Chris Smalling one of five senior England aces not in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup plans

Three Lions boss is determined to stick with his kids next summer - spelling bad news for Smalling plus Jack Wilshere, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott

Dave Kidd

Published: 9:59, 16 Nov 2017
Updated: 12:59, 20 Nov 2017

GARETH SOUTHGATE is determined to stick with his kids for the World Cup.

That means five axed England stars — Chris Smalling, Jack Wilshere, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott — can expect to spend next summer on the beach rather than in Russia.

Chris Smalling is tipped to be one of the big-name, big-club casualties as England boss Gareth Southgate sticks with youngstersCredit: PA:Press Association

Three Lions boss Southgate, buoyed by England’s goalless draws against Germany and Brazil, is now certain to start with three central defenders and two wing-backs at the finals.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Harry Winks, both 21, plus keeper Jordan Pickford, 23, have all forced their way into Southgate’s likely squad for Russia.

While the impressive showings of Joe Gomez, 20, and Harry Maguire, 24, mean Smalling is the biggest loser from the international break.

The Manchester United defender was surprisingly axed from the latest England squad, with Southgate damningly insisting he wanted defenders who can play out from the back.

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Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is set for more frustration this season - by missing out on Russia 2018Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Jack Wilshere is expected to be left at home next summer after so far failing to even break back regularly into the Arsenal team this seasonCredit: PA:Press Association

It is also understood Smalling was not willing enough to adapt his game.

Southgate’s snub to Wilshere, despite a string of injuries in midfield, is also telling for his long-term plans.

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The Three Lions boss is yet to cap the Arsenal man and it would need a massive turnaround for him to go to Russia.
Southgate is believed to be happy with his decision to axe Liverpool striker Sturridge.

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Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has hit 15 goals in 36 England games but is likely to be grounded next summer when the England squad fly out for Russia 2018Credit: Getty - Contributor

England have axed Theo Walcott as he fights to revive his stalling Arsenal careerCredit: Getty - Contributor

He is also determined not to build plans around players with iffy fitness records, meaning Arsenal forward Welbeck is unlikely to feature.

With wingers being sacrificed in Southgate’s preferred style of play, Walcott is unlikely to force his way back in and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also not fancied.