World Cup dreams come true and hopes brutally shattered as Gareth Southgate determines this afternoon’s final Three Lions roster for Qatar 2022. The England boss will announce his 26-man group that they will travel with Iran, the United States and Wales to the inaugural winter tournament with the Three Lions in Group B.
It looks like Reece James lost the fitness battle as he prepared to miss out with injured Chelsea teammate Ben Chilwell. However, Manchester City duo Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips have made excellent progress in their recovery as Arsenal’s Ben White, Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and Newcastle frontman Callum Wilson are also expected to book a seat on the plane.
However, names like Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham, and Ivan Toney are poised to miss out. Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has raised concerns by admitting that England captain and talisman Harry Kane struggled with exhaustion despite losing to Nottingham Forest last night and starting the Carabao Cup with a loss. Follow England’s World Cup squad announcement live below!
Live updates
Maguire is a reliable man
Harry Maguire is included as expected, though he missed it, it’ll likely be a big story in an hour or so.
This is a Premier League start for the centre-back since August, marking his latest participation from the Manchester United side. Yes, you heard.
Gareth Southgate trusts him, although many consider it a risk to choose him, considering his lack of football.
“Before the number one pick it was always for Gareth Southgate what Harry Maguire and he did in England tournaments,” said Jamie Carragher.
But given what’s been going on in the last international tournaments, how things have been at Manchester United, I think it was really hard to pick him.”
Got room for Chalobah in a surprise call?
Walker is likely to be involved
Kyle Walker is one of the contenders to prove his form.
The guard has not played since Manchester City’s 6-3 win over Manchester United in early October, suffering a groin injury and as a result his World Cup participation is in doubt.
However, it seems likely that he will be on the Qatari plane, which is a crucial part of Southgate’s defense plans.
Time to let go…
Nothing like a bit of blind optimism, here’s a look at England’s potential route to the World Cup final.
The Three Lions are favorites at the top of their group, which will lead to a Group A runners-up, potentially leading to a last-16 clash with Senegal.
If England manages it, it becomes an incredibly difficult task. France are potential quarter-finals rivals, Belgium and Brazil probably waiting after that. Easy job.
Read our full look at England’s potential run here
Saliba watches deep World Cup run
William Saliba wants to follow in the footsteps of Arsenal legends Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Vieira by winning the World Cup with France.
Saliba was named in France’s squad for this month’s tournament on Wednesday night after succeeding at Arsenal, which is now at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners have a rich history of French players who have won the World Cup, which Petit and Vieira won in 1998.
When asked if she wanted to emulate this feat, Saliba replied, “Yes, of course. I want to be the next Frenchman to do that, like [Robert] Pires or Vieira or [Thierry] Henry. We’ll see.
“That’s great. I don’t think I can imagine what the World Cup is right now, but I will later. If I’m going to the World Cup, it shows that I’ve made a good start to the season with Arsenal. I have to keep going.”
Read all of their reviews here
What to do with Maddison…
It seems like every England fan wants James Maddison in their World Cup squad – all that matters is Gareth Southgate’s opinion.
Leicester were reluctant to include the midfielder in the final squads, but Maddison’s form was so good that he could force him into Southgate’s plans.
Rio Ferdinand definitely thinks the 25-year-old should be on the plane.
“Probably the most in-form offensive player in terms of scoring positions in the Premier League right now,” Ferinand told William Hill.
“I would definitely take it as I thought it offered something different and couldn’t have been better, but I’m not sure Gareth would accept it.
“I don’t think there will be many surprises with the team, but I would love to see Maddison there, because he is one of the players who has the ability to open the defense and those players are very few.”
Belgium squad announced
Belgium are once again looking to live up to expectations – they haven’t met the success their squads have suggested in recent tournaments.
Defensive options are certainly not their strongest side, it’s fair to say…
Bowen failed to build on last season
Jarrod Bowen is not expected to be in the World Cup squad after struggling to repeat the form he showed last season.
The West Ham player made his England debut against Hungary in the summer after finishing the season with 12 Premier League goals and 17 assists. He has scored just two goals in the league this season.
“I am desperate for him to play for England,” David Moyes said last month.
“Actually, I think it might be one of those that you may never know, that could really come to the fore. I think it might be because Jarrod has something; he can score and be a real threat in his day.
“The biggest thing I can say is that I am very excited about the players, especially from the lower leagues and they continue to be England’s international players.
“I don’t think it would be better for a manager.”
World Cup odds
It’s no surprise that Brazil is the favorite to win their sixth World Cup, and for the first time since 2002. Incredible depth in the striker areas.
Their rivals Argentina also perform well, with the choice of European sides France. Football coming home just in time for Christmas 7/1.
Brazil: 4/1
Argentina: 11/2
France: 6/1
England: 7/1
Spain: 15/2
Germany: 10/1
Holland: 11/1
Portugal: 14/1
Odds Betfair.
Wilson to form World Cup squad
Callum Wilson is gearing up for good news this afternoon – he will be included in England’s World Cup squad.
The 30-year-old has six Premier League goals this season for