Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite have received their maiden England call-ups as Gareth Southgate announced his squad for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

There was no place for Southgate squad regular Kalvin Phillips who hasn't made the cut in Southgate's final England squad before Euro 2024, after some disappointing performances while on loan at West Ham. 

Joe Gomez, who won the last of his 11 senior caps in October 2020, has returned from the international wilderness for March's Wembley friendlies.

Ivan Toney is back involved at the first opportunity after serving an eight-month Football Association betting ban, but Raheem Sterling was conspicuous by his absence once again.

There's also spots for in-form Chelsea star Cole Palmer and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire. 

Centre-back Branthwaite earned a maiden England call-up after a fine breakthrough season with Everton.

Southgate added: "He's good with the ball, shows good composure, good mentality. He's a left-footer and we don't have many left-footed defenders.

"He's in on merit and we're keen to find out more about him."

Anthony Gordon was another to earn a first call-up to Southgate's squad after scoring 10 times for Newcastle this season.

"Consistently good performances. He was very close in November and he's continued his form," Southgate explained.

"He is scoring, his work for the team is excellent and he competes, so I really like his attitude."

Phillips has been dropped after a torrid run of form since he joined West Ham on loan in January.

The midfielder was at fault for a goal on his debut against Bournemouth before he was sent off at Nottingham Forest last month and hooked at half-time of Sunday's 2-2 draw at home to Burnley.

England boss Gareth Southgate said: "Well, I think he knows exactly what we think of him. A good version of him is an important player for us and that's why we've supported him as we have.

"Unfortunately his form hasn't been good enough and I've spoken to him about that. He understands.

"He has all the attributes to force his way back in. He just needs to find that rhythm and confidence because there is an outstanding player in there."

Southgate also revealed Arsenal defender Ben White would have been in the 25-man squad but has made himself unavailable for England selection.

"Clearly on form I can't sit here and say he doesn't deserve to be in," Southgate explained.

"We, John McDermott and I, had a call from Edu (Arsenal sporing director) last week (and he) said Ben didn't want to be considered for England squads at this time.

"For me that is a great shame. He is a player we took to the Euros, a player we took to the World Cup and I spoke to him post-Qatar because I wanted to pick him.

"He is not available to us and there is no issue between us at all and I also should say there is never any issue with (coach) Steve Holland because that has been mentioned in articles and I don't like that.

"I want that door wide open. He would be in this squad but he's not available to us and I have to focus on who can help us."