Only two players that played in Gareth Southgate’s first-ever England match still remain in his squad

Gareth Southgate’s England: A Team of Turnover

It’s crazy to think that eight years have passed since Gareth Southgate first took the reins of the England national team. In that time, we’ve seen two World Cups, a pair of European Championships, and a whole lot of change.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at Southgate’s first starting XI, back in October 2016 against Malta. Two players from that game still remain part of the Three Lions’ set-up today – the dynamic duo of Kyle Walker and John Stones.

The rest of that team has either retired or moved on. Joe Hart, the goalkeeper that day, is no longer involved with the national team. The back four in front of him – Walker, Gary Cahill, Stones, and Ryan Bertrand – has also seen significant changes.

Midfield trio Wayne Rooney, Jordan Henderson, and Dele Alli have all moved on, with Henderson missing out on the Euro 2024 squad and Alli currently a free agent. Up front, Theo Walcott, Daniel Sturridge, and Jesse Lingard have all hung up their boots.

The only constants from that game have been Walker and Stones, who have remained first-choice selections under Southgate. The duo has formed a formidable partnership at the back, and it’s a testament to their dedication and hard work.

As we head into another major tournament, it’s a good reminder of just how quickly the landscape of international football can change. Players come and go, but the core values of the team remain the same.

So, what does the future hold for Southgate’s England? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the Three Lions will be looking to build on their recent success and make another deep run in the tournament.

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