JOHN CROSS RUNS THE RULE OVER GARETH SOUTHGATE’S 23-MAN SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS NICK POPE Burnley Age: 26 Caps: 0 A surprise pick because Joe Hart was told in March he was in and Pope’s distribution did not impress England’s coaching staff.
JORDAN PICKFORD Everton Age: 24 Caps: 2 England’s No.1 because of his distribution – it is that simple. His kicking and ability to play out from the back gives him the edge over Butland. JACK BUTLAND Stoke Age: 25 Caps: 7 His form at the end of the season was not good enough to convince Southgate to use him as his No.1. Had a poor season. Loyalty gets him in. DEFENDERS PHIL JONES Manchester United Age: 26 Caps: 24 Goals: 0 Versatile defender had a good season for Man United and, if fit (which is always the issue with Jones), then he starts the World Cup. JOHN STONES Manchester City Age: 23 Caps: 24 Goals: 0 His ability to bring the ball out and composure means he is nailed-on. Had his best England game in Holland in March. A mainstay in defence. HARRY MAGUIRE Leicester Age: 25 Caps: 4 Goals: 0 Big lad whose mobility may be an issue but Southgate prefers him to Chris Smalling because of his ability to bring the ball out. GARY CAHILL Chelsea Age: 32 Caps: 58 Goals: 4 One of the best stories of the squad. Dropped in March, he thought his England career was over. But played recently for Chelsea and did enough. KYLE WALKER Manchester City Age: 27 Caps: 34 Goals: 0 He is now guaranteed as being the defender on the right of the back three. Brilliant for Man City this term, was terrific in his new role for England in March. KIERAN TRIPPIER Tottenham Age: 27 Caps: 5 Goals: 0 As Tottenham have discovered this season, he is not as good as Walker but his strength is crossing. Probably starts. TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD Liverpool Age: 19 Caps: 0 The feel-good story of the whole squad. Uncapped, this is his breakthrough season, now he is going to the World Cup after Champions League final. Great energy and youth. ASHLEY YOUNG Manchester United Age: 32 Caps: 33 Goals 7 He is favourite to start at left wing-back based on his form for Manchester United this season. Southgate rates him highly. DANNY ROSE Tottenham Age: 27 Caps: 16 Goals: 0 Was sweating on his place but his performance on the final day of the season did enough to convince Southgate to pick him.
MIDFIELDERS ERIC DIER Tottenham Age: 24 Caps: 25 Goals: 3
A guaranteed member of the squad. But where will he play? In the middle of the back three or in midfield? More likely to be midfield right now. RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK
Chelsea Age: 22 Caps: 2 Goals: 0
A complete wildcard when he got the England call in November but Southgate loves his power, pace and aggression. May even start in Russia. JORDAN HENDERSON
Liverpool Age: 27 Caps: 38 Goals: 0
Liverpool’s Captain Fantastic. Has energy and drive and will definitely start in Russia. May even be captain. In terrific form.
FABIAN DELPH Manchester City Age: 28 Caps: 9 Goals: 0
Has not won an England cap since November 2015, has never played under Southgate and yet his season for Manchester City gets him in. Big call. DELE ALLI Tottenham
Age: 22 Caps: 23 Goals: 2
There is a doubt over whether Alli – one of England’s most gifted players – will start as he must convince Southgate to trust him over Lingard’s work rate. JESSE LINGARD
Manchester United Age: 25 Caps: 10 Goals: 1
Southgate absolutely loves him for his work rate, pace and ability to break from midfield into attack. He has pushed on so much this season.
FORWARDS HARRY KANE Tottenham Age: 24 Caps: 23 Goals: 12
In Euro 2016 he was taking corners, now he will be in the penalty box as England’s best hope, their No.1 striker and talisman. Your country needs you, Harry! RAHEEM STERLING
Manchester City Age: 23 Caps: 37 Goals: 2
Shone in the No.10 role for England last time, a world-class talent who is often weighed down by the shirt. His form for Man City has lifted him to a new level. MARCUS RASHFORD
Manchester United Age: 20 Caps: 17 Goals: 2
Came from nowhere two years ago, now he is an
England regular. May be at his best from the bench – especially as he has sat on it
all season at Man United. DANNY WELBECK
Arsenal Age: 27 Caps: 37 Goals: 15
His England ratio is impressive because he loves playing for his country. England managers love him for his work rate and versatility. JAMIE VARDY
Leicester
Age: 31 Caps: 21 Goals: 7
Enjoys the big occasion, his tenacity and determination gives him an infectious enthusiasm and defenders no peace. Arguably England’s supersub.