When is England’s World Cup squad announcement and how many Newcastle United players could be named?

Callum Wilson is among the Newcastle United stars hoping to be named in England’s World Cup squad.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Gareth Southgate will today name his England squad for the Qatar World Cup - and a few Newcastle United stars are hoping for a place on the plane.

The Three Lions boss will cut his 55-man preliminary squad - which was not made public - to 26 ahead of the final round of Premier League fixtures this weekend. The Magpies host Chelsea at St James’ Park.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The World Cup gets underway on Sunday, November 20, with England facing Iran in their opening game of Group B.

When is the England squad announcement?

Southgate is set to confirm his 26-man squad on Thursday, November 10 at 2pm. All 32 participating nations must submit their final squads before 4pm on Monday, November 14.

Indeed, that allows Southgate time to make any last-minute decisions should any of the selected players pick up injuries during the weekend’s fixtures.

England manager Gareth Southgate watches Newcastle United’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)England manager Gareth Southgate watches Newcastle United’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
England manager Gareth Southgate watches Newcastle United’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)

Which Newcastle United players are hoping to be selected?

Given England’s full-back crisis amid injuries to the likes of Reece James and Ben Chilwell, Kieran Trippier is a shoo-in. The 32-year-old played a leading role in the Three Lions’ run to the 2018 World Cup semi-final and 2020 European Championships final.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Nick Pope, who saved three penalties in United’s recent Carabao Cup penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace, is expected to be one of three goalkeepers named in the squad and battle Jordan Pickford for the No.1 spot.

The big decision is whether or not Callum Wilson has made the cut. Wilson has scored six goals in 10 games this campaign and has made no secret of his desire to make the squad. The 30-year-old hasn’t had an international call-up since 2018.

“I don’t think I could have done any more,” Wilson told the Daily Telegraph. “It’s six goals in 10 games, with two or three assists. I’ve tried to give everything to the cause, everything I can. Hopefully my best is good enough.’

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson.  (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson.  (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

“I’ve achieved a lot given where I started in my career, but this is the ultimate; this is the final leap and the pinnacle of what you can achieve, playing for your country at a World Cup.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘It’s the biggest thing you can get. It would be unreal. I’m 30, there isn’t going to be another opportunity. I’m not stupid, I know I’ll be 34 by the time the next one comes around – this is it, this is the moment.’

Defensive injuries have already led to calls for Dan Burn to get a call-up, however that is unlikely.