Saints trio Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Luke Shaw have all been named in the 23-man England squad for the World Cup.

The national team manager Roy Hodgson confirmed their places in Brazil at his official announcement this afternoon.

All three of the Saints stars only won their first international caps this season, but have impressed enough to earn a place at this summer’s tournament.

Shaw has edged out Ashley Cole as the understudy to Everton’s Leighton Baines, while Lambert has been chosen ahead of fellow strikers Andy Carroll and Jermain Defoe.

Lallana’s place had been secure for some time, following his form for both club and country.

THE 2014 ENGLAND WORLD CUP SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Fraser Forster (Celtic).

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (England), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United).

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).

Attackers: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Daniel Welbeck (Manchester United).

Standby: John Ruddy (Norwich City), Jon Flanagan (Liverpool), John Stones (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Andy Carroll (West Ham United), Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC).