Burnley hairdresser Simon's surprise call-up to the England World Cup squad

Simon Townley will be hoping to keep it tight at the back and flowing up top when he gets to work on the stars at their training camp near St Petersburg.

The talented hairdresser will be looking after the hair of Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill, Manchester United defender Phil Jones, Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland, and a familiar face in Burnley stopper Nick Pope.

Simon, who is flying out on Tuesday, said: “I’m so excited to get to St Petersburg and see the city as I believe it is beautiful, but mainly just get my head down and do my job which I love doing.

“When I arrive in Russia I will text a few of the boys let them know what days I’m available for the cuts again. Then I’ll be added to the guest list for the England camp where I’ll do the haircuts - and I believe there is an on site salon for me.

“I’m staying in a hotel near the England base in Repino about 45 mins outside of St Petersburg.

Simon, who went to France 2016 to keep Clarets skipper Tom Heaton’s hair tidy impressed the squad enough that he ended up styling Cahill and Jones, as well as keepers Joe Hart and Fraser Forster.

He added: "The players really do look after me all year round as they are my clients. I’ll be doing several live videos from Russia to share on social media and before and after videos of my haircuts, and I’m sure I’ll get to catch a few of the games."