Southgate shakes up squad for World Cup build-up games

England manager Gareth Southgate yesterday named four uncapped players, overlooked several senior figures and opened up the battle for the goalkeeper’s jersey in a bold squad selection ahead of the World Cup.

Attempting to ignore the potential repercussions of political tension between the UK and tournament hosts Russia, the Three Lions boss announced his final squad before the group heading to the finals is named.

Burnley’s Nick Pope and James Tarkowski received their first call-ups for this month’s friendlies against Holland and Italy, as did Swansea defender Alfie Mawson.

Uncapped Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook was also included but there was no place in the 27-man squad for defenders Chris Smalling, Michael Keane or Gary Cahill.

The latter has captained England during Southgate’s reign but the manager did not shirk a difficult decision as he looks to hone a three-man defence.

“First and foremost, I was really pleased with the way we defended in the games in November,” he said.

“(John) Stones, (Harry) Maguire, (Joe) Gomez took the bulk of that game-time, they were outstanding.

“On top of that, we’ve got other players that I want to have a look at – Tarkowski, Mawson – players we want to look at not just for now but beyond the summer as well.

“Maybe they’re ready for the World Cup, maybe it’s beyond that as well, and we’ve got people like Eric Dier who also in a back three are players we want to see.”

Southgate named four goalkeepers, with new boy Pope included with Joe Hart, despite the West Ham shotstopper’s struggles, Jack Butland of Stoke and Everton’s Jordan Pickford.

“Clearly the number one jersey is up for grabs,” he said.

Gareth Southgate: brought in four new faces.