England fans are expectant once again ahead of the FIFA 2022 World Cup, having reached the final of Euro 2020 last summer and the last four at Russia 2018.
Gareth Southgate has taken the Three Lions closer to glory than any other manager since they last lifted the World Cup in 1966 — and Euro 2022 glory for the nation’s women’s side has only heightened excitement ahead of the journey to Qatar.
Southgate will be keen to manage the pressure surrounding his squad as the build-up to the tournament continues, but the former defender should also be confident of another strong performance. England will start among the leading contenders to hoist the famous trophy.
The majority of Southgate’s squad picks itself, but domestic form and injuries will also play a key role in his final decision.
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Projected England World Cup squad 2022
Southgate is likely to keep faith with the bulk of the squad that powered England to within touching distance of winning Euro 2020 last year, before their heart-breaking final defeat on penalties to Italy.
His starting defence and midfield rarely changed during the competition, and there appears to be little reason to alter his starting XI plans at this stage.
However, a mixed return to Premier League action for some in 2021/22 has unsettled certain positions, with Manchester United trio Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford under the most significant pressure. Southgate will also likely not be afraid of including emerging young stars.
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Predicted England World Cup squad
Goalkeepers (3): Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale.
Defenders (9): Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, Kieran Trippier, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Reece James, Eric Dier, Conor Coady.
Midfielders (6): Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips, Mason Mount, Jude Bellingham, James Ward-Prowse, Jordan Henderson.
Forwards (8): Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Jarrod Bowen, Tammy Abraham, Ivan Toney, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden.
Goalkeeper
Everton star Jordan Pickford was an ever-present for England during their run to the semifinals and final of the last two major tournaments.
Penalty shootout heroics only boosted his status as Southgate’s No.1, and despite missing the September UEFA Nations League games through injury, he remains first choice, with Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale as back up.
Defence
Southgate has an embarrassment of riches at full-back, and Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier’s defensive flexibility should secure their places, with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold back into contention after missing Euro 2020 through injury.
Maguire’s struggles at United have not diminished his importance to Southgate, with John Stones a seemingly certain selection alongside him, in either a back four or a three-man defence.
Shaw impressed at Euro 2022, but he could be a major casualty if Southgate drafts Trippier in as a cover option at left-back.
Midfield
The defensive pivot of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips offered England a platform to build on at Euro 2020, and they are expected to continue that partnership in Qatar.
Jude Bellingham’s rapid rise presents Southgate with an extra option but he has opted for caution over the Borussia Dortmund playmaker so far.
Depending on formation, Mason Mount is likely to start as the link man between midfield and attack, while the England boss has a decision to make over whether to take Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson or opt for a more energetic, younger option such as Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher.
Forwards
Captain Harry Kane is an undisputed starter for Southgate and he could break the England all-time goal record in Qatar.
Raheem Sterling’s goals were crucial in Euro 2020, and he will stay in the starting XI if he maintains solid form at Chelsea, with Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish fighting for the other starting spot in an advanced attacking role.
Southgate is well stocked with wide options, but an alternative — more traditional — partner for Kane could be more of a challenge.
Tammy Abraham’s impressive goal return in Serie A with Roma keeps him in the reckoning but a wildcard call for Brentford’s Ivan Toney — called up for the first time for the September internationals — would give Southgate something extra, if Plan A needs to be tweaked.
England projected starting lineup at World Cup 2022
(3-4-3): Pickford — Walker, Maguire, Stones — James, Phillips, Rice, Trippier — Sterling, Kane, Grealish
(4-2-3-1): Pickford — Walker, Maguire, Stones, Trippier — Phillips, Rice — Saka, Mount, Sterling — Kane
When is England World Cup squad announced?
Southgate is expected to announce his provisional squad for Qatar on October 20th or 21st.
That gives the England boss a month before the World Cup starts, and almost three weeks to meet the final deadline set by FIFA, which is on November 13.
It’s likely that Southgate will announce a bigger group than he can take in the first instance, and then whittle that number down to his final selection before the Nov. 13 cut off.
How many players will be in England’s World Cup squad?
World Cup rosters previously consisted of 23 players, including three goalkeepers, but FIFA have expanded squads to 26 for Qatar 2022, meaning Southgate has scope to include a few more bold calls in his selection.
The extra places allow for more experimentation, particularly in attacking areas, and may provide Southgate an opportunity to go with less-experienced options to offer a surprise factor in Qatar.
Alongside his final squad, Southgate is likely to name a standby list, as he did for Euro 2020.
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