Boost For Nigeria As Abraham, Solanke, Lookman Are Omitted From England World Cup Roster

Published: May 16, 2018

England Head Coach Gareth Southgate has announced a 23-man squad for this summer's World Cup and fans of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr and the Nigerian Federation will be delighted after three players of Nigerian descent were omitted.

Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, Liverpool wonderkid Dominic Solanke and in-form Everton winger Ademola Lookman will not display their wares in Russia.

Abraham and Solanke have played for the Three Lions in friendly matches, so remain eligible to represent the Super Eagles, while the uncapped Lookman was snubbed despite his brilliant end to the season that saw him directly involved in seven goals in his last 5 matches for RB Leipzig.

Though this one has been taken, Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley will not be attending his second World Cup having struggled with his fitness for most part of the season, but Tottenham Hotspur young star Dele Alli will be on the plane to Russia as he has been listed on the roster.

The 1966 world champions will face Nigeria (June 2, Wembley) and Costa Rica (June 7, Elland Road) in friendly matches before their trip to Russia.

England World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers (3): Jack Butland (Stoke), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley).

Defenders (9): Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Kyle Walker, John Stones (Manchester City), Harry Maguire (Leicester), Kieran Trippier, Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Phil Jones, Ashley Young (Manchester United).

Midfielders (6): Eric Dier, Dele Alli (both Tottenham Hotspur), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Fabian Delph (Manchester City), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea).

Forwards (5): Jamie Vardy (Leicester), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal) Harry Kane (Tottenham).

Standby: Tom Heaton, James Tarkowski (Burnley), Lewis Cook (Bournemouth), Jake Livermore (West Brom), Adam Lallana (Liverpool)

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : thenff.com