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England World Cup squad confirmed: Alexander-Arnold and Loftus-Cheek picked

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England manager Gareth Southgate has called up uncapped Liverpool youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold to his squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Elsewhere, their were few surprises in the final 23-man squad selected for the tournament.

Southgate's commitment to youth was further underlined in the selection of Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek in midfield who was chosen over the more experienced Jack Wilshere and the in-form Jonjo Shelvey, both of whom miss out.

Burnley's breakout star Nick Pope was also selected ahead of former England No1 Joe Hart as one of three goalkeepers.

On Southgate's standby list are Burnley's goalkeeper Tom Heaton and defender James Tarkowski, Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook, West Brom's Jake Livermore and Liverpool's Adam Lallana.

The lucky 23 — those who don't have FA Cup or Champions League finals to attend — will meet next Monday to begin training preparations.

Southgate will then have chance to zero in on his starting line-up a fortnight later with friendlies against Nigeria on Saturday 2 June and Costa Rica on Thursday 7 June.

The Three Lions' World Cup kicks-off against Tunisia on June 18 at the Volgograd Arena.

Full squad

Goalkeepers

Pope has been rewarded for an impressive Premier League break-out season with Burnley (Source: Getty)

Nick Pope
Jack Butland
Jordan Pickford

Defenders

England U21 v Romania U21 - International Friendly
Alexander-Arnold has represented England at under-21 level but is yet to make his senior debut (Source: Getty)

John Stones
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Danny Rose
Harry Maguire
Gary Cahill
Ashley Young
Phil Jones
Kyle Walker
Kieran Trippier

Midfielders

Spain v England - International Friendly
Delph has been called up after demonstrating his versatility for Premier League champions Man City (Source: Getty)