England’s World Cup squad including Newcastle United and Arsenal stars - if the reports are true

A number of Newcastle United players will discover if they have forced their way into the 26-man England squad for the World Cup Finals on Thursday afternoon.

It seems highly likely full-back Kieran Trippier and Wednesday night’s penalty shoot-out hero Nick Pope will be included after becoming firm favourites with Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate. Despite concerns over his fitness during the early months of the Premier League season, there are high hopes Magpies striker Callum Wilson will be rewarded for his fine form by making it on to the plane to Qatar.

There had been some speculation United defender Dan Burn could even be a surprise inclusion after an injury to Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell was said to have led Southgate to consider the former Brighton man’s versatility as a useful tool to use during the finals.

The talk over who will be named on Thursday afternoon has been widespread - and here is who NewcastleWorld believes will make Southgate’s final squad, if reports in this week’s national media are to be believed.