June 4 2018

Luka Milivojevic

LUKA MILIVOJEVIC will be the only Crystal Palace player to feature at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The Eagles skipper has been named in the 23-man Serbia squad for the massive summer tournament which kicks off on June 14.

He will link up with the likes of Aleksandar Kolarov (AS Roma), Nemanja Matic (Manchester United), Branislav Ivanovic (Zenit St Petersburg) and Marko Grujic (Liverpool).

Serbia find themselves in a tough group with Brazil, Switzerland and Costa Rica but will be hopeful of getting beyond the group stages for the first time since 1998.

Midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek's performances for Palace last season, while on loan from Chelsea, ensured his selection for Gareth Southgate's England squad.

Palace striker Christian Benteke failed to make the Belgian squad after a disappointing season in which he scored just three goals.

Manager Roberto Martinez said: "He did everything during this camp, leaving him at home was the hardest decision. I choose the balance in the team, so I only take two deep strikers."

Eagles midfielder Lee Chung-yong was omitted from South Korea's squad for Russia, having played in the previous two World Cups.

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