World Cup: United trio missing from England squad

Qualification close at hand

Four points will be enough to guarantee progress to the finals next winter.

England are top of Group I with 20 points from their eight games playedso far, having scored 24 goals and conceded three.

Southgate outlined his reasons for not picking the Manchester United trio of Greenwood, Sancho and Lingard.

He told reporters: "They just aren't playing a lot of football compared to the others in their positions. If you're playing regularly for your club you have a much better chance of us assessing your level compared to the rest of the group.

"These lads have a lot of competition for their positions, they know that they have to get playing for their clubs and playing well and then England is a bonus on top.

"The boys totally understood that when I spoke to them. They are players who have done well for us and I'm sure they will be back with us."

Squad
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale.

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kyle Walker.

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse.

Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling.