London:
Jordan Henderson was on Thursday named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for matches against Ukraine and Scotland despite a transfer from Liverpool to Saudi club Al-Ettifaq.
Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire has also been included in the 26-man squad despite being left out of the Old Trafford squad, but there is no place for in-form Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling.
The road to next year’s European Championship continues with a qualifier against Ukraine in Poland on 9 September, before a friendly in Scotland three days later.
Henderson’s move to Al-Ettifaq has raised questions over his international career, while former United captain Maguire and Manchester City midfielder Calvin Phillips have yet to play a minute of club football this season.
Under-21 European Championship winner Levi Colville received his first formal call-up and uncapped Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah also received his first clearance.
Midfielder Henderson, 33, opted to leave Liverpool for the Saudi Pro League in July and Southgate admits he has some concerns.
“We’ve seen every game,” he said. “As we go forward the physical intensity of the league, due to the heat, will also be important, will it allow him to perform at the level we need.
“Obviously the level of the league is changing all the time. Many countries will have this problem. Portugal has some players so I’m sure they will still play international football.”
Speaking about Maguire’s inclusion, Southgate said: “We’ve lost a lot of experienced capped players at centre-half.
“We are giving some less experienced players a chance to come into the squad but unfortunately it looks like Tyrone (Mings) is out for the season, (John) Stones is out for this camp, Eric Dier not in the Tottenham squad Are .
“There’s a spot there and I think it’s important for these two games that we have some experience on that spot of the pitch.”
Southgate said the way back is still open for Sterling, who has 82 caps, adding that other players have established themselves in his absence in recent matches.
“It’s a difficult decision and Rahim isn’t particularly happy about it – I’m sure he’ll have a good season at Chelsea, I have no doubt about that.”
