Finalist of the last Euro, England is one of the favorites for the 2022 World Cup despite a very average recent form. Here are the main lines to expect from coach Gareth Southgate’s list.
England’s program in Qatar: Group B – Iran (November 21), USA (November 25), Wales (November 29).
An uncertain hierarchy for the purpose
With Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley) and Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), the trio of goalkeepers who will go to Qatar is normally known since Dean Henderson (Nottingham Forest) starts from further away. It remains to be seen, however, whether Pickford, holder in 2018 then at the Euro, will retain its number one place, Southgate having tended to multiply the tests in recent months.
The pains of defense
In the right lane, Reece James (Chelsea) started with Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) as a substitute, but the Blue was injured and now looks very uncertain for the World Cup. Called up for the first time in June, James Justin (Leicester) could take the opportunity to make a place for himself, insofar as Kyle Walker (Manchester City), part of the axis but right side by profession, is also injured and uncertain.
On the left side, Luke Shaw (Manchester United) and Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), often used in this position, are in the fight and should be on the trip. Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), right-hander regularly aligned on the left by Southgate, and Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), who is not favored by the coach, could also compete for a ticket.
In the axis, the maligned Harry Maguire (Manchester United), the experienced Kyle Walker and Eric Dier (Tottenham) start in a three-man formula, the question being whether Walker will be fit by the World Cup or not. John Stones (Manchester City), currently injured, and Conor Coady (Wolverhampton) have the confidence of Southgate to accompany them. Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) is on the rise and could complete the list, but Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan) then Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa) and Ben White (Arsenal), two elements more called up since March, also have their chances at the seen many ailments at this post.
The Phillips question mark in the middle
In the midfield, the pair Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)-Declan Rice (West Ham) holds the rope. The big question is whether the injured Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City) will be there. Very regularly called up in recent months, James Ward-Prowse (Southampton) seems to have a real card to play, while the young Conor Gallagher (Chelsea) and the experienced Jordan Henderson (Liverpool) are on the lookout in the event of a package from Phillips. In a different register, at creation, Mason Mount (Chelsea) has a guaranteed place. In the same register, on the other hand James Maddison (Leicester) is no longer popular.
Banished Rashford and Sancho in attack
At the forefront, Harry Kane (Tottenham) is untouchable and Tammy Abraham (AS Roma) will be his understudy. It is hard to believe that Ivan Toney (Brentford), author of 8 goals in the Premier League this season and called surprise from the last list without coming into play, will have the right to accompany them. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), however, has not been called up recently.
In the flanks, Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) and Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) have a guaranteed place, the only question being whether Saka will be used as a piston or a winger. Phil Foden (Manchester City) and Jack Grealish (Manchester City) are also guaranteed to make the trip, but a surprise like Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), called up in the last two rallies, cannot be ruled out with these lists to 26. On the other hand, Manchester United’s shock duo, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, have not entered Southgate’s plans in recent months.
England’s probable list for the 2022 World Cup
Guardians (3): Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal).
Defenders (11): Reece James (Chelsea), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Eric Dier (Tottenham), John Stones ( Manchester City), Conor Coady (Everton), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan).
Midfielders (5): Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Declan Rice (West Ham United), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton), Mason Mount (Chelsea).
Forwards (7): Tammy Abraham (AS Roma), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United).
