Dele Alli

England manager Gareth Southgate named his 23-man squad for the World Cup on Wednesday. Here AFP Sport looks at the social media response from Southgate’s players:

“After years of standing on the touchline in the cold and rain, Mum we’re off to the World Cup,” — Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford (main pix)

“Can’t wait to get there and do the fans proud! Thank you for all your kind messages!” — Manchester City defender Kyle Walker

“Maybe this picture said I was gonna live my dream and go to a World Cup… dreams do come true,” — Manchester United defender Ashley Young wrote alongside a photo of him in an England kit as a child.

“Every call up is an honour, but a World Cup call up is something extra special! I’ve always dreamt of this moment and can’t wait for the next couple of months. Let’s go England,” — Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland

“It’s an honour to be named in the England squad for the World Cup. It’s a dream come true! Get me to Russia!” — Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli

“What an honour! No words to describe the feeling right now. Can’t wait to get going! See you in Russia,” — Leicester striker Jamie Vardy

“Privilege and an honour to be selected for England to go to the WC2018 in Russia! Cannot wait to get out there and do the fans proud! Let’s do this!” — Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck

For Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, there was frustration as he was left out of the squad, but he took the snub in his stride.

Responding to a tweet asking if he wanted to go on a holiday to Zante, Wilshere jokingly wrote: “Let me know the dates and I’m in. Can I bring the baby as well?” 

England’s 23-man squad chosen on Wednesday for the 2018 World Cup:

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

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

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

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

Agence France-Presse

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