2014 World Cup: England unveils 23-man provisional squad
England manager Roy Hodgson has unveiled his 23-man squad for the Brazil 2014 tournament. The squad will travel to Portugal next week to begin their preparations for World Cup. They will also face Peru at Wembley on Friday 30 May. Then, Honduras and Ecuador in Miami , and then opening game with Italy on Saturday 14 June.
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (England), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United).
Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).
Attackers: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Daniel Welbeck (Manchester United).
Standby: John Ruddy (Norwich City), Jon Flanagan (Liverpool), John Stones (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Andy Carroll (West Ham United), Jermain
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Fraser Forster (Celtic).
World cup snub? Ashley Cole retires from international football.
Chelsea/England left-back, Ashley Cole has announced his retirement from international football. This news came shortly after he was dropped by Roy Hodgson’s from England’s squad to the 2014 World Cup.
The 33 year-old told reporters, “I think it’s best I retire from the England team now. We have a great manager and team and I wish them only success. I will be supporting them like a true fan. Thanks to everyone for everything. It was a pleasure to get 107 caps. Like me or not, trust me it’s hurt me to stop playing for my country.”