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Football London
Football London
Sport
Chris Davison

'Things can still change' - Gareth Southgate warns England stars amid Tomori and Toney decision

After weeks of endless speculation, Gareth Southgate has finally named his 26-man England squad for the World Cup.

Injuries to Chelsea full-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell ruled them out for selection, opening up the door for Arsenal’s Ben White.

After impressing in the Premier League, Leicester City’s James Maddison was also included after making his first - and last - England appearance back in 2019.

READ MORE: James Maddison, Ben White and Connor Gallagher make England World Cup squad as trio miss out

In more surprising developments, there was no room for Fikayo Tomori, Ivan Toney or Tammy Abraham, paving the way for Callum Wilson to accompany fellow striker Harry Kane.

As well as the aforementioned James and Chilwell, there had also been some concerns over the fitness of Manchester City duo Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips, but both were included in the final squad despite receiving very limited minutes recently.

However, despite their inclusion, Southgate reiterated that things can still change over the weekend if further injury concerns arise.

Before the World Cup gets underway in just under two weeks' time on November 20, there is one more league matchday to get through for the England players, meaning they aren’t out of the woods just yet.

The message was especially aimed at the likes of Walker and Phillips, who are still in the early stages of their return.

"We had to name basically every English player that was available on a long list and there are some conversations I've had with players over the last few days where they will be the next to come in in their position," Southgate said during his press conference.

"Things can still change over the weekend. You don't know what's going to happen. We've got to be fluid, adaptable and ready for anything."

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