Gareth Southgate England World Cup squad press conference LIVE: Latest updates from Wembley Stadium

Southgate speaks publicly for the first time since naming his 23-man squad

England announces squad for Russia 2018 World Cup

Gareth Southgate has spoken publicly for the first time after naming his 23-man World Cup squad.

The Three Lions boss made his long-awaited selection for Russia on Wednesday afternoon with a number of high profile names missing out. Experienced duo Joe Hart and Jack Wilshere aren't on the plane with uncapped Nick Pope and Trent Alexander-Arnold instead preferred in a young-looking squad.

Gary Cahill won back his place while Chelsea teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek was rewarded for his fine form on loan for Crystal Palace. England Player of the Year Adam Lallana is only on the standby list and must hope for an injury in the initial group to get his chance.

We will have all the latest reaction from Southgate's press conference right here.

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Key Points

• Gareth Southgate speaks for the first time after announcing his 23-man World Cup squad
• Uncapped Trent-Alexander Arnold is included but Liverpool teammate Adam Lallana misses out 
• Gary Cahill and Ruben Loftus-Cheek given the nod but Jack Wilshere and Joe Hart not included
• Tom Heaton, James Tarkowski, Lewis Cook, Jake Livermore and Lallana on standby

[17 May 2018 11:13 · Vithushan Ehantharajah]

On Jonjo Shelvey: "I've watched hundreds of games this season, live and back at home. We know all the English players in the league. We think the players we have picked are better than the ones they haven't. We assess somebody on how they fit into how we want to play. In terms of temperament some of the best players - the likes of Gerrard, Viera, Keane - get a lot of bookings, that wouldn't be the primary factor in our selection. They have to fit into our system and their character and personality has to fit into our group."

[17 May 2018 11:14 · Vithushan Ehantharajah]

On James Milner: "He has retired from international football. He has had an outstanding season and he is a character I really like, I tried to sign him when I was at Middlesbrough. I spoke to him when I first took the job and he assured me he was happy retired. He has made no suggestion he wants to come back. We are headed in a certain direction, we believe in the players we have got."

[17 May 2018 11:15 · Vithushan Ehantharajah]

Here's a pic of the main man to break up that horrific wall of text. You're welcome. 

[17 May 2018 11:16 · Vithushan Ehantharajah]

Are England in Russia purely to prepare for Qatar 2022?

"No. We have exciting players and I don't want to limit what they think is possible. We have to enjoy the ride, be positive and have a go at things. We have to embrace the tournament."

[17 May 2018 11:17 · Vithushan Ehantharajah]

Was Ryan Sessegnon close to being picked? "We know all of the young players. Sessegnon, Sancho, Foden, Mount. I don't think at the moment they are better than the players we have got. That could happen soon but I don't think it would help their development to pick them."

[17 May 2018 11:19 · Vithushan Ehantharajah]

Curb your expectation alert! "The public know where we are at. The players need time to grow."

[17 May 2018 11:22 · Vithushan Ehantharajah]

Have you addressed why England consistently underperform?

"The reason has been different in every tournament. We've gone out on shootouts. Or we've not been able to deal with the pressure of being favourites. Or not had a clear identity. So while I have been at The FA we have analysed all of that and tried to learn from previous tournaments."

... And is there a problem with club cliques?

"It didn't happen in 1996. It wasn't an issue. I started to see it a little bit towards the end of my time with England. But I don't see that with this group. These lads have grown up playing together. We don't have that intense club rivalry in English football at the minute, maybe it could happen but not at the moment. At meal times they all sit with one another, and some are closer than others - you rarely see Jesse (Lingard) and Marcus (Rashford) without them both holding hands - but we're working through the process and the players are receptive to everything we do."

[17 May 2018 11:25 · Vithushan Ehantharajah]

Did you get any feedback on the Alexander-Arnold reaction?

"It's lovely and it's a special moment for his family and his football club."

[17 May 2018 11:27 · Vithushan Ehantharajah]

How much do you talk to Pep Guardiola and what is his impact?

"I think he had already made an impact when he was at Barcelona. The Champions League then was on terrestrial television and everybody was watching. The impact of watching that team 5-7 years ago was huge on people running football. When I see kids playing now I see them playing it out from the back. And that's an impact from his team. 

"That, coupled with us moving to smaller sized pitches and having smaller games. Now Guardiola is having an impact in how Manchester City are playing at the top level of our game. We don't get off the island too often so it's great coaches like him come over here and help us."

[17 May 2018 11:28 · Vithushan Ehantharajah]

Southgate addressing the media: