LONDON: The uncapped Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson has earned his first call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the forthcoming international friendly against the United States and Nations League return against Croatia.

Wayne Rooney has also been included in the squad for the US game only when he is expected to play the final few minutes. Rooney, now with DC United and England’s all-time leading scorer, would thus be given a formal ‘home’ farewell to mark his 120th cap.

Southgate's latest pick - though Welbeck was later withdrawn because of serious injury.

Midfielders Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard return after being ruled out of last month’s Nations League double-header against Spain and Croatia through injury – with youngsters Mason Mount and James Maddison dropping out.

Alex McCarthy and Luke Shaw were also included, having been forced to withdraw from the previous squad due to minor injuries. So was Danny Welbeck but he has been withdrawn after a serious ankle injury in Arsenal’s Europa League tie against Sporting Clube of Lisbon.

Everton defender Michael Keane is included in an England squad for the first time in 12 months, with uncapped Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk also retaining his place.

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Marcus Bettinelli, Jack Butland, Alex McCarthy, Jordan Pickford

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, Michael Keane, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker

Midfielders: Ross Barkley, Dele Alli, Fabian Delph, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Harry Winks

Forwards: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Wayne Rooney, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Callum Wilson.

#################