Daily Mail

SHELVEY LOOKS SET FOR WORLD CUP HEARTBREAK

- SAMI MOKBEL

JONJO SHELVEY looks unlikely to win a shock World Cup call-up from Gareth Southgate. There has been a clamour for the Newcastle midfielder to be included in England’s squad for Russia after his impressive form in recent weeks. But while manager Southgate recognises Shelvey’s efforts, concerns remain about his temperamen­t. Southgate also wants a fitness update on Adam Lallana before finalising his squad. Liverpool’s midfielder played his first match since March as a substitute in Sunday’s 4-0 win over Brighton. Southgate named his provisiona­l 35-man party to FIFA yesterday — without telling those included. He will announce his final 23-man squad tomorrow, with Manchester United defender Chris Smalling and Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton likely to miss out. Swansea defender Alfie Mawson had a knee operation yesterday and is also out. Meanwhile, Southgate has relaxed restrictio­ns on players leaving the country on holiday before the World Cup. Prior to Euro 2016 manager Roy Hodgson wanted his stars to stay home to prepare but Southgate insists he will treat his players as responsibl­e adults.

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