England World Cup squad LIVE! Updates as Maddison, White and Gallagher make squad but Toney misses out

England squad LIVE!

James Maddison and Ben White have been called up to the England squad for the World Cup. Gareth Southgate has named Maddison in his final 26-man squad for Qatar because of his dazzling form for Leicester this season, one of seven changes from the squad which reached the Euro 2020 final last summer.

White has been in excellent form for Arsenal and his versatility has earned him a recall, and he is set to provide cover at centre-half and wing-back after Chelsea’s Reece James was ruled out through injury. Marcus Rashford has been recalled, while Southgate called up Newcastle striker Callum Wilson. Brentford forward Ivan Toney has been left out.

Southgate finalised his travelling party for Qatar this afternoon, which can be amended for injuries until 5pm on Monday, November 14, with Rashford rewarded for his fine form for Manchester United with a return from the international wilderness. Follow all the reaction to England’s World Cup squad announcement live below!

England squad announcement latest

• England squad in full with Maddison involved

• Gallagher makes squad in surprise inclusion

• Southgate to conduct press conference after announcement

Focus now turns to Iran match!

15:18 , Matt Verri

That brings an end to our coverage of England’s World Cup squad announcement.

Attention for Southgate and his side now moves to that opening Group B match, against Iran on November 21.

We’ll have full coverage of that game, as well as every other match in the tournament, starting with hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador in ten days’ time.

England World Cup squad in full

Goalkeepers: Pickford, Pope, Ramsdale;

Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Coady, Dier, Maguire, Shaw, Stones, Trippier, Walker, White;

Midfielders: Bellingham, Gallagher, Rice, Henderson, Mount, Phillips;

Forwards: Foden, Grealish, Kane, Maddison, Rashford, Saka, Sterling, Wilson

Abraham and Tomori miss out

15:15 , Matt Verri

Southgate avoided “arrogant" James decision

15:10 , Matt Verri

Gareth Southgate has explained the decision to leave Reece James out of his World Cup squad and said there were “too many unknowns” in his recovery from a knee injury.

“We had to make a very difficult call with Reece, who is a fantastic player,” the England boss said.

“But he was not going to be available, if everything went perfectly, until the latter stages of the tournament, and there were too many unknowns for us on that road to recovery.

“Also I do not think we can take a player who is not available for the group stage, that would be deemed arrogant in some circles.

“But then if everything went well and he was available, then we would be dropping him into a quarter-final after eight weeks out, and that would be really demanding. A tough call. Kyle [Walker] is a long way ahead of that and is progressing really well.”

Read the full story on that here

Saka showing team-mates up...

15:04 , Matt Verri

We’ve had throwback pictures with face paint from Mason Mount, a strong early post.

Bukayo Saka might have taken the lead though in the social media race - it’s a very snazzy montage from the Arsenal man.

Maddison forces his way into squad

15:00 , Matt Verri

This is what James Maddison tweeted three years ago, after making his England debut.

He hasn’t made an international appearance since, but we can probably expect a new pinned tweet soon after his World Cup call-up!

Mount off to World Cup 16 years later!

14:56 , Matt Verri

He’s been really impressive for Chelsea under Graham Potter so far this season - there was no doubt really that Mason Mount would have a spot on the plane to Qatar.

England captain looking to shine again

14:49 , Matt Verri

Harry Kane won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, as England reached the semi-finals.

He’ll be looking to deliver on the biggest stage over the next few weeks...

That will do it

14:45 , Matt Verri

And with that Southgate’s press-conference is over.

Clear he wants to keep the faith in a core group of players, though hopes the new faces will bring some excitement to the group.

Also suggested that England will be outspoken about human rights issues in Qatar, regardless of what FIFA want.

“Have to have some consistency"

14:42 , Matt Verri

“If you get to the final 18 months ago, there should be a fair amount of stability. But also room for people playing well to come into the group.

“You have to have some consistency in your thinking, it’s hard to build something without that. Then others can come in and thrive.

“The key now is we have to show that on the biggest stage.”

On Gallagher’s inclusion

14:40 , Matt Verri

“He’s fantastic at pressing the ball. He’s not as experienced with us as other, but he has an impact on games and a goal threat.

