Need to know
Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri has been training with England’s World Cup squad for the past week, but FIFA regulations mean he cannot be added to England’s final 26-man squad
Everything you need to know about the rules on England’s World Cup squad…
- Strict training-only status: Ethan Nwaneri was brought to Miami as a temporary training partner to bolster squad numbers while Arsenal and Crystal Palace players finished their late European club commitments. Nwaneri spent the season on loan at Marseille.
- Strict FIFA eligibility rule: World Cup regulations permit sides to call up a late injury replacement up to 24 hours before their opening fixture. However, that player must feature on the provisional 55-man squad submitted to FIFA. As Nwaneri was absent from that original 55-man list, he is ineligible to be added to the tournament squad under any circumstances.
- The only eligible stand-in (Alex Scott): The Bournemouth starlet remains the sole youngster currently touring with the squad who can be drafted in should an injury arise. In contrast to Nwaneri, Rio Ngumoha and Josh King, Scott was included in the preliminary 55-man party, rendering him eligible for a late promotion.
- The looming injury deadline: England retain the ability to alter their 26-man roster for injury or illness purposes until 24 hours before their opening clash against Croatia. Once the tournament gets under way, FIFA regulations dictate that only goalkeepers may be replaced in emergency situations.
- Huge experience for Nwaneri: Despite being left out of the World Cup squad, the Arsenal star stayed with the group to gain invaluable senior experience. He was on the bench in England’s 1-0 friendly victory over New Zealand and will be available to face Costa Rica before the tournament kicks off.
- Other Arsenal stars included: Thomas Tuchel named Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke to his final 26-man tournament squad. However, long-time international absentee Ben White was once again left out of the traveling party.
READ MORE: Arsenal star’s shock England call 24 hours after Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad announcement
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