Ahead of tomorrow’s announcement, Alan Shearer has named three Newcastle players in his 26-man England squad for the World Cup – but there is no room for Dan Burn despite a lack of left-back options.
England regulars Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope were the obvious choices while the Toon legend has opted to include Callum Wilson, who is in great form with six goals in nine league games.
The 52-year-old has also selected James Maddison, feeling the Leicester City star and long-term Toon target “simply has to be in there” after yet another superb display over the weekend.
With no Ben Chilwell, Luke Shaw remains our only out-and-out left-back with international experience, so a call-up for Burn isn’t completely out of the question.
However, in Shearer’s squad he is utilising Trippier’s versatility and ability to play down the left while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker take up the right-back position.
It’s certainly unusual but very exciting to have a number of our players representing different nations at the World Cup – particularly our own. Here’s hoping this is only the beginning!
See Shearer’s full team below from his latest piece for The Athletic:
