04 Royal Blues off to the World Cup!

Senegalese international and new Royal Blue recruit Salif Sane will also be at the tournament. Matija Nastasic, who made the preliminary squad for his native Serbia, decided to withdraw himself from selection and go on holiday to allow a cruciate ligament rupture suffered in April to fully heal.

Leon Goretzka: Strong in all areas

Reigning champions will compete against Mexico, Sweden and South Korea in Group F in Russia, and Leon Goretzka, who will move to FC Bayern Munich next season, will be a part of that squad. The Royal Blue thinks Die Mannschaft are in good shape heading to the tournament. “We are strong in all areas,” said the 23-year-old, who will be hoping for some game time in Russia. “I am most at home in defensive midfield, and I think I will get my chance.”

Breel Embolo: Last 16 the aim

Breel Embolo will be given no easy introduction into the tournament as his Switzerland gear up to face Brazil. But the Swiss will not want to hide away against the record world champions. “Hopefully I can be a part of it from the beginning,” said the forward. Serbia and Costa Rica make up the rest of the group. Embolo and Switzerland will be at least hoping to get out of the group, before a potential second round clash with Germany.

Amine Harit: A dream come true

Amine Harit has also made the final cut for home country going to Russia this summer. Morocco, at the tournament for the first time since France in 1998, will meet Portugal, Spain and Iran in their group. “It’s a dream come true for me,” said Harit. “Playing in the World Cup is the pinnacle for every footballer.

Marki Pjaca: Honour and feeling of pride

Marko Pjaca has been called up to the final Croatia squad for Russia 2018. The forward, who is still under loan contract at Schalke until 30 June before he is set to return to Juventus, will meet Nigeria, 2014 runners-up Argentina and Iceland in Group D. “It is an honour and a feeling of pride that I might get the chance to be a part of it all,” he said.