Three fast-rising Nigerian-born attackers, Tammy Abraham, Ademola Lookman and Dominic Solanke will not be heading for the World Cup this year, after they were all not named in England’s provisional list that was announced on Wednesday.
Against all speculation that Tammy’s recent form at Swansea City, Lookman at RB Leipzig of Germany and Solanke with Liverpool would be good enough for The Three Lions, coach of the side, Gareth Southgate.
All three had their names missing, as Southgate announced a 23-man squad, but Nigeria Football Federation will be delighted after the trio were omitted.
Abraham and Solanke have played for the Three Lions in friendly matches, so remain eligible to represent the Super Eagles, while the uncapped Lookman was snubbed despite his brilliant end to the season that saw him directly involved in seven goals in his last 5 matches for RB Leipzig.
Though this one has been taken, Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley will not be attending his second World Cup having struggled with his fitness for most part of the season, but another Nigerian-born lad at Tottenham Hotspur, Dele Alli will be on the plane to Russia as he has been listed on the roster.
The 1966 world champions will face Nigeria (June 2, Wembley) and Costa Rica (June 7, Elland Road) in friendly matches before their trip to Russia.
