---
title: "Drinkwater still dreaming of World Cup"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2017/11/10/drinkwater-still-dreaming-world-cup/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2017-11-10T13:28:51Z"
modified: "2017-11-10T13:28:51Z"
---

# Drinkwater still dreaming of World Cup

Despite snubbing Gareth Southgate’s call to join up with the England squad for their upcoming friendlies, Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater hasn’t given up on his World Cup dreams, the [Evening Standard](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-star-danny-drinkwater-still-dreaming-of-world-cup-despite-snubbing-england-callup-a3687621.html) report.

Drinkwater, 27, was not named in Southgate’s original squad, however, after Dele Alli, Jordan Henderson, Harry Winks and Fabian Delph all dropped out through injury, the England boss gave Drinkwater a call.

The midfielder told the England boss he was still struggling with a calf problem so declined his invitation to join up with the squad, which many have said shows a lack of desire towards the national side.

![Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/866355910.jpg)

When asked about Drinkwater’s situation, Southgate said:

> The physical demands at this level are incredibly high, you’ve got to feel that you are in peak condition. If Danny didn’t feel he was ready for that I can understand, given the amount of minutes he’s had.

The Chelsea midfielder has admitted he hasn’t given up on his dreams of making the squad for the World Cup in Russia next year, however, knows he must establish himself in the middle of the Blues’ midfield and remain fit if that is to be the case.