We are about a month away from an unprecedented World Cup which will start on November 20th and finish on December 18th, disrupting league campaigns across the world.
Gareth Southgate is just one of the 32 managers who are currently in deep thought and preparation, trying to figure out and decide which players to take to Qatar and which to leave at home. Clubs across the globe will not enjoy watching this World Cup.
They will all be on edge, hoping for their players to return unhurt and in good shape for the second half of the season. It may also have an effect now.
Some players will no doubt have one eye on playing in the World Cup, and though they will be eager to please, they will not want to get injured so close to the tournament and may pull out of a challenge or not run that extra yard in case of pulling something (yea, I said it)
Under Southgate, England has definitely done better than in previous years. Fourth in the World Cup. 3rd in the Nations League (Although relegated to the second tier in this campaign) and runner-up in Euro2020.
Although they have been poor recently, England are one of the favourites in this World Cup, and things still seem positive.
That said, relative success brings its own pressures and issues, and we all know England do not do well under extreme pressure and scrutiny.
However, within these months leading up to Qatar, Southgate has some really tough decisions to make, decisions that could be the difference between success and coming home once more sad, dejected, and broken-hearted.
First and foremost, if you know football, you would have heard a familiar phrase “a great attack wins fans, but a great defence wins trophies/titles”. So naturally, it’s important to get the right players in defence.
GOALKEEPERS
It seems this position is more straightforward than others in the squad. Jordan Pickford has been the main guy for some time, and it will probably take something catastrophic for him not to be the No1 in Qatar.
The no 2 & 3 probably pick themselves with Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale in a fierce competition to be the n02 guy.
As stated, to me, these seem set in stone. But if something was to happen, I would say Dean Henderson could be the next guy to step in. However, Sam Johnstone may have a say as he has made several squads.
DEFENDERS
Probably one of the most talented and fiercely contested positions in the squad.
At right back, England has the likes of Walker, Trippier, James and Alexander-Arnold. Even the likes of Ben White, who can play right or centre.
Maybe Walker-Peters could make a late surge. Its a possibility that Southgate can take the first four names mentioned. However, Kyle Walker’s recent injury has set the cat amongst pigeons. As has the recent injury to Reece James.
These two looked the certainties, but now it could open the door for Kieran Trippier, who now looks a certainty for a start, and from being out in the cold, if Trent Alexander-Arnold can come back from injury and have a good four weeks, he is in with a big chance.
Barring any injuries, of course, the left-backs more or less pick themselves. Hopefully, Southgate will not play one of the right backs on the left.
However, you have Chilwell, coming back to form after a long injury at the perfect time. Then Luke Shaw, who has not exactly been firing on all cylinders but looks like the no2 guy.
Failing that, Aaron Cresswell will push him all the way. For an outside chance Matt Targett and James Justin maybe?
Regarding centre-backs, this could be contentious. Mainly because England are not exactly blessed in that position. I think the only certainty is John Stones.
The real decision will be who plays alongside him in either a back four or back three. Previously Harry Maguire would have been his main partner, but his form has been worrying, and his place should be under severe threat.
Although I wouldn’t take him, he will probably go.
But it still leaves the door open for the likes of Fikayo Tomori. Who has been excellent since he went to AC Milan, winning the Scadutto in his first season.
Or even for experience, Chris Smalling, whose been doing well in Italy. In terms of established centre-backs.
Gareth has a real decision. Tottenham’s Dier will most likely make it, but there is an opportunity, if in form, for the likes of Liverpool’s Gomez, Villa’s Mings, Arsenal’s White, Everton’s Coady or Tarkowski and even Palace’s Geuhi.
MIDFIELDERS
I have broken it down into two categories. Midfielders, and attacking midfielders. For the first category, again barring anything catastrophic, they mainly pick themselves.
Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Jordan Henderson are probably certainties. After this, it will be touch and go.
This will probably be out of Southampton’s Ward-Prowse and Man City’s Phillips, and maybe Chelsea’s Gallagher, who could come under both categories. All three could get selected but quite easily, neither of the three.
Regarding attacking midfielders, naturally, Foden and Saka are certainties.
However, after that, Gareth has a decision to make. Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish maybe close to the certain bracket.
Most attacking midfielders will play in the forward line, so I believe there will be spaces for a few more. Jarrod Bowen has been making a good claim for that position, closely followed by James Maddison making a strong argument.
If there were any outside chances, I would have said Jaden Sancho, Jesse Lingard and Emile Smith Rowe, but I none have done enough or doubt will do enough in the coming weeks to make a late claim.
FORWARDS
Naturally, the captain Harry Kane will be the main man, and for me, his second in command will of course be Raheem Sterling.
I am not sure how many places will be left, but if I go with four. The last two places will be a hard-fought thing. At present, the two I am looking at are Ivan Toney, who I feel has made the strongest argument and Tammy Abraham.
Both are pretty similar, but both offer something that can add to the other players in the squad.
Failing that, Callum Wilson has a real chance at going. Outside chances for one circumstance or another may have passed by for the likes of Villa duo Ings or Watkins, and due to injuries, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Patrick Bamford.
SURPRISE INCLUSIONS
In almost every squad, there seems to be a surprise that comes out of the blue. Although it’s hard to see that happening in this squad.
That has been said in previous squad’s and a surprise inclusion still came. In this World Cup squad, that surprise could be either Liverpool’s Harvey Elliot or Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey. Both are excellent young prospects, playing and performing regularly, with bright futures ahead of them, and Gareth might see them as a wildcard selection.
