West Ham United duo Joe Hart and Aaron Cresswell have been named in the England squad for the Three Lions’ final two 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Gareth Southgate’s side need just a point from their home Group F tie with Slovenia at Wembley Stadium on Thursday 5 October to secure their place in Russia.
Should they fail to draw with the Slovenians, a point from their final fixture with Lithuania in Vilnius on Sunday 8 October would suffice.
Capped 73 times, goalkeeper Hart has started all eight of England’s Group F qualifiers, conceding just three goals, while left-back Cresswell will hope to make his competitive debut after featuring in friendly internationals with Spain and France.
“The main aim for me is to play well this season and go to the World Cup,” said Cresswell. “It’s an ambition of every footballer to go to the best tournament in the world, so hopefully I can have a good year and we’ll see where we are come the end of the season.
“For me, playing for your country is the pinnacle of your career. It’s nice to be involved in games like we’ve had recently and play in stadiums like Wembley and the Stade de France. I’m delighted that we won the two games and with the experience of being part of it.”
England versus Slovenia will be screened live by ITV from 7.45pm on 5 October, while Lithuania v England will be broadcast by the same channel from 5pm on 8 October.
For details of the other West Ham players aiming to secure qualification, click here.
The FIFA World Cup finals kick-off in Moscow on 14 June 2018.