“We were really pleased with the way he responded to being left out of our squad [earlier in the season], his mentality was excellent. If you approach it in that way, there’s always a way back.”

Changes can be made until Monday if injuries arise

14:37 , Matt Verri

14:35 , Matt Verri

Antonio Conte revealed yesterday that Harry Kane is tired and has been struggling with fatigue, news that does not surprise the England boss.

“I’m sure he is,” Southgate says.

“We’ve got to refresh the players, excite them when they come in the door. We’ve got some that need to train and some that will benefit from a few days of doing nothing.”

Problems for England to deal with...

14:34 , Matt Verri

14:32 , Matt Verri

“That’s a political situation that I don’t know enough about to comment,” Southgate says when asked if Iran should be at the tournament. “Those decisions have to be made by governing bodies.”

On if England will follow FIFA’s request to not talk about off-field issues: “I think that’s highly unlikely. We have always spoken about issues we think should be talked about, particularly ones we think we can affect.

“We have spoken in the same way other nations have spoken about this tournament and the human rights challenges.

“We would like to focus primarily on the football, it’s the thing you work for your whole life. You don’t want it to be diminished by everything else.

“We’re going to be in that situation though, we have to accept and deal with it.”

Southgate: We have to adapt to winter World Cup

14:29 , Matt Verri

“At 2018 we were at the start of something, there was a little bit less experience within the group of big matches.

“This is similar in terms of the group that went to the Euros. Within that period, some players have moved on age wise and others haven’t progressed as they might have done. New players have emerged.

“We’re excited by the group. There’s a lot of challenges, it’s a unique situation from everybody.

“We’ve got to adapt better than everybody else in this coming period.”

14:25 , Matt Verri

“The only phone calls I’ve made are the two players coming back from injury [Phillips & Walker], the lads left out and James [Maddison],” Southgate says.

“There aren’t enough hours in the day [to call everyone].”

On Maguire, he adds: “He’s one of our best centre-backs.”

Explains Maguire selection

14:24 , Matt Verri

14:22 , Matt Verri

Southgate has describes Kalvin Phillips’ inclusion as “a risk worth taking”.

Also reveals Reece James would not have been available until the knockout stages, something Southgate wasn’t willing to rely on. Believes that could have been seen as an arrogant mood.

Wilson over Abraham

14:21 , Matt Verri

“Tammy has had a poor run of scoring form at the wrong time.

“We’re now 10 days [away]. Form could be form more important. We don’t really know where the players are until we see them on the training pitch.

“There will be medical issues we’re not completely aware of. We know the form we’re seeing in the matches but you don’t get the full picture until you see from them and work with them.”

On Maddison call-up

14:19 , Matt Verri

“He’s a good player, we’ve always said that. We think he can give us something different to the other attacking players we’ve got.

“At various stages there have been debates about James, moments where ahead of the Euros I don’t think he was in contention.

“He’s playing as well as any of the attacking players in this country and he’s a little bit different.”

Southgate on selections

14:18 , Matt Verri

“Wanted to make sure we’ve got the balance of the squad right. Squad is more important - with five substitutes you can have almost half the team changed.

“You want different options for matches and different stages of the tournament.

“Having 26 available meant we were able to take a couple of risks that we maybe couldn’t with 23.”

Southgate has arrived!

14:16 , Matt Verri

Here we go time, time to hear from the England manager.

Strong core from last summer

14:14 , Matt Verri

It’s seven changes from the England squad that made it to the final at last summer’s Euros.

Changes can be made by Southgate if there are any injuries, up until the final deadline of Monday, November 14, at 5pm.

Harsh on Ward-Prowse

14:11 , Matt Verri

James Ward-Prowse was named in the provisional squad for the Euros last summer but missed out on the final group, and once again he’s just failed to make the cut.

Southgate has opted to gamble on Kalvin Phillips’ fitness instead, despite the Manchester City midfielder not starting a match this season, while Conor Gallagher is also included. It’s a cruel blow to the Southampton captain.

Maddison gets the nod

14:09 , Matt Verri

The People’s Choice pick and the player who would have have felt most aggrieved to be staying at home. Maddison has been a shining light in a poor Leicester side this year, scoring 13 and assisting nine in 22 league outings.

