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Gareth Southgate says it would be 'ARROGANT' to pick Reece James because injured England star would not be fit for World Cup group stage - as he reveals Kyle Walker is 'a long way ahead' of England team-mate in his recovery

England manager Gareth Southgate has insisted it would be 'arrogant' to select the injured Reece James for his World Cup squad because he would not be fit for the group stage.

Recovering Manchester City defender Kyle Walker was included when the Three Lions boss officially announced his 26-man list for the Qatar tournament on Thursday, while crocked Chelsea star James missed out.

And Southgate has opened up on the thinking behind his World Cup selection - particularly why he picked Walker but not the Blues right back.

Gareth Southgate insisted it would be 'arrogant' to select Reece James in his World Cup squad
The England manager (pictured) named his 26-man list for the Qatar tournament on Thursday
Southgate picked recovering defender Kyle Walker (above) but not injured Chelsea star James

He said: 'We had to make a difficult call with Reece James but he wasn't going to be available until the latter end of the tournament if everything weren't perfectly.