GAGGING FOR IT
It’s so hush-hush even the stars don’t know who’s off to Qatar
GARETH SOUTHGATE has left his England stars sweating on their World Cup places.
Southgate will name his final 26-man squad for Qatar today but even those set to be included have not been told.
The Three Lions boss has been at pains to keep his list of names top secret and will text those who have made the final cut just hours before the squad is made public.
Southgate is not expected to spring any major surprises as he bids to lead England to World Cup glory this winter.
But he has some defensive holes to fill, having seen Chelsea duo Reece James and Ben Chilwell ruled out injured.
Southgate is expected to include Trent Alexander-Arnold and the versatile Ben White along with Kyle Walker, despite the fact the Manchester City defender is still
FORMER England star Rio Ferdinand reckons that anything other than winning the World Cup will be seen as a backward step for Gareth Southgate’s men.
The Three Lions have raised expectation levels by reaching the World Cup semi-finals four years ago and the final of the Euros last year and Ferdinand said: “If you base it on the last two tournaments of semis and then 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.
“But it’s going to be difficult with France and the depth they’ve, Brazil and the depth they’ve got, Argentina.”