sport news World Cup: Micah Richards' guide to Gareth Southgate's 26-man England squad trends now

England's World Cup campaign kicks off in no more than three days, and Gareth Southgate will be putting together the finishing touches ahead of Monday's opening clash against Iran.

With several familiar faces and a handful of new additions, the Three Lions' squad boasts an enviable cocktail of talented youngsters and experienced internationals who are each bidding to fire England to World Cup glory next month.

Leicester playmaker James Maddison earned his first call-up to a major international tournament following a fruitful spell at the King Power, while Callum Wilson made the cut thanks to his superb goalscoring form at Newcastle.

Youngsters Jude Bellingham, 19, Phil Foden, 22, and Bukayo Saka, 21, are also heading to their first-ever World Cups having seriously impressed at some of Europe's top outfits. 

But the World Cup newcomers are joined by Southgate's experienced band of stalwarts - namely Harry Kane, Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Jordan Pickford and Raheem Sterling, who were regular first-team players at the 2018 tournament in Russia.

With just three days to go before their World Cup curtain-raiser, former England international MICAH RICHARDS gives Sportsmail his take on every player in Southgate's 26-man squad.

1 - Jordan Pickford (Age: 28. Caps: 45)

I've never understood the debate about whether he should start a tournament. What has he ever done wrong for England? He has actually been a hero at times. I love him and have no doubts about him. 

He might be Marmite to some people but I like Jordan's character. You need strong personalities in a successful group and that's what he is.

23 - Aaron Ramsdale (Age: 24. Caps: 3)

I met him recently during filming for A League of their Own and I was won over by him. He's a lad you cannot help but enjoy being around and the confidence he has off the pitch has helped his performances. He goes to Qatar on top of the league with Arsenal and he will be ready if called on.

13 - Nick Pope (Age: 30. Caps: 10)

He didn't enjoy a great night for England against Germany in September but he has been spot on for Newcastle and fully deserves his place in the squad. He has taken a step forward since leaving Burnley in terms of his all-round game and it has been good to see.

18 - Trent Alexander-Arnold (Age: 24. Caps: 17. Goals: 1)

I hear people say 'he can't do this' or 'he can't defend'. It's strange. I never hear anyone really praise him for what he can do - and what he can do is breathtaking. He played a pass at Tottenham this month that was as good as I've ever seen. I've never lost faith in him. I'm delighted he's in the squad because he improves it.

2 - Kyle Walker (Age: 32. Caps: 70)

One of the most dependable characters, his experience and ability to switch from playing in a back three to a back four made him a guaranteed pick once he had proven his injury wasn't really serious.

People will wonder how he can go to the World Cup after not playing since October 2 but it all comes down to having Gareth Southgate's trust.

12 - Kieran Trippier (Age: 32. Caps: 37. Goals: 1)

The most in-form full back in the Premier League and a huge part of Newcastle's development. Every time I watch him, I can't believe he's 32 and producing the levels that he does. What a fantastic career he has had, from a young lad behind me and Pablo Zabaleta to a league champion in Spain. I expect he starts against Iran.

16 - Conor Coady (Age: 29. Caps: 10. Goals: 1)

He didn't get to play a minute at the Euros but he is a fantastic character and he arrives in the tournament in good form, following a successful move to Everton. If England line up with three at the back, plenty will have him down for one of those spots to start.

15 - Eric Dier (Age: 28. Caps: 47. Goals: 3)

His form for Tottenham isn't as strong as it was at the beginning of the campaign but his value to the squad is big. 

He can play in defence but also has the ability to step into midfield if required and let's not forget the courage he showed in Russia when stepping up to take the decisive penalty in the shootout against Colombia.

6 - Harry Maguire (Age: 29. Caps: 48. Goals: 7)

This selection has all come down to trust. As I mentioned with Kyle Walker, Gareth Southgate has picked him because he knows the Manchester United man well and he has never let him down in a tournament. I just hope that he doesn't get let down and that trust hasn't been misplaced. A big performance early on will help everyone.

5 - John Stones (Age: 28. Caps: 59. Goals: 3)

I want John to have a good tournament and remind people of what a class defender he is - his club team, Manchester City, more often than not, win every week and that makes it hard for people to appreciate what

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