The greatly anticipated Russia 2018 squad has been announced and it contains some surprise names in the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. With the average age being 25.5 years (the 3rd youngest England squad in World Cup history) there is a distinct lack of experience throughout the squad and an absence of a true leader; but at the same time this is more than made up for by the brimming youthful talent that Southgate has assembled together.
The Squad -
Jack Butland - Despite his commanding nature and brilliant goalkeeping agility it can not be overlooked that he has been part of a relegated side this term and he has his own part to play in that. It is also clear that he may bring that losing feeling to the team after a negative campaign domestically.
Jordan Pickford - Potentially to be England's number one after making leaps and bounds in his development this year after helping his side to steer clear of the threat of relegation and in fact have an upturn of results at the end of the last campaign Southgate's trust may be repaid with some great performances.
Nick Pope - To go off performances alone this is your number one and with Burnley bagging a Europa league spot and their defensive prowess being the spine of their success this man can be trusted for consistency but with Southgate having failed to give him an opportunity to prove himself his 12 clean sheets this season are all Southgate can really go off.
Kyle Walker - An essential part of Manchester City's title winning squad will mean he will play just as an important role in the England team and his versatility will be a key aspect for England in Russia.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - Despite his tender age of 19 years his talent has shone through for Liverpool this year with the right back having helped Liverpool to the Champions League final appearing 9 times and featuring 19 times in the Premier league. Even if he does not play ta single match the experience will without doubt do him the world of good.
Ashley Young - Another very versatile player whose place in the squad never looked in doubt who despite his right footed nature is looking likely to be England's choice at left back this World cup; his no nonsense attitude should fit well in England's back line.
Danny Rose - It has been a tough season for Danny Rose at Tottenham having played just 10 times in the premier league this term; his fitness will therefore be questionable and he will not really be up with the pace of play but he is still obviously a very reliable option for that left back spot.
John Stones - Another player who has struggled to hold on to a first team spot this year playing only 18 times for Manchester City at centre back. At the same time the 23 year old is very confident on the ball and has been part of a title winning squad so he is another good choice from Southgate.
Gary Cahill - At 32 years of age and with 58 caps to his name Cahill brings much need experience to the England squad and could play an important role at the heart of the England defence.
Harry Maguire - The Leicester centre back has enjoyed a successful campaign domestically and will hope to bring security to the England back line.
Phil Jones - The Manchester United centre back will once more bring that much needed experience to the squad having helped Manchester United to a 2nd place sport in the League this year.
Kieran Trippier - It has been another solid season for Trippier who is another solid addition to England's defensive line and will probably be England's first choice right back for the world cup.
Eric Dier - Dier is a very good holding midfielder and in recent years has increased his passing and shooting capabilities. Dier has been one of England's unsung heroes for a number of years
Jordan Henderson - Henderson has proved himself as an important component in the England set up but this season is one where he has not his previous heights with just one assist in 27 premier league appearances with the likes of Salah to aim for his lack of creativity this term may cost him a starting place.
Dele Alli - For his standards it has been a 'bad' season after getting off to a slow start but regardless of that, the Tottenham attacking midfielder still has been ever present netting 14 times with 17 assists to his name. He will be pivotal for England at the world cup.
Jesse Lingard - What a season it has been for Jesse Lingard with being in the England squad a mere formality. 13 goals and 7 assists says it all.
Fabien Delph - Delph has been an important part of Manchester City's title winning squad with the holding midfielder appearing 22 times with his tireless nature helping shield the City defense. He will be an essential component in the England set up.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek - What a campaign it was for the loaned out Chelsea man helping Crystal Palace to safety in the Premier League. The 22 year old's progression this year has been clear to see and his place in the England squad is richly deserved.
Harry Kane - Tottenham's talisman has once more proved himself to be world class netting 41 times in all competitions - his performance in the world cup could be the difference.
Marcus Rashford - still only at 20 years of age Rashford, who appeared 35 times in the Premier League for Manchester United, will most likely be used as an impact substitute but his place in the squad will be essential.
Raheem Sterling - Sterling, who was part of Manchester City's record breaking squad, is another player like Kane who will be one of the first names on the team sheet. The 23 year old netted 23 times for City this campaign which paired with his 17 assists proves his influence.
Danny Welbeck - Welbeck has struggled for first team action, mostly being used as an impact substitute, and is a mini shock inclusion. At the same time despite his lack of appearances the 27 year old striker has netted 10 times for Arsenal this season.
Jamie Vardy - My fear for Jamie Vardy is the fact that he may have not enough game time. Vardy's shot conversion rate last season was 27.3% compared to Kane's 15.4%. That means that more than 1/4 of his shots result in a goal. He is deadly and having netted 7 times in his first 21 England appearances it would be criminal not to start with him alongside Kane.
Who is on Standby?
Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton, centre-back James Tarkowski, West Brom midfielder Jake Livermore and Liverpool's Adam Lallana are all on standby.
Who is Missing?
Jack Wilshere - despite being injury prone and having clear issues with mentality Wilshere is an extremely creatively minded midfielder and can make things happen - this is where England are currently lacking.
Ryan Seesegnon - The Fulham winger is clearly going to be a great player in the future so for what its worth it might have been best for Southgate to take him for the experience and even maybe give him a taste of World Cup Football.
Joe Hart - If Joe Hart was not going to play for England then it was probably best to leave him out of the squad as it would clearly be tough to take for him - he has struggled this year at West Ham and Southgate has arguably done the right thing here.
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