Friday 16 March 2018 07:39, UK
Phil Thompson is surprised to see Danny Welbeck and Jake Livermore called up to Gareth Southgate's latest England squad.
Four uncapped players have been selected for the friendlies against Holland and Italy, but it is Welbeck and Livermore's inclusions which have shocked the Sky Sports pundit.
Welbeck has stared just eight Premier League games this season, failing to score in the competition since September, while Livermore has not started in a winning West Brom side in the league since the opening weekend of the season.
Thommo told Sky Sports: "There's a few surprises in there for me, none more so than Welbeck and Livermore.
"I think Danny can count himself very lucky to be in the squad as he hasn't had enough game time and certainly hasn't pulled up any trees up when he has had his chances, while the same can be said for Livermore.
"It is worrying when you see players being called up who aren't even impressing for their clubs. I think it shows a lack of depth in talent."
Thommo also believes Gary Cahill should be worried about his chances of making the World Cup squad after he joined Chris Smalling in being culled by Southgate.
"Cahill will be extremely disappointed if he's fit and not included," he added. "Alfie Mawson has been playing very well but doesn't have that experience, so it will be very worrying for Cahill.
"However, it is good to see Alfie Mawson and James Tarkowski getting their rewards, although it will be interesting to see whether they will actually get a cap.
"It is also good for Nick Pope because he has been absolutely incredible. He may or may not get a cap as well but he has done fantastic to come from nowhere.
"I think Southgate has gone for four goalkeepers instead of three because of Joe Hart's experience and it looks like he's going to get a run of games, so he's saying that the No 1 spot is very much up for grabs."
