous summer.

Conversely, Lewis, a Manchester City young player, has already been awarded one senior cap, which he used against North Macedonia in November of last year.

With Walker, Johnstone, and Maguire out of the picture, Southgate has a chance to carry on his tradition of giving up-and-coming players a chance to play for their country.

This strategy was on display in England’s most recent 1-0 defeat to Brazil, as rookies like Anthony Gordon, Ezri Konsa, and 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo made their senior debuts.

Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton is another prospect hoping to make an impression in the forthcoming game against Belgium.

England’s prospects will need to use the game against Belgium to make a strong case for a place in the squad for Euro 2024.

This encounter is crucial for the players since Southgate will shortly finalize his Euros roster, with friendlies against Iceland and Bosnia and Herzegovina set for June.

The recent setback against Brazil exposed England’s defensive weaknesses, underscoring the significance of strengthening the backline.

Branthwaite’s showing against Belgium might increase the likelihood that he will be given a starting position during the competition.

Lewis has a difficult job ahead of him to guarantee a spot in the starting lineup on a regular basis, even though competition for full backs in England is intense.

Trafford has an excellent chance of holding down the third-choice spot, maybe even ahead of Johnstone of Crystal Palace.

All things considered, the encounter with Belgium presents a chance for England’s developing players to demonstrate their skills and make a case for a spot in Southgate’s plans for the forthcoming European Championship.