FANS EXPECT FINAL GLORY AND MISSING OUT IS FAILURE

BY JOHN CROSS

RIO FERDINAND warned England the nation expects them to win the World Cup – and anything else would be a backward step.

The Three Lions have raised expectation levels after reaching the semis four years ago and the final of the Euros last year.

And ex-england defender Ferdinand now says anything less than lifting the trophy in Qatar would be seen as failure by Gareth Southgate, who names his 26-man squad today.

He said: “If you base it on the last two tournaments of semis and then a final, surely the progression has to be to win it.

“Anything less is going to be seen as a bit underwhelming because you’re looking at the trajectory and the FA’S plans would have been that.

“You get to a final, the next one you’ve got to win it, surely. Or at least get to the final again.

“It’s going to be difficult with France and the depth they’ve got, Brazil and the depth they’ve got and also Argentina.”

Manchester City defender Kyle Walker, who is battling back from injury, is expected to be included.

England boss Southgate will keep his squad guessing with players set to be told by a text message at lunchtime.

He may make a couple of exceptions via phone calls, with Walker and club mate Kalvin Phillips (above) among those still sweating on their places.

Walker had groin surgery last month but is confident of being ready to play a part, even if he is unlikely to be fit enough to start in England’s opener against Iran on November 21.

Southgate has already told Chelsea’s Reece James he will not make it because of a knee injury.