The FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar is only a few months away. It will be the first ever winter World Cup which will kick off on 21st November and wrap up with the Final on 18th December. Despite a terrible display at the Nations League matches in June, England will be one of the favorites to bring home the World Cup trophy, according to Surprise Sports.
The Three Lions made it to the semi-finals in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, only to lose against Croatia in extra time.
Gareth Southgate’s men put up another hopeful performance in the Euro 2020 (held in 2021). They made it to the final, and lost once again against Italy on penalties.
Can England make it all the way in the World Cup 2022? Can they put an end to their 54-year trophy drought? England have been backed as favorites by many football pundits.
But their performance in the Nations League last June had raised eyebrows. England drew against Germany and Italy, and lost to Hungary twice in their four matches in June. The defeats against Hungary include a 0-4 goals humiliating defeat at home. They are now at the bottom in Group 3 with two matches to be played. They are under real threat of being relegated to League B in the Nations League with Hungary claiming the top spot, Germany 2nd, and Italy 3rd.
With the World Cup 2022 starting in November, it will be midway in the English Premier League. So the selection of players for the 26-player World Cup roster will largely depend on the performances of the season 2022-2023.
In this episode, we will predict the England Squad for the World Cup 2022. Let’s get an idea who Gareth Southgate would call to fly to Qatar in November.
England Goalkeepers for the World Cup 2022
Everton’s Jordan Pickford has been the number 1 starter between the posts under Southgate. He will be the first choice in the World Cup in Qatar. Pickford combines excellent shot-stopping ability with impressive distribution. Aaron Ramsdale should be the backup option. He had a great season with Arsenal last season.
England Defenders for the World Cup 2022
Gareth Southgate will have the luxury to select his backline from the premium options. For the right wing-back position, Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Reece James (Chelsea), and Kyle Walker (Man City) are the frontrunners. They all should make the squad. Among the left backs, Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), and Ben White (Arsenal) are favorites.
Despite being criticised as a center-back at Man Utd, Harry Maguire has been impressive for the Three Lions. He will make the squad for the World Cup 2022. Man City’s John Stone should get the nod as well as a center half.
England Midfielders for the World Cup 2022
West Ham’s holding star Declan Rice and Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson seem to be obvious choices for Southgate for the holding role.
Chelsea’s attacking mid Mason Mount, Man City’s Jack Grealish and youngster Phil Foden, and Jude Bellingham of Dortmund are the frontrunners for attacking options. Moreover, Bukayo Saka was impressive for Arsenal last season. New Man City signing Kalvin Phillips is also on Southgate’s radar. Jesse Lingard has signed a year contract with Nottingham Forest. It will give him game times and chances for a ticket to Qatar.
England Forwards for the World Cup 2022
Harry Kane will lead England in the World Cup 2022. He will be the main striker. New Chelsea signing Raheem Sterling will aslo be a guaranteed starter for the Three Lions.
Tammy Abraham scored 17 goals and provided another 4 in the Serie A last season. He should strength the England attack. Moreover, Jadon Sancho is expected to get attention for Man Utd under Erik ten Hag. It would not be surprising if he made to the World Cup roster.
England will play against Iran, USA, and Wales in Group B in the World Cup 2022. You can check out all the details of the FIFA World Cup Live Streaming here.