Chris Waddle: 'England World Cup squad lacks creativity, imagination'

Former England international Chris Waddle has claimed that Gareth Southgate's squad for the 2018 World Cup "is lacking in creativity and imagination".

Southgate named his 23-man contingent for Russia on Wednesday, with a number of youngsters named in a squad from which there were notable omissions in the shape of Joe Hart and Jack Wilshere.

However, some fans on social media have criticised the lack of a truly creative player in midfield, such as the aforementioned Wilshere, Ryan Sessegnon, Adam Lallana - who is on standby - and Jonjo Shelvey.

Waddle has joined in on the criticism, claiming that the team is laden with "similarly defensive-minded players" and lacks a "point of difference" in the centre of the park.

"For me it is lacking in creativity and imagination," the 57-year-old told BBC Sport.

"Raheem Sterling is going to be the one to run with the ball, Marcus Rashford will if he gets a game, but apart from that it is physical, strong, tall, grafting side that can pass the ball quite well.

"But every team needs a point of difference but there are so many similarly defensive-minded players."

Waddle earned 62 England caps between 1985 and 1991, and was in the squads for the 1986 World Cup, Euro 1988 and the 1990 World Cup.