World Cup 2022: Who did Gareth Southgate select for his England World Cup squad?

Unlike several counterparts Gareth Southgate has elected to pick the full allocation of 26 players for his England World Cup squad - three more than the number allowed in 2018. 

France boss Didier Deschamps fears that filling the allocation might unbalance his team as too many players become aware that they are distant from playing time. It won’t be long before we find out whose strategy will prove best.

After going close four years ago, and then again at Euro 2020, England are hopeful that they boast a team capable of ending the long wait for a major international trophy.

Goalkeepers

There are few surprises in this area of the squad. Jordan Pickford is liable to be the number one in Qatar, but he will be pushed by Nick Pope and the in-form Aaron Ramsdale.

Indeed, Pickford’s form is under question after allowing a cheap goal against Bournemouth in the final fixture before the 2022 World Cup begins. 

Defenders

Harry Maguire is undoubtedly the biggest talking point from the selection of defenders chosen by Gareth Southgate. The Manchester United man is out of favour at club level having spent much of last season out of sorts. 

He joins a central defensive corps of Conor Coady, Eric Dier, John Stones and Ben White. While it’s tough to shield him from the mistakes that he has made, Maguire is better suited to playing in Southgate’s defensive system as opposed to Man United’s more forward-thinking style. When Maguire is left to defend, he generally does his job.

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On the contrary, Trent Alexander-Arnold - a player noted for his vast attacking qualities but often pilloried for his lack of defensive positional sense - has made the squad. That has particularly been the case this season and it’s one of the reasons why he was not called up to Euro 2020. 

For that reason, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker look ahead of him in the pecking order at right back, but he does provide an intriguing wildcard option from the bench if we need more creativity out wide. The left-back berth, meanwhile, will be Luke Shaw’s. 

Midfielders

Southgate has a nice blend of youth and experience in his midfield. Jordan Henderson, along with Raheem Sterling, is one of two players to feature in his third World Cup. Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are liable to be among the first names on the teamsheet, while Mason Mount offers a more creative threat.

Kalvin Phillips also travels after a successful Euro 2020, but quite how sharp he will be after struggling for game time following a summer move to Manchester City is questionable. Similarly, Conor Gallagher represents something of a wildcard selection and was one of the members of the England squad whose place was in doubt until the announcement.

Attackers

Tottenham striker Harry Kane will be vital up front, although it has been worrying to see Spurs boss Antonio Conte suggest that the England captain is running on fumes at this stage of the season. He is clearly England’s best option at ‘number nine’, although Callum Wilson, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling can fulfil those duties if need be.

Providing the ammunition will be Manchester City’s in-form Phil Foden, with club-mate Jack Grealish liable to be given more of a bit-part role. The dashing Bukayo Saka, who has been playing well for Arsenal, is likely to play his part.

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James Maddison, meanwhile, is the interesting pick in attack, having only previously won a single England cap. At the peak of his powers for a recovering Leicester side, Southgate is hoping that Maddison can transfer that strong form to the international arena, although quite how much time he will earn is uncertain.

Who didn’t make it?

The 26-man squad has given Southgate the luxury of being able to pick all of England’s star names, meaning that there are very few players of note who did not make the World Cup squad. 

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson is widely considered to be unfortunate not to have made the cut, while centre backs Fiyako Tomori and Marc Guehi only narrowly missed out. There are also injuries in defence, where Chelsea pair Reece James and Ben Chilwell would surely have been prominent players had they been fit.

James Ward-Prowse and Emile Smith Rowe could both consider themselves a little unlucky not to get the nod in midfield, while strikers Tammy Abraham and the uncapped Ivan Toney will be disappointed not to travel. Manchester United’s out-of-form winger Jadon Sancho is also missing after a poor season.

England 2022 World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, Eric Dier, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ben White
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice
Attackers: Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, James Maddison, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Callum Wilson