It is out! England has announced their final 23-man squad for the upcoming tournament. Unlike many other nations, the Three Lions skipped the preliminary team and revealed the final list on Wednesday.
There have been tons of speculation and rumors surrounding a few players and whether they would make the plane to Russia. Only now has Gareth Southgate made their fate official.
Here is everything you need to know.
Coach's objective
To put things simple, all Gareth Southgate has to do is do the fans proud. In recent years, England has suffered humiliation in major competitions – mainly the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016. While many don't tip the Three Lions to lift the title, reaching the knockout stage should be achieved this time around.
New faces
Trent Alexander-Arnold, the 19-year-old Liverpool defender who has impressed for the club en route to the Champions League final, has made the list. It should be noted that the Reds player has never earned a cap before. Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope also made the list.
For the nation, by the nation. The #ThreeLions' official @FIFAWorldCup squad announcement. pic.twitter.com/YecUWPUZfJ
— England (@England) May 16, 2018
Veterans
Southgate has named a youthful squad for this tournament. Gary Cahill was given a nod and should add experience to the country's defense. However, the man who should be the source of leadership is England captain Jordan Henderson.
Big absences
After months of speculation, Jack Wilshere's omission from the 2018 World Cup has finally been confirmed. Despite impressing on occasions for Arsenal and staying away from injuries more often than not, the manager was not willing to take a risk on the Gunners ace.
Southgate also showed no mercy towards Joe Hart and Chris Smalling, leaving both players at home. The likes of Adam Lallana, Tom Heaton, James Tarkowski, Lewis Cook, and Jake Livermore are all on standby.
Full squad list
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Gary Cahill, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier, Danny Rose, Phil Jones, Ashley Young
Midfielders: Eric Dier, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard, Jordan Henderson, Fabian Delph, Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Forwards: Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Danny Welbeck, Harry Kane
Standby: Tom Heaton, James Tarkowski, Lewis Cook, Jake Livermore, Adam Lallana
