Who got A plus ...and who got E minus?
Chris Waugh grades every United player’s season:
NEWCASTLE United pair Jonjo Shelvey and Jamaal Lascelles have missed out on a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Gareth Southgate announced his 23-man squad for next month’s showpiece in Russia yesterday and although it contained a few bold selections, neither of the Magpies duo made the cut.
A long list of pundits and former internationals pressed Shelvey’s case for a place in the squad after a series of good performances for Newcastle this season.
But instead Southgate opted for Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson, Tottenham’s Eric Dier, Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek (on loan with Crystal Palace) and Manchester City’s Fabian Delph in his midfield.
Also omitted were Adam Lallana, Jack Wilshere or Jake Livermore either – all of whom have been involved under Southgate.
Lascelles, who captained Newcastle to an unexpected top-10 finish this term, missed out on a centre-back berth.
Chelsea’s Gary Cahill, Manchester City pair Kyle Walker and John Stones, Leicester’s Harry Maguire and Manchester United’s Phil Jones all called up instead.
With neither Shelvey or Lascelles on the stand-by list, their chances of representing the Three Lions in Russia are over.
The pair will now enjoy a wellearned break and report back for pre-season with Newcastle as the club look to build on this year’s promising campaign.
“I believe this is a squad which we can be excited about,” said England boss Southgate in a statement from the FA.
“It is a young group, but with some really important senior players so I feel the balance of the squad is good, both in terms of its experience, its character and also the positional balance.
“We have a lot of energy and athleticism in the team, but players that are equally comfortable in possession of the ball and I think people can see the style of play we’ve been looking to develop.
“The selection process has been over months really, it’s not just been the last few weeks. We feel the team are improving and we want to continue that momentum.”