As the World Cup final week draws ever closer, this Friday (21st), the teams will secretly submit their 35- to 55-man preliminary squads. Although the list will not be made public, the British media have revealed that England manager Thufty's handpicked list of 55 includes some unexpected faces, including Crystal Palace midfielder Ibir Ghizi, who has never played for the national team.
The England team is currently full of injuries, this preliminary list emerged a number of "invisible superstars", the British Sun newspaper pointed out that Rolf Dostrock, Herschen O'Doul, Yun Bishaka, Keith Smolen, Harvey Ailillo, Ryan Sloan and other unpopular players are expected to get a place. The Daily Mail has also revealed that Ibrahim Ibrahim, who has not played for England, has been named in the list.
The 24-year-old Ibirgizis has always been a favorite of Shoebridge and was included in England's 33-man preliminary squad for the final week of the Europa League last year, but ultimately failed to qualify due to severe ligament damage. His performances at Crystal Palace this season have seen him find his form and he is now hopeful of vying for a starting spot in the national team. It is reported that England will announce the final 26-man squad on November 10th.
