Southgate calls up four new players

England manager Gareth Southgate named four uncapped players, overlooked several senior figures and opened up the battle for the No 1 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, Southgate 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 the friendlies against Netherlands and Italy on 23 and 27 March, 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.

Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsey was left out as Ryan Giggs announced his first Wales squad – for the China Cup. The Arsenal midfielderis to undergo a “small procedure” following last night’s Europa Cup match against AC Milan.

Giggs’ first match will be against hosts China on 22 March, followed by Czech Republic or Uruguay on 26 March.

England squad v Netherlands and Italy: Joe Hart, Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier, Danny Rose, James Tarkowski, Ryan Bertrand, Ashley Young, Joe Gomez, Alfie Mawson, Eric Dier, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard, Lewis Cook, Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxladechamberlain, Jack Wilshere, Jake Livermore, Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Danny Welbeck. Wales squad for China Cup: Wayne Hennessey, Chris Maxwell, Michael Crowe, Ashley Williams, James Chester, Ben Davies, Chris Gunter, Neil Taylor, Declan John, Ryan Hedges, Connor Roberts, Ethan Ampadu, Christopher Mepham, Tom Lockyer, Joe Ledley, Lee Evans, Joe Allen, Andy King, Marley Watkins, Gareth Bale, Tom Lawrence, Ben Woodburn, Harry Wilson, Billy Bodin, Sam Vokes, Tom Bradshaw.