Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck will represent England in UEFA Nations League.
England will face Spain at Wembley on 8th September in the first game of UEFA Nations League.
They then take on Switzerland on 11th September in a friendly as they look to build on their encouraging fourth-place finish at this year’s FIFA World Cup.
Southgate said: “We’re on the back of a successful tournament. Not too much can have changed in that time because we reached the semi-final and there has only been three league games.
“We had some mature conversations with Jamie Vardy, Gary Cahill and Ashley Young in terms of the desire to look at younger players.
“We had five changes anyway and we felt that was enough. We also won’t stand still.
“Luke Shaw is still only 23, Joe Gomes is 21 so we have lowered the age again. We are aware of the excitement around other young players but it might be a bit too early for some.
“He has had a difficult period adapting to a new club, a horrendous injury, but he has had an extra edge to his game.
“When it’s been going against his team he has been one who has shown aggression and a desire not to lose.
“I’m really pleased for him that he looks like he’s playing with confidence.”
Welbeck got back into Arsenal’s squad last week, scoring against West Ham after coming on as a substitute. He will be out with England not only to make his nation proud but also make a statement to Unai Emery that ‘He deserves his place in the squad’.
FULL ENGLAND SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Alex McCarthy, Jordan Pickford
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Harry Maguire, Danny Rose, Luke Shaw, John Stones, James Tarkowski, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Dele Alli, Fabian Delph, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Jesse Lingard, Rubem Loftus-Cheek, Raheem Sterling
Forwards: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck
