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When you play, play safe with Bet365, it means you can enjoy the moments with them. When you play, play safe with Bet 365. Hello and welcome to a special essential football podcast in the wake of England's World Cup squad announcement.

In the most excitement you'll have on a Thursday lunchtime, Gareth Southgate squad had a couple of surprises in store

with James Madison earning a seat on the plane three years since his last England call-up and Connor Gallagher also handed a spot.

I'm joined by a man who knows a thing

or two about the nervous weight ahead of a tournament squad announcement in Sky Sports very own

Alan Smith. Now, Alan, I've sort of touched on it there, but were there any major shocks for you at 2pm?

Well, it's been reported that James Madison wasn't going to make it. So to many people, that was a shock.

I always thought he would, to be honest, because he was just playing too well not to make it.

And in a squad of 26, I'm sure Gareth Southgate, I mean, he wanted to pick him, I'm sure of that.

But even if he kind of had a few doubts, he'd still be tempted to pick him to avoid all

the questions from the press and to kind of generate that little bit of doubt. Why is he not

picking the player on form, somebody who could change a game? But yeah, no, James Madison

has totally earned his place in that team. And, you know, in terms of the 26th, there aren't many qualms I could have in there.

You know, Gareth spoke about the lads he's at to ring up and explain why they're not going.

And that's heartbreaking for them concerned, difficult for the manager too.

But I think it's a solid selection is made.

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