The players to have gone out of the squad from the matches against Italy and Ukraine are Nick Pope, Ben Chilwell, Eric Dier, Reece James, Mason Mount and Ivan Toney.

Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale.

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lewis Dunk, Marc Guehi, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker.

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson, James Maddison, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice.

Forwards: Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Callum Wilson.

Alex Howell
Football reporter

Chelsea striker Raheem Sterling has been left out of this England squad for the games against Malta and North Macedonia.

Sterling was not in the last squad named by Gareth Southgate in March but would have been included then if he was fit.

However after a conversation between the manager and the player it has been decided he wont be in the squad for this camp,

A spokesperson from Sterling’s team said: "Following a private conversation between coach and player, a mutual decision has been made for Raheem Sterling to sit out the upcoming internationals, focusing instead on recuperating his body in preparation for the upcoming season."

It has been a difficult season for Sterling and Chelsea, the forward has scored nine goals while the Blues have struggled in the Premier League this campaign.

BBC Sport understands that Sterling’s commitment to the England national team is as strong as ever, and he looks forward to meeting back up with the squad for the 2023-24 season.

Crystal Palace's uncapped midfielder Eberechi Eze has been named in Gareth Southgate's squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.

Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, Brighton centre-half Lewis Dunk, Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings and Newcastle striker Callum Wilson are also named.

Image source, .

Image source, Getty Images

Spain left-back Jordi Alba, 34, will be leaving Barcelona in the summer.

A club statement said: "FC Barcelona and Jordi Alba have reached an agreement to terminate the player's contract with the club one year earlier than it was due to expire at the end of the 2023/24 season.

"FC Barcelona would like to publicly express its gratitude to Alba for his professionalism, commitment and dedication, and his ever-positive and friendly relationship with all members of the Barca family, and wishes him every fortune in the future. Barca will always be a home for you, Jordi."

There may well be some Premier League clubs monitoring the situation closely.

Image source, Getty Images

Eberechi Eze has been one of the brightest sparks for Crystal Palace this season with a team-leading 10 goals and four assists, renewing calls for Gareth Southgate to consider him for an England call-up this summer.

The arrival of Hodgson back at Selhurst Park further fuelled the midfielder, who admitted he may be playing the best football of his life.

Asked how much he’s enjoying himself right now, Eze replied: “Loads, loads. I feel like I’ve got the freedom to play, to do my thing and I’m just happy to be playing and enjoying my football.

“I just feel like I’ve been given the freedom. I found it difficult at times, as a team we were going through a tough period so that’s natural, but since the gaffer has come in I feel like we have worked well together.

“I’ve obviously played with him before, so I understand what he wants and where he wants me to be, so I think that’s helped.

“I want to continue to play how I’ve been playing, I want to continue enjoying it, contributing to the game as much as I can and I feel like that is the most important thing.”

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson has scored 11 goals since he was overlooked for the European Championship qualifying wins against Italy and Ukraine in March.

The 31-year-old went to the World Cup in Qatar but scored just once in 13 games after the Premier League season resumed, prompting England boss Gareth Southgate to leave him out.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has previously backed his striker for a recall.

Howe said: “It’s one for Gareth, but he [Wilson] is certainly doing the right things, scoring goals. That is always going to get you the headlines. He is certainly in great form. I don’t know if it is his best.

“But he is very focused at the moment and he knows he has to be. The biggest compliment I can pay him is that, whatever situation he’s been in, he’s still been himself, laughing, smiling, joking. He is a really positive character.”

Alex Howell
Football reporter

Eberechi Eze has been in excellent form for Crystal Palace since the return of Roy Hodgson. He’s scored 10 goals and got four assists in a season that has seen him shake off any memories of that terrible achilles injury.

Eze was included in the initial 33-man squad for the European Championships in 2020 but that very same injury ruled him out.

With a number of selection decisions for Southgate to make, Eze being in good form and having been on the radar before, this could be the perfect time for him to make his England debut.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham missed Sunday’s 3-0 win at Augsburg with a knee problem he suffered in the 5-2 win over Borussia Monchengladbach and is a doubt for Saturday’s final game against Mainz.

