Back page This afternoon, in front of the assembled press at a Vauxhall factory outside of Luton, England national team manager Roy Hodgson announced the 23 players (Plus seven on stand-by) that will carry the nation’s hopes this summer.
Speculation has reached fever pitch in recent days, with left-back Ashley Cole, a veteran of three World Cups, confirmed via Twitter that he would not be part of this summer’s tournament increasing speculation that Southampton’s 18-year old Luke Shaw would be favoured. Frank Lampard is a surprise inclusion, with most predicting he would miss out in favour of a more youthful compatriot.
Elsewhere Everton’s Ross Barkley has been rewarded for his form with a spot, however Manchester United midfield duo Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley have had their torrid season’s topped-off by missing out. Upfront striker Rickie Lambert has been favoured ahead of West Ham’s Andy Carroll.
Full Squad:
GoalKeepers:
Joe Hart (Manchester City) Ben Foster (West Brom) Fraser Forster (Celtic)
Defenders:
Gary Cahill (Chelsea) Phil Jagielka (Everton) Leighton Baines (Everton) Glen Johnson (Liverpool)
Phil Jones (Manchester United) Chris Smalling (Manchester United) Luke Shaw (Southampton)
Midfielders:
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) Jordan Henderson (Liverpool) Frank Lampard (Chelsea) Jack Wilshire (Arsenal)
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal) Adam Lallana (Southampton) Raheem Sterling (Liverpool) James Milner (Manchester City) Ross Barkley (Everton)
Forwards:
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) Danny Welbeck (Manchester United) Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool) Rickie Lambert (Southampton)
Stand-By:
Andy Carroll (West Ham) John Stones (Everton) John Ruddy (Norwich) Jermain Defoe (Toronto) Michael Carrick (Manchester United) Tom Cleverley (Manchester Utd) Jon Flanagan (Liverpool)
