Chicharito and Lanzini take step closer to World Cup

Chicharito and Manuel Lanzini in training at Rush Green

 

Chicharito and Manuel Lanzini have been named in their respective nations’ provisional 2018 FIFA World Cup squads.

Mexico’s all-time leading goalscorer Chicharito is in his country’s 28-man selection, which will be whittled down to the final 23 following warm-up matches with Wales and Scotland in Los Angeles and Mexico City respectively.

With 100 caps and 49 goals for his country, the 29-year-old is almost certain to be named in the final 23, barring injury.

Mexico face Denmark in Copenhagen in their final warm-up fixture before tackling Germany, South Korea and Sweden in Russia.

Lanzini has far less international experience, with three caps and one goal for Argentina to his name.

The 25-year-old, who scored twice in West Ham United’s 3-1 Premier League win over Everton at London Stadium on Sunday, has been named in Cesar Sampaoli’s star-studded 35-man provisional group.

Lanzini, who scored on his last appearance for Argentina in a friendly win over Italy in March, will hope to impress in the South Americans’ one and only warm-up fixture against Haiti in Buenos Aires on Tuesday 29 May.

The two-time winners and 2014 runners-up face Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in the World Cup group-stage.

Edimilson Fernandes is still awaiting news of Switzerland’s squad announcement, while on-loan midfielder Joao Mario will learn if has made European champions Portugal’s squad on Thursday.

Away from the World Cup, Declan Rice is in the Republic of Ireland squad for friendly internationals with France in Paris and the United States in Dublin.