Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, John Stones, Kyle Walker, and Kalvin Phillips have all been named in the 26-man England squad for the World Cup.

Though Foden, Stones and Grealish were expected to be included by Gareth Southgate, both Phillips and Walker faced a race against time to make the cut.

Phillips underwent a shoulder operation in September and only returned to action in Wednesday evening’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Chelsea.

The former Leeds United man impressed during his second-half cameo and admitted afterwards that he was hopeful of going to Qatar.

Walker also had surgery in September but is yet to return to full training – however, regular contact with the City medical department and the player have convinced the England manager that his recovery is sufficient for inclusion.

“Kalvin played last night so I think with him he’s free of injury. We are aware that he’s not going to be able to play seven 90 minutes,” said Southgate.

“We’ll have to build him up but he’s available and free of injury. Kalvin is a super player and we feel that’s a risk worth taking. 



“Kyle is a little bit different. He’s not back in full training yet but he’ll be available before the end of the group stage.”

Grealish was in superb form against Chelsea and has been a regular squad member for the Three Lions in recent years.

He has won 24 caps to date and scored once for his country.

Stones didn’t feature against Chelsea but could play against Brentford at the weekend.

He is regarded as one of the best central defenders in the England squad and has so far won 60 England caps.

Foden was also an unused sub against Chelsea, but there was little doubt the 22 year-old playmaker would be included.

Foden will look to add to his 18 caps in Qatar.

Walker is one of England’s senior squad members and his selection underlines how highly Southgate values his experience and leadership.

His 11 years with the national team have yielded 70 caps to date, though he is yet to score.

Phillips has endured wretched luck with injuries since his move from Elland Road, but he was able to prove his fitness in the nick of time against Chelsea.

The combative England midfielder also has credit in the bank following a stellar Euro 2020 after which he was voted the England Men’s Player of the Year.

Kalvin will hope to add to the 23 caps he has won so far during the tournament.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

Defenders: Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Eric Dier (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Conor Coady (Everton), Ben White (Arsenal), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City)

Forwards: James Maddison (Leicester), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), Callum Wilson (Newcastle), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

Everybody at Manchester City is delighted for all our players and we will follow their progress throughout the World Cup on the Man City App and mancity.com.