The squad has been confirmed
Gareth Southgate has finally named his England squad for this summer’s World Cup in Russia, and in truth there were few surprises in the group of players that he named.
Nick Pope rightfully deposed the out of form Joe Hart, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek was named in place of the Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.
32-year-old winger-turned-full-back Ashley Young was also named in the squad, as was central midfielder-turned-full-back Fabian Delph.
Perhaps the most surprising and certainly the most divisive selection came in the form of Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck, a player who has scored an impressive 15 goals in 37 England caps, but one who has scored just five goals in 28 appearances for his club this season.
His selection has provoked what one might diplomatically describe as a “heated” response, with many – including a host of Arsenal fans – claiming that the former Manchester United man simply isn’t deserving of a World Cup place, especially with the likes of Fulham youngster Ryan Sessegnon left out.
https://twitter.com/MrDtAFC/status/996740927438893062
https://twitter.com/UnitedStandMUFC/status/996739079189487617
https://twitter.com/Yimmz/status/996743895336841216
Danny welbeck in world cup squad. That guy must be the luckiest man alive. Zero skill, and he's playing for Arsenal and England
— Emmanuel Chris #mufc🌿 (@ChrisEmmanuel45) May 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/CTFCMITCH/status/996743587663577089
How Danny welbeck has made that squad I will never know 😂😂
— Jamie Goldenburgh (@JGoldenburgh) May 16, 2018
Welbeck finessed his way into another WC squad.biggest shock is no Shelvey he has been immense all season Newcastle are 10th for a reason
— Curtis Andre (@_C_Andre) May 16, 2018
Nine defenders, Jamaal Lascelles not one of them, Danny Welbeck in the squad, Shelvey not even on the stand by list but Jake Livermore and Lewis Cook are. Gareth Southgate is a very clueless man.
— Adam. (@AdamNUFC_) May 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/rourkewoods/status/996749996623003648
