I think the Mainoo selection confirms what many of us suspect... if Branthwaite played out last season for one of the scab 6, he'd be on the plane no questions asked.
Branthwaite made 9 more appearances than Mainoo across the season and only scored 2 fewer goals(!)
If Branthwaite isn't ready at 21, how is Mainoo ready at 19?
Its why i cant fathom the reasoning behind his selection in the defensive area's!
As well as having Quansah on 'standby' to give him experience!
I think Southgate has a shine for a couple of things....Palace players & players from left field! I think during his England spell he was never the Adams/Campbell type of player so he sometimes off for a 'safe pick' instead of the obvious one.
Every single media outlet have all been suprised by Branthwaite missing out, especially with no Maguire!
I'd understand and generally not be to bothered about him missing out if Maguire was fit, as that Stones/Maguire partnership has served England well and would be the pair he waould go for!
But with that left sided centre back position up for grabs to select some of the durge he has over the likes of Branthwaite or Fikayo tomori (regular in the Champions League, Serie A winner, used to big games, bigger, stronger & quicker than Guehi), it leaves a bit of a bad taste!
Its the huge bottle neck of forward players he's selected that baffles me!