MY ACCOUNT
England booked their spot at the 2022 World Cup yesterday evening by brushing aside San Marino 10-0 — and now all eyes are on Qatar.
Having made a semi-final and a final in their last two major tournaments, the Three Lions will arrive in the Middle East as one of the favourites for glory next winter.
But with 12 months of action still to unfold before the tournament begins, Gareth Southgate has some difficult decisions to make.
Which members of his talented squad will take a spot in the XI for England’s opening group game?
Read on as we select our XI to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Aaron Ramsdale’s fine start to life at Arsenal has led many to speculate that he could be England’s first-choice stopper in Qatar — but it will take something spectacular to dislodge Southgate’s trusted No1 Jordan Pickford.
The Everton keeper, 27, has always had his fair share of doubters but has amassed a wealth of tournament experience in recent years and that is likely to prove vital in any decision.
Right-back: Kyle Walker
While there will be games where the attacking brilliance of Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold are tantalising weapons, Kyle Walker provides a level of solidity that often proves vital in tournament football.
Frequently turned to by Southgate for England’s tougher assignments, the Manchester City star offers an offensive threat on the flank while also understanding the need to prioritise his defensive duties in certain contests.
Centre-back: John Stones
Another regular face, John Stones’ performances alongside Harry Maguire in recent years have been key to an outstandingly stubborn rearguard which only conceded two goals in seven Euro 2020 matches this summer.
Though his game time at Manchester City has been frustratingly limited so far this term, the 27-year-old has proven himself time and time again to be a reliable performer for his country.
Centre-back: Harry Maguire
In a similar vein to his defensive partner, Maguire has had a far from ideal time at club level recently but the Manchester United captain always seems to bring his best game to the table for England.
Closing in on 50 caps for his country, four goals in his last seven Three Lions appearances show that the Sheffield-born star is a threat in both boxes and he seems particularly well suited to Southgate’s style of play.
Left-back: Luke Shaw
Having earned his first senior cap back in 2014, it is hard to believe that Luke Shaw has only made 19 appearances for his country — yet problems with fitness and injuries have limited the left-back’s involvement in the England setup over the years.
However, his performances at Euro 2020 when laying on three assists and netting in the final drew global acclaim and the 26-year-old showed himself as someone who can rise to the big occasion for his nation.
Central midfield: Declan Rice
Arguably the first name on the team sheet these days, West Ham’s golden boy Delcan Rice made the footballing world sit up and take notice with a string of breathtaking performances at Euro 2020.
Technically gifted with a seemingly endless reserve of energy, the 22-year-old is already up there with the best midfielders on the planet and looks every inch of a future England captain.
Central midfield: Jude Bellingham
While Kalvin Phillips has proved himself as an able partner for Rice in England’s engine room, there may be an even more exciting option emerging in the form of 18-year-old Jude Bellingham.
The Birmingham City youth product swapped Brum for Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2020 and is already a key player for the Bundesliga giants — a continuation of his current form could make him impossible for Southgate to overlook.
Right midfield: Raheem Sterling
With a plethora of attacking options at his disposal, Southgate may opt to hand starting berths to younger stars in Qatar — yet Raheem Sterling’s efforts in an England shirt make him a hard man to drop.
One of the most experienced members of the current Three Lions setup, Sterling netted three crucial goals in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final and featured in UEFA’s team of the tournament.
Attacking midfield: Mason Mount
Though it can be hard to keep a clear structure in such a fluid attacking unit, Chelsea starlet Mason Mount is someone who can provide a creative touch as well as covering the hard yards.
The Blues academy product can operate centrally or off either flank and boasts defensive discipline and tactical awareness beyond his years, while still freely getting among the goals and assists — a dream option for any manager.
Left midfield: Phil Foden
Any academy player who forces their way into Manchester City’s first team must be an exceptional talent — and Phil Foden is certainly living up to that billing for both club and country.
Now one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted starters at the Etihad, Foden’s versatility, intelligence and downright outrageous levels of ability means Southgate simply must find a spot for him in his XI in Qatar.
Centre forward: Harry Kane
England have some able forwards in their ranks but in reality, the role of line-leader is probably the only one not up for debate in Southgate’s XI.
Skipper Harry Kane is one of world football’s most reliable finishers and is already closing in on England’s all-time top goalscorer Wayne Rooney — the Tottenham marksman is an absolute certainty to star in Qatar.
Be sure to let us know what you think of our XI and who would make your team by tweeting @LiveScore.