There have been concerns over how Maddison would fit in with Southgate’s tactical setup, which does not require an out-and-out No10, which Maddison firmly is, but his performances have been too hard to ignore.

He made his first, and only, England appearance three years ago. He’s back in the fold!

Gallagher makes squad!

14:04 , Matt Verri

There we have it.

Conor Gallagher makes the squad, that is one of the most surprising calls from Southgate. Maddison does indeed make the squad too.

Walker and Phillips included despite their injury problems.

England’s World Cup squad

14:01 , Matt Verri

Goalkeepers: Pickford, Pope, Ramsdale.

Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Coady, Dier, Maguire, Shaw, Stones, Trippier, Walker, White.

Midfielders: Bellingham, Gallagher, Henderson, Mount, Phillips, Rice.

Forwards: Maddison, Foden, Grealish, Kane, Rashford, Saka, Sterling, Wilson.

Stand by...

13:56 , Matt Verri

The wait is almost over, England’s 26-man World Cup squad is coming up in a couple of minutes!

Reminder that Gareth Southgate will also be holding a press conference, which we’ll be covering in full.

Not long now!

13:51 , Matt Verri

White set to make squad

13:47 , Matt Verri

As expected, Ben White has reportedly made the squad.

The Arsenal defender has been in brilliant form for the Gunners this season, becoming the first-choice right-back at the club.

That versatility across the backline will certainly be a boost for Southgate, with questions over the form and fitness of a few England defenders.

Round-up of news so far

13:40 , Matt Verri

So it looks like James Maddison will be going to the World Cup, while there is also positive news for Callum Wilson and Eric Dier.

Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Ivan Toney are all set to miss out, along with Marc Guehi and James Ward-Prowse.

Only 20 minutes to go until the 26-man squas is confirmed by Gareth Southgate!

England’s World Cup schedule

13:35 , Matt Verri

Just 11 days now until England get their World Cup underway.

Iran are their opening Group B opponents, before they face the USA four days later on November 25.

The Three Lions will be hoping to have qualification pretty much wrapped up by the time they play Wales on November 29, with top spot likely to be crucial in avoiding a trickier last-16 opponent.

Update on Tottenham players...

13:28 , Matt Verri

It looks like Kane will have one Tottenham team-mate in Qatar with him.

Eric Dier has reportedly made the squad, not that it’s a particularly surprising decision. Ryan Sessegnon has not been included, despite Ben Chilwell being ruled out of the tournament with injury.

Would appear Southgate might just go with Luke Shaw and cover from Kiean Trippier as his left-back options.

England’s back-up options up front

13:23 , Matt Verri

Don’t imagine Harry Kane is looking at his phone particularly nervously, safe to say he will be on the plane to Qatar.

Ivan Toney, Tammy Abraham, Callum Wilson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are the main contenders battling to be back-up to the England captain, though it looks like only one will make the squad.

That will be Wilson, rewarded for his Newcastle form, with Marcus Rashford also able to play through the middle should it be required.

What Maddison has said on call-up...

13:17 , Matt Verri

“I would be lying if I was saying it was not on my mind because the World Cup is so close and that is the pinnacle, the dream and playing at a major tournament with your country would be the best thing ever,” the Leicester man said last weekend.

“I am not going to lie and say it’s not on my mind, I always say the same answer and that is if I focus on my form at Leicester, hopefully that does catch the eye of the England manager and I can force my way into his plans, but it’s out of my control.”

Good news for Maddison?

13:09 , Matt Verri

It had looked likely that James Maddison would miss out on the World Cup squad, but there are now reports that he will be involved.

The Telegraph claim that the Leicester man has been included in the squad - can’t say he doesn’t deserve it if true.

One hour to go!

13:01 , Matt Verri

We’ll get all the answers in an hour!

England players are currently being told of the final decisions - dream come true for some, heartbreak for others.

Southgate will soon reveal all, before he faces the media.

Maguire a trusted man

12:51 , Matt Verri

Harry Maguire will likely be a big story in an hour or so, whether he’s included as expected or if he misses out.

It’s one Premier League start since August for the the centre-back, his most recent involvement in the Manchester United side coming up front. Yes, you heard.

Gareth Southgate trusts him though, even if many think it’s a risk to select him considering his lack of footnall.

