The early stages of the 2022/23 football season are the chance for a number of players who are on the fringes of the England national team squad to earn their place on the plane to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is going to have some big decisions to make when it comes to who makes the squad, and who his best starting XI is. Here is a look at some at some of the players who are in contention in each area of the team.
Goalkeepers
The number one jersey for England has been dominated by Jordan Pickford during Southgate’s rein as England manager so far. It is hard to see the Everton shot stopper losing that place.
England are 13/2 in the football odds to win the World Cup, and if they are to lift the trophy, they will need Pickford to have an excellent tournament once again. Southgate will be keeping a close eye on his form for Everton this season.
Massive congratulations to you, @JPickford1
It is now impossible for any goalkeeper to match Pickford’s five clean sheets at @EURO2020 #ThreeLions | @England | #Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/qwkoVm8h3g
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 6, 2021
The Three Lions are likely to be one of the football tips made by industry experts for the World Cup, as they have been very consistent at the last two major tournaments, finishing fourth and second respectively. Pickford has been a big part of that success and he rarely put a foot wrong for his country.
Defenders
Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw have been regulars for England at the back over the last few years. They look set to face strong competition from numerous defenders this winter.
Conor Coady recently signed for Everton on loan in a bid to play more football with the World Cup in mind. Aston Villa defender, Tyrone Mings, is another centre back who has a chance of making the squad, while Ben Chilwell will be hoping to be back fit again for Chelsea, to show Southgate what he is capable of at left back.
Midfielders
Kalvin Phillips signed for reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in the summer, and playing under Pep Guardiola is only going to strengthen his position in the England team.
Jesse Lingard will be hoping his move to Nottingham Forest will help his chances of making the squad. He did not play much football last season at Manchester United, but he is a player Southgate has shown confidence in before.
The other midfielder who is on the fringe of the squad is James Ward-Prowse. The Southampton player is known for his quality at set-pieces. He missed out on the final squad for Euro 2020 squad, so he will be hoping for better luck this time.
Forwards
#ThreeLions goals for @HKane.
A brilliant achievement, skipper! pic.twitter.com/QZFZOpcUtm
— England (@England) June 7, 2022
Arguably, England’s greatest strength is their attacking options. Southgate has lots of players to choose from. Harry Kane is set to lead their forward line once again as captain of the team.
Jarrod Brown has featured four times for England over the last 12 months and if he starts the Premier League well for West Ham, the Hammers man could be included in Southgate’s squad.
Ollie Watkins, Patrick Bamford and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are other strikers who Southgate will be considering when it comes to options in his attack.
England’s opening game of the World Cup takes place on the 14th November when they take on Iran in Group B.
