England’s 23-man World Cup 2010 squad announced

Fabio Capello has finalised the 23-man squad to carry English hopes at the World Cup in South Africa - and there's no place for Theo Walcott, Darren Bent or Adam Johnson.

Tom Huddlestone, Leighton Baines, Michael Dawson and Scott Parker were the other casualties from the initial 30-strong gathering which attended Capello's pre-World Cup camp in Austria.

But Arsenal's Walcott is the surprise ommission from the South Africa-bound party - his place going to Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Walcott said today: "I am very disappointed not to be included in the squad going out to South Africa, but completely respect Mr Capello's decision. "I would like to wish the team the best of luck and hope theyhave a really successful tournament."

Aside from Walcott, the one unexpected decision involved Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock's selection ahead of Leighton Baines. The latter's discomfort at committing himself to being away from home for six weeks eventually counted against him, even though he featured against Egypt and Mexico while Warnock didn't.

With scans on Gareth Barry's ankle injury confirming that he was on track to recover in time to play a full part in training immediately after the Group C opener against the United States on June 12, Capello was able to formulate the rest of his squad largely as predicted.

England's 23-man squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa:

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green

Defenders

Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock

Midfielders

Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips

Forwards

Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney