England boss Gareth Southgate has hinted he will use most of his 26-man squad during the World Cup later this month after announcing three Newcastle United players had made the cut on Thursday. Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope booked their places on the plane after each enjoying fine spells of form in recent months.
Pope is ahead of Aaron Ramsdale in the England pecking order but may struggle to dislodge regular No 1 Jordan Pickford for key games this tournament. Meanwhile, Wilson would usually have to settle for limited tournament minutes behind the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling or Marcus Rashford.
However, with five substitutions now allowed, England currently experiencing a small injury crisis in certain positions and the energy-sapping conditions in the Gulf state, there may be more opportunity for the Magpies stars to show what they can do during the winter showpiece.
