England’s World Cup Squad – Who is on the cusp?
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Gareth Southgate spoke before England’s friendly game with Italy and said that there are up to 32 players in contention for his World Cup squad.
We’ve taken a look at the possible options and decided that 17 are nailed on to be in the squad if they don’t get injured between now and the summer.
So, that means there are as many as 15 players who are still fighting to be included in the squad.
We’ve taken a look at the England stars who are ‘on the cusp’.
Nailed on
Firstly, let’s look at the players who will be on the plane, provided they don’t pick up an injury before the summer: Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Joe Gomez, Danny Rose, Ryan Bertrand, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard, Raheem Sterling, Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane. So, that’s 17 places that we think are secure, so there are six left up for grabs. Here’s the contenders for those spots.
Nick Pope
Burnley’s Nick Pope has had a great season and has forced himself into the reckoning. He’s competing for the third goalkeeper role. Will he make it? Prediction: No, we think he’ll just miss out.
Joe Hart
Joe Hart has gone from the unquestioned number one to fighting for a place in the squad. His form has been pretty poor and there’s plenty of people saying he shouldn’t even be in consideration. Will he make it? Prediction: Yes, we think Gareth Southgate will want his experience around the squad to help out the other two young goalkeepers.
Nathaniel Clyne
Nathaniel Clyne has long been considered as the first back up option to Kyle Walker. However, he’s not played at all for Liverpool this season, although he is set to return to action. Will he make it? Prediction: No. His lack of game time this season will ultimately cost him.
Phil Jones
Phil Jones’ form has been very up and down, both for club and country. On his day, he’s as good as anything England have. Will he make it? Prediction: Yes. We think Jones is probably the best of the ‘on the fringe’ centre backs.
James Tarkowski
Burnley’s James Tarkowski is another player who has had a good year and forced himself into contention. Will he make it? Prediction: No. We think this one has come too soon for Tarkowski.
Alfie Mawson
Swansea are having a difficult season but Alfie Mawson has looked good and has earned himself a call up. Will he make it? Prediction: No. Like Tarkowski, we think this one has come too soon for Mawson too.
Ashley Young
After spending years in the wilderness both at club and international level, Ashley Young is now a regular at Man United and he’s in the latest England squad. Will he make it? Prediction: Yes. His versatility will be useful as Gareth Southgate has two formations in mind.
Lewis Cook
Bournmouth’s Lewis Cook captained the England U20 side as they won the World Cup last year. His form for Bournemouth saw him selected for the latest squad. Will he make it? Prediction: No. We think he’s too far down the pecking order to get into the squad this time around.
Jack Wilshere
Jack Wilshere, when fit, is one of England’s best players. However, his fitness issues have seen him drop out of contention for the Italy friendly. Will he make it? Prediction: Yes. We think Southgate won’t gamble on players with fitness issues but Wilshere, if he stays fit between now and the summer, will be on the plane.
Adam Lallana
Similar to Wilshere, Lallana is one of England’s star men when fit. However, he’s had a terrible season with injuries and is nowhere near his best. Will he make it? Prediction: No. Unlike Wilshere, Lallana has hardly played all season and we think that’ll cost him.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Since moving to Liverpool, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has played well in a central role and has got himself back in contention with England. Will he make it? Prediction: Yes. His ability to play in a number of roles make him the perfect player to have in the squad.
Jake Livermore
Despite not playing regularly for West Brom, Southgate seems to really like Jake Livermore and keeps picking him. Will he make it? Prediction: No. Ultimately, we feel there are too many midfielders ahead of him.
Theo Walcott
Theo Walcott isn’t in the latest squad but he’s been playing really well at Everton.
Will he make it? Prediction: No. If he was in contention, he’d be in the latest squad.
Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge has scored big goals in tournaments for England in the past, but he’s hardly kicked a ball since going on loan to West Brom as, once again, he’s been bitten by the injury bug.
Will he make it? Prediction: No. We think doubts over his fitness will see him miss out.
Danny Welbeck
Plenty of eyebrows were raised when Danny Welbeck was named in the latest squad but in his defence, he’s tended to play well for England when selected. Will he make it? Prediction: Yes. England need a fourth striker option and we think Welbeck will get the nod.