Liverpool duo Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge linked up with the England squad this week ahead of their latest World Cup qualifiers.
The Three Lions take on Malta (October 6) and Slovenia (October 11) as they look to move past a tumultuous period of managerial change and seal their place in the World Cup in 2018.
Following the departure of Sam Allardyce after just one game, England U21s manager Gareth Southgate has been placed in temporary charge.
The 46-year-old called up both Henderson and Sturridge for his first squad, though fellow Liverpool stars James Milner, Nathaniel Clyne and Adam Lallana were unavailable.
Milner recently retired from duty, and has explained how this decision would help prolong his playing career, while Clyne and Lallana are both sidelined for the break due to injury.
Henderson and Sturridge joined their international team-mates at St. George’s Park this week to begin preparations.
This saw Southgate lead training alongside assistant Sammy Lee, with the England squad in high spirits.
Taking on Malta at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night, the Three Lions will be hoping to continue their positive qualifying campaign so far, having sealed a 1-0 win away to Slovakia under Allardyce in September.
They then travel to the Stozice Stadium on Tuesday night, clashing with Srecko Katanec’s Slovenia side, with the likes of Jan Oblak and Josip Ilicic likely to feature for the hosts.
Henderson and Sturridge will then return to Merseyside, along with another 12 internationals, ready for Liverpool’s next Premier League outing at home to Manchester United on October 17.
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