Is he better than Rice generally? No. Can he better than Rice on his day? 100% Longstaff and Gordon getting overlooked for a call up is baffling, but Southgate obviously likes his favourites.
I don't think Longstaff is an England player. He is a real work horse but not that creative. The slower International game wouldn't suit him. Southgate needs to sort out his full backs. I could understand him playing a younger player on the right instead of Trippier but when it's Walker, he must be the same age and far less creative.
Southgate selects players based on their club, not their individual ability or current form. Anyone from Man City, Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal will be in, even if not fully fit or not actually getting into their club team.
Great subs and to think Anderson, Targett, Hall, Willock, Barnes and Botman can come in, think some on here weren't that impressed with our recruitment