Dortmund are two points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga, hunting their first title since 2012.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is in contention for a return after his improved form for Liverpool and with Reece James’ season having been ended by a hamstring injury in April.

Marcus Rashford is expected to be fit after injury and illness this month and Raheem Sterling could be recalled after being injured in March, while Morgan Gibbs-White’s form, which has helped Nottingham Forest stay in the Premier League, makes him an option for Southgate.

Ben Chilwell has a hamstring injury, which could open the door for Arsenal’s Ben White to return, while Chelsea team-mate Mason Mount had surgery on a pelvic injury last month and is unlikely to be risked.

Alex Howell
Football reporter

This was always going to be a tough England squad for Gareth Southgate to pick. The games against Malta and North Macedonia come nearly three weeks after the Premier League season finishes. He also has to contend with the fact that Manchester City are in the Champions League final which is just a couple of days before the England squad is due to join up at St George’s Park.

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins missed out on a call-up last time and will come into Gareth Southgate’s thoughts again.

Watkins has 15 goals this season, although he has not scored in his last six outings and missed a penalty in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Liverpool.

There is an attacking spot available after Brentford forward Ivan Toney’s eight-month ban for betting offences was confirmed this month.

Toney made his debut as a late substitute in the 2-0 win over Ukraine but will now be unable to play competitively again until January.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has left his role as Head Coach of PSV Eindhoven with immediate effect, citing a lack of support as the reason for his departure.

This morning, the Dutch side issued a statement:

"After several discussions about internal affairs that have taken place in recent weeks, a meeting took place on Tuesday evening between the Board of Directors and Van Nistelrooy. It was decided to keep the focus on next Sunday's match against AZ and to continue talking after the season.

"Van Nistelrooy reported this morning that in his opinion there was not enough support within the club to continue longer. He immediately explained this to the players and staff.

"This Sunday, at the request of the management, Fred Rutten will temporarily take over his role as Head Coach.

"PSV regrets Van Nistelrooy's decision and is grateful to him for winning the Johan Cruyff Scale and the TOTO KNVB Cup this season and hopes to close the football year with second place."

Van Nistelrooy took charge of PSV Eindhoven in March 2022 and signed a three-year deal with the club.

Simon Stone
BBC Sport

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reverted to type when asked about apparent interest in Brazilian superstar Neymar.

Ten Hag hides behind 'when we have got news we will tell you' whenever he doesn't want to give an answer, whether there is something concrete hidden within the question or not.

Today was no different.

Manchester United

In his news conference previewing Thursday's match between Manchester United and Chelsea, United manager Erik ten Hag praised the 'journey' his side are on and outlined the need for focus: "First we have to win the game tomorrow and get the job done. Then it's about the judgement from others, if it's a good performance or bad performance or a normal performance.

"We are in a project and we want to go back and win trophies. We win one trophy but we want to win more trophies. We want to compete with the best but we are still in a journey. We are still in a journey, but we think we are in the right direction. But we can always be better because good is not good enough.

"We want to compete with the best and then you have to be in the Champions League. So (it is) simple. "In the Premier League you have to qualify yourself to be in the first four. That's not easy because there are many competing for it. Many think they should be in and we are one of them."

Manchester United

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag answered questions on summer transfer plans and rumours that Anthony Martial may depart the club in his news conference this afternoon: "No (it is not fair to suggest Martial may leave).

"If you are not available you can't score. When he was available, we played better, and this team is winning games.

"He is also scoring goals then, but he has to be available."

On rumours that United are pursuing Neymar: "When we have news, we will tell you."

Manchester United

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been speaking to the media ahead of his side's clash with Chelsea on Thursday.

The Dutchman hopes Marcus Rashford will be fit and available for the Premier League fixture: "Yesterday he returned to training. He looks quite fit but we have to see today what is the outcome of the training, how did he recover, and then we will make our choices.”