Reacting to the England Squad for the FIFA World Cup 2022
Here I’ll be reacting to the Three Lions squad picked by the manager, Gareth Southgate.
Naming the squad was always gonna be a tricky task for the England boss. Understandably, he’s had to make some bold calls.
So, let’s start …
Goalkeepers:
Jordan Pickford:
Absolutely no objections. Despite going through tough times in an Everton shirt, Pickford has never let England down. Pickford has been England’s number 1 for a number of years now and performed very well in World Cup 2018 and in Euro 2020. Gareth Southgate clearly trusts him and Everton’s captain has been repaying his faith. He’s surely in the line-up to face Iran in England’s opening game of the World Cup.
Aaron Ramsdale:
Again, no complaints — Ramsdale has been highly impressive since his move to Arsenal. His distribution is his biggest strength and it's probably the best among all goalkeepers available to Southgate. Ramsdale has been key in the Gunners' highly impressive start to the new campaign keeping the joint-most clean sheets (7). He definitely merits a place in the squad for me.
Nick Pope:
Pope definitely deserves to be on the plane to Qatar. He has been simply unreal since his move to Tyneside. Pep Guardiola referred to Pope as an “incredible goalkeeper” after his side was held to a 3–3 draw at St James Park and the Newcastle goalkeeper put in an outstanding shift. We all know that not everyone gets praised by Pep Guardiola, only the really special ones do.
Defenders:
Trent- Alexander Arnold:
Ok, let us get this right — I know about the question marks raised about his defending but we should also not forget about his unreal passing range and his excellent ability on set pieces. As Paul Merson said that can be a massive advantage, especially against low blocks. Reece James missing out due to injury means Trent just has to go.
Ben White:
I am glad that Southgate has picked him. Ben White has been instrumental in Arsenal’s rise to the top of the Premier League. He’s played as a right-back in most of the campaign meaning he can help England in both the center-back and right-back positions. He’s a very able defender and is an excellent progressor of the ball as well.
Kyle Walker:
No surprises here. Yes, he might not be available for the 1st two games but I agree with Southgate here, you just can’t leave Walker out as he’s far too important. His experience, his calm defending, and his lightning-quick recovery pace could prove to be very handy, especially in the knock-out stages.
Harry Maguire:
A bit controversial decision picking Maguire over Tomori but to quite an extent it's understandable. Southgate clearly trusts Maguire and to be fair, Maguire hasn’t let him down. The Manchester United captain was a rock in England’s 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 campaigns while being a constant aerial threat as well (Remember, his goal against Sweden in Russia?). The boss clearly backs him to deliver again on the big stage.
John Stones:
Again, no problems. Stones is one of England’s most consistent performers and hence undoubtedly, he has to go to the World Cup.
Tripper:
Tripper’s selection is self-explanatory. No complaints at all. With Walker not 100% fit, Tripper will most likely start for England as he should. His leadership qualities, experience, versatility, and ability from set pieces make him an automatic pick.
Luke Shaw:
With Ben Chilwell, Luke Shaw is the only specialist left-back in the squad. Shaw’s inclusion is another no-brainer. He defends well and gets up and down well on that left flank. Surely, merits his place on the plane to Qatar.
Eric Dier:
The Spurs central defender has gone through a rough spell lately — for example, his mistake against Liverpool — but remains a quality player. He can easily slot in the middle of a back 3 for England.
Coady:
Coady, like Dier, is a very able defender who enjoys playing in a back 3. The former Wolves skipper is one of those players, who even if they don’t play regularly do their best to maintain harmony and a healthy environment within the squad. For me, Coady’s inclusion is justified.
Midfielders:
Declan Rice:
The West Ham skipper has grown into becoming one of the first names on the team sheet for the Three Lions. He barely puts a foot wrong and is an exceptional defensive midfielder. 110% deserves his place.
Jude Bellingham:
Are there really any doubts over his inclusions? Not at all, I believe. Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic called Jude Bellingham “the oldest 19-year-old I have ever seen” and he didn’t say it without a reason. This season, Bellingham has added more goals to his game as well. He’s an extremely talented player who has earned his place in the national team.
Kalvin Phillips:
Yes, the Manchester City man might have had limited game time this season due to injury but his ability combined with the fact that England do not have depth in his position means he just has to go. Not to forget that he was named England’s 2020–21 Men’s Player of the Year as well so he has undoubted quality.
Jordan Henderson:
He is England’s vice-captain and remains an important member of the squad being a role model for the younger players. The Liverpool captain is still a very capable midfielder.
Conor Gallagher:
Good decision by Southgate to include him. Gallagher will bring some much-needed energy and will add another dimension to the England midfield. He enjoys getting forward with the ball and being positive in the way he plays.
Mason Mount:
Again, no surprise at all. Mount is a key cog for England and likes to operate in that Number 10 position and make late runs into the box.
Forwards:
Harry Kane:
Is there any doubt? He is the main man, the undoubted leader of the pack, and the one who leads them by example. Kane is in red-hot form for Spurs and England fans will hope it continues into the World Cup.
Jack Grealish:
Grealish deserves to be in there. Every three Lions fan wanted him on the pitch at the Euros. He likes to run at defenders and draw fouls, keeping defenders on their toes.
Raheem Sterling:
Just like Kane, Sterling is one of England’s main men in the attack. He is a constant source of goals for Three Lions too and always gives his all. Sterling in an England shirt is just a joy to watch.
James Maddison:
Oh yes, Maddison has to go to Qatar. Name a more in-form England player than him — I’ll wait. The Leicester City man has been just brilliant this season, having bagged 11 goal contributions in the Premier League this season which included two superb free-kick goals. Credit due to Gareth Southgate, he has made the correct call regarding Maddison.
Marcus Rashford:
Yes, Marcus is back with England and deservedly so. He looks revitalized this season under Erik Ten Hag, looking more hungrier for success than ever. Just imagine him and Sterling on the wings for England? It is a frightening prospect…
Phil Foden:
Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne may have grabbed most of the headlines, but you can do nothing but sing praises about how good Foden has been this season. His hattrick against Manchester United was a reminder to the world of his outstanding abilities. He definitely merits a place in the squad.
Bukayo Saka:
Arsenal fans call him their “Starboy” and why not? Bukayo Saka has once again been highly impressive. Saka may have had a sad end to the Euros but he surely has cast aside the past and is ready to write more history in the Middle East.
Calum Wilson:
The Newcastle number 9 is another one of the in-form players. The Magpies have been exceptional, and their forward has been among the stars of the show. Deservedly, he’s been called up to the national side. Yes, a few people might have picked Toney over him, but for me, Wilson just edges it because of him being more experienced.
Overall, I agree with the squad picked by the England manager. It's definitely a group of players capable of bringing it home.
Thank you very much for reading. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the responses section!
