Watkins selection questioned amid calls for two other strikers to be picked England

The national manager is without several first-team players, including Manchester United's Harry Maguire and Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold due to injuries.

However, the omissions of Mason Greenwood and Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham raised some eyebrows, with Southgate carefully managing their workloads.

United summer signing Jadon Sancho was named in Southgate's squad alongside Manchester City's Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling, Tottenham's Harry Kane, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Aston Villa ace Ollie Watkins.

There has been some debate about the attacking frontline, with Southgate's side aiming to seal their place in next year's World Cup in Qatar.

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy would like to have seen Tammy Abraham in the side, given his form at Roma following his transfer from Chelsea.

"I am a little bit surprised at Watkins ahead of Tammy Abraham." Murphy told talkSPORT.

The 23-year-old striker has already scored four times this season and is relishing life under Jose Mourinho in Italy.

"He looks so confident, he's the main man and he's enjoying that. I like Watkins and not saying he's a bad player, but who do you rather play against? I'd rather have Tammy.

"I am surprised that he didn't reward him and bring him in."

Meanwhile, talkSPORT pundit Ray Parlour hailed Ivan Toney's performances this season, which he believes are worthy of an England call up.

"I am surprised that someone like Ivan Toney has not had a chance. I think he's been brilliant in the Premier League for Brentford." said the 48-year-old.

Toney registered two goals and two assists and has helped his side make a promising start in the top-flight.

"Toney can't do nothing more. Ivan Toney deserves an opportunity and I think every single centre-half that played against him.

"We're talking about Liverpool last weekend. Van Dijk - one of the best centre halves in the world. He gave him a tough game.

"That's what he can keep doing is to play well for his club."