“I think before the number one pick would always be Harry Maguire for Gareth Southgate, and what he’s done in tournaments for England,” Jamie Carragher has said.

“But on the back of what happened in the last internationals, how it’s gone for him at Manchester United, I think it’s really difficult to pick him.”

Room for Chalobah in a surprise call-up?

12:40 , Matt Verri

Walker likely to be included

12:31 , Matt Verri

Kyle Walker is one of those that has been in a race to prove his fitness.

The full-back has not played since Manchester City’s 6-3 win over Manchester United at the start of October, undergoing groin injury and as a result his World Cup participation has been in doubt.

However, it looks likely that he will be on the plane to Qatar, being such a crucial part of Southgate’s defensive plans.

Time to get ahead of ourselves...

12:23 , Matt Verri

Nothing like a bit of blind optimism, so here’s a look at England’s potential route to the World Cup final.

The Three Lions are favourites to top their group, which would set up a last-16 clash against the Group A runners-up, potentially Senegal.

Should England get through, it becomes an incredibly difficult task. France are potential quarter-final opponents, with Belgium and Brazil possibly waiting away after that. Easy work.

Read our full look at England’s potential run here

Saliba eyes deep World Cup run

12:14 , Matt Verri

William Saliba wants to follow in the footsteps of Arsenal legends Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Vieira by winning the World Cup with France.

Saliba was on Wednesday night named in France’s squad for this month’s tournament after excelling in an Arsenal team that is currently top of the Premier League.

The Gunners have a rich history of French players winning the World Cup, with Petit and Vieira doing so back in 1998.

And asked if he wants to emulate that feat, Saliba said: “Yeah, of course. I want to be the next Frenchmen to do that, like [Robert] Pires or Vieira or [Thierry] Henry. We will see.

“It is amazing. I don’t think I can imagine what is the World Cup now, but I will imagine it later. If I am going to the World Cup it shows I have had a good start to the season with Arsenal. I have to keep going like this.”

Read his full comments here

What to do with Maddison...

12:03 , Matt Verri

Seemingly every England fan wants James Maddison in the World Cup squad - Gareth Southgate’s opinion is the only one that matters though.

He’s been reluctant to include the Leicester midfielder in recent squads, but Maddison’s form has been so good that he could well force his way into Southgate’s plans.

Rio Ferdinand certainly thinks the 25-year-old should be on the plane.

“He’s probably the most in-form attacking player in the Premier League at the moment in terms of goal involvements,” Ferinand told William Hill.

“I’d certainly take him as I think he offers something different and couldn’t be in better form, but I’m not sure Gareth will take him.

“I don’t think they’ll be many surprises in the squad, but I would like to see Maddison in there as he’s one of those players that has the ability to open up a defence and those players are few and far between.”

Belgium squad confirmed

11:55 , Matt Verri

Belgium once again looking to live up to expectations - haven’t been able to have the success in recent tournaments that their squad has suggested they are capable of.

Defensive options certainly not the strongest part of their side, it’s fair to say...

Bowen unable to build on last season

11:46 , Matt Verri

Jarrod Bowen is not expected to be involved in the World Cup squad, after struggling to replicate the form he showed last season.

The West Ham man earned his England debut in the summer against Hungary after finishing the campaign with 12 Premier League goals and 17 assists. He has scored just twice in the league this season.

“I am desperate for him to play for England,’ David Moyes said last month.

“I actually think he can be one of the ones who, you never know, might actually come to the fore. I think Jarrod could be because he’s got something; he can score goals and on his day can be a real threat.

“The biggest thing I can say is I get a great thrill from any of the players that we bring in, especially when they are from the lower leagues, and they go on to become England internationals.

“For a manager, I don’t think it gets much better.”

World Cup odds

11:39 , Matt Verri

No surprise that Brazil are favourites to win their sixth World Cup, and their first since 2002. Incredible depth in forward areas.

Their rivals Argentina are also fancied to do well, with France the pick of the European sides. It’s 7/1 that football comes home just in time for Christmas.

Brazil: 4/1

Argentina: 11/2

France: 6/1

England: 7/1

Spain: 15/2

Germany: 10/1

Netherlands: 11/1

Portugal: 14/1

Odds via Betfair.

Wilson to make World Cup squad

11:32 , Matt Verri

Callum Wilson is set to receive some good news this afternoon - he will be included in England’s World Cup squad.

The 30-year-old has six Premier League goals for Newcastle this season, form that means Southgate has turned to him over the likes of Ivan Toney and Tammy Abraham.

Wilson made his England debut in 2018 against the USA, scoring in that match, so he’ll be hoping to feature against England’s Group B opponents!

Germany announce squad

11:21 , Matt Verri

Germany have named their group heading to Qatar - they’re in Group E along with Spain, Japan and Costa Rica.

Kai Havertz and Ilkay Gundogan among the Premier League stars picked, while Leroy Sane was a slight doubt with a thigh injury but he has been included.

Germany looking for big improvement from Russia, when they crashed out in the group stage.

Phillips makes return

11:10 , Matt Verri

Kalvin Phillips came off the bench for Manchester City last night, in their Carabao Cup win over Chelsea.

It was his first appearance in almost two months, a run out of the side that has put his World Cup participation in real doubt, but Phillips insists he is feeling fit and ready to go.

“I’ve spoke to all the [England] staff and physios there, checking in on my progress,” Phillips said.

“Anything can happen. Obviously I’m optimistic but with the amount of game-time I’ve had there’s always that doubt.

“With my injuries I’ve not been playing 100% with my shoulder, now I’ve got that sorted I can finally get back to what I was before. Hopefully better with all the coaching from Pep and all the staff here.

“I’m optimistic and hopefully it’s put me in good stead.”

Key issues for Southgate to solve

11:02 , Matt Verri

What does Southgate do with his wing-backs in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell?

Who gets the nod as Harry Kane’s back-up?

Has James Maddison done enough to force his way into the England boss’ plans?

Nizaar Kinsella takes a look at the big decisions facing Southgate

Guehi to miss out on England squad

10:48 , Matt Verri

Marc Guehi will not be included in the Three Lions’ squad when it’s announced this afternoon.

The Crystal Palace centre-back receieved his first senior England call-up in March, making his debut along with Palace team-mate Tyrick Mitchell in the friendly win over Switzerland.

He was also involved in the Nations League matches in the summer and has not missed a minute in the Premier League so far this season, but he will not on the plane to Qatar.

One man who won’t be in Qatar...

10:38 , Matt Verri

Reece James has revealed his devastation at missing out on a place in the England squad for World Cup.

Gareth Southgate called James on Tuesday to tell the Chelsea defender that he would not be named in his 26-man squad for Qatar because of his knee injury.

In an emotional statement on Twitter, James said: “Devastated. The minute I injured my knee, I knew the turnaround to make the World Cup would be tight, but I always felt it was possible.

“I’ve worked harder than I ever thought I could to give myself the best chance of going and truly believed I could have helped the team.

“I appreciate there was risk on both sides but it was one I was willing to take. Good luck to the boys. I’ll be back soon. Stay safe and sending love.”

Trio set to be included

10:27 , Matt Verri

Marcus Rashford, Callum Wilson and Ben White are set to make Gareth Southgate’s England squad, writes Nizaar Kinsella.

The two forwards are yet to fully learn their fate but people with knowledge of the Three Lions squad understand they will be on the list when it is announced.

Manchester United’s Rashford has not made an England squad since Euro 2020 where he missed a penalty in the final shootout defeat to Italy.

With Harry Kane as England’s captain and main No9, it will likely mean that Roma’s Tammy Abraham, Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Brentford’s Ivan Toney are not selected.

Arsenal’s Ben White is also thought to be in the list that will be announced at St George’s Park.

Read the full story on that here

Southgate to hold press conference

10:19 , Matt Verri

Following this afternoon’s announcement, Southgate will then conduct a press conference.

Expect plenty of questions about those not included, particularly if James Maddison is on that list, and some scrutiny on players that have been picked despite struggling for their clubs.

Good morning!

10:12 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of England’s World Cup squad announcement!

Gareth Southgate will name his 26-man squad for the tournament in Qatar at 2pm GMT this afternoon, a group he hopes can take the Three Lions all the way.

Injury concerns, players who have had minimal club football this season... plenty of intrigue! We’ll have all the latest updates and then full coverage of the announcement when it comes.