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‘This can’t be real!’: Your early reactions to the World Cup squad

Some of you have already been getting in touch with your thoughts on the reported squad – and, more specifically, on who isn’t included.

Ben Cody is amazed one Manchester United defender is likely to miss out…

“Maguire has GOT TO be in there, this can’t be real!”

While Simon Tompkins thinks leaving out Cole Palmer would be a mistake…

“Palmer has to go. His ability to produce a moment of brilliance is unquestionable.”

Keep sending in your thoughts over the next few hours as the England squad picture becomes clear.

When are England and Scotland playing?

England are in Group L and will begin their campaign on 17 June in Texas against Croatia, who you may remember knocked the Three Lions out of the 2018 World Cup.

Here’s England’s full fixture list:

• England vs Croatia – 17 June, Dallas, 9pm (UK time)
• England vs Ghana – 23 June, Boston, 9pm (UK time)
• Panama vs England – 27 June, New York-New Jersey, 10pm (UK time)

Scotland’s timetable is less favourable for fans, who will need to stay up through the night to watch their side take on opponents including five-time winners Brazil.

• Haiti vs Scotland – June 14, Boston, 2am (UK time)
• Scotland vs Morocco – June 19, Boston, 11pm (UK time)
• Scotland vs Brazil – June 24, Miami, 11pm (UK time)

Players could break long-standing England World Cup records

Both the appearances and goals records for England in World Cup history could fall at the upcoming tournament.

Goalkeeper great Peter Shilton played 17 times for the Three Lions over three World Cups, including a run to the semi-finals in 1990, and is currently three clear of the next highest total.

However, both Jordan Pickford and John Stones are currently on 12 games after both being mainstays at the last two editions of the tournament in 2018 and 2022.

If both men play each match and England progress from their group, they could break Shilton’s record in the quarter finals.

Can Kane eclipse Lineker?

Gary Lineker currently holds the distinction for most goals scored, having netted 10 across two World Cups.

Harry Kane, the Golden Boot winner at the 2018 edition, will surely have an eye on smashing this record – he’s only three behind on eight.

Could he bag a hat-trick in one group stage match to achieve the feat? You wouldn’t bet against him, with the form he’s been in for Bayern Munich this season.

‘Why not leave some untouchables out?’: Here’s what you’ve had to say

More of you have been sharing your views on the England squad, which will be confirmed within the next 20 minutes or so.

Ash Bent thinks a radical approach to the squad might be a good thing…

“We’ve won nothing for an eternity so why not leave some of the supposedly untouchables out. Let whoever’s in rise up and play. At worst we don’t win the tournament.”

Slater00 has been left confused by the reported omission of one right back…

“Surely Trent is the exact player profile you want to come off the bench and make a difference. Same reason for Toney going. Makes no sense to not take him…”

Riley is just as surprised at the selections on the other side of England’s defence…

“I think not taking Lewis Hall is a shocker from Tuchel, should he not be selected. He’s one of only two decent LBs for England and missing out would be dreadful.”

Jaggy thinks Ollie Watkins deserves a prominent role in the squad for his late-season form…

“With Ollie’s performances with the villa in the final part of the season. He should be no2 striker behind Kane, no doubt.”