Cahill and Loftus-Cheek in England’s World Cup squad

Gary Cahill and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have been included in England’s squad for the World Cup.

Reports suggested Chelsea captain Cahill would miss out after a poor season in which he has struggled for fitness and form.

But Cahill has been named in the 23-man squad by England boss Gareth Southgate for the tournament in Russia.

And so too has Loftus-Cheek, who has impressed on loan at Crystal Palace from Chelsea and is included after making a successful return from injury.

Ryan Sessegnon has not been included, despite recent reports the outstanding Fulham youngster could be in the squad or on standby.

“I believe this is a squad which we can be excited about,“ Southgate said.

“It is a young group, but with some really important senior players so I feel the balance of the squad is good, both in terms of its experience, its character and also the positional balance.

“We have a lot of energy and athleticism in the team, but players that are equally comfortable in possession of the ball and I think people can see the style of play we’ve been looking to develop.

“The selection process has been over months really, it’s not just been the last few weeks. We feel the team are improving and we want to continue that momentum.”

England’s World Cup squad: Butland (Stoke), Pickford (Everton), Pope (Burnley); Jones (Man Utd), Cahill (Chelsea), Walker (Man City), Trippier (Tottenham), Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Rose (Tottenham), Young (Man Utd), Stones (Man City), Maguire (Leicester); Dier (Tottenham), Henderson (Liverpool), Delph (Man City), Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea), Lingard (Man Utd), Alli (Tottenham); Kane (Tottenham), Rashford (Man Utd), Vardy (Leicester), Sterling (Man City), Welbeck (Arsenal).