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England announces Russia World Cup 2018 squad

By Shawn Ivan D'souza

MARSEILLE, FRANCE - JUNE 11: England players celebrate their first goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group B match between England and Russia at Stade Velodrome on June 11, 2016 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
MARSEILLE, FRANCE - JUNE 11: England players celebrate their first goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group B match between England and Russia at Stade Velodrome on June 11, 2016 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) /
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England has announced their 23-man squad who will take part in this summer’s extravaganza in Russia. Gareth Southgate has picked players from the Premier League only. A couple of surprise call-ups in store for the English fans.

England took to Twitter to reveal their squad for the World Cup in Russia. The Three Lions took the streets and involved the fans to announce the 23 men representing the country.

Following early speculation, Joe Hart and Jack Wilshere will not be taking the flight to Russia this summer. Reports suggested that Jonjo Shelvey might make the cut for the squad. But the Newcastle midfield will have to watch the World Cup at his home this time around.

Excellent performances for Liverpool means Trent Alexander-Arnold receives a surprise call-up from Gareth Southgate. Born in West Derby, the left-back is yet to make his debut for the Three Lions. Another uncapped player on the plane will be Nick Pope, who was magnificent in front of goal for Burnley this season.

Playing for Crystal Palace, Ruben Loftus-Cheek managed to catch the eyes of Gareth Southgate with his performances this season. Harry Maguire is one of the surprise call-ups to the Three Lions squad for Russia.

The English squad is dominated by players from the Premier League’s top three – Tottenham (5), Manchester City(4), Manchester United(4).  Gary Cahill is likely to lead the Three Lions at the World Cup. Ashley Young could stake his claim for the captain’s role, being the senior-most member of the squad.

Cahill, Sterling, Jones and Henderson are the only players to have retained their places from the 2014 World Cup. Harry Kane, Sterling, Rashford, Welbeck and Vardy will be competing for spots to lead the English forward line.

Goalkeepers, Butland, Pickford and Pope have combined 9 caps between them. Stoke’s Butland is likely to be Southgate’s first choice in Russia. The likes of Joe Hart could have helped in this department.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jack Butland (Stoke), Nick Pope (Burnley)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Kieran Trippier, Danny Rose (both Tottenham), Harry Maguire (Leicester), Phil Jones (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Gary Cahill (Chelsea)

Midfielder: Jordan Henderson, (Liverpool), Eric Dier, Dele Alli (both Tottenham), Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young (both Man Utd), Fabian Delph (Man City), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea),

Forwards: Raheem Sterling (Man City), Jamie Vardy (Leicester), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal).

Next: How England should line-up at the World Cup

One could easily come to a conclusion that this squad is fairly inexperienced. But these the most talented players in Europe at this moment. It will be interesting to see who far will these men take England at the World Cup this summer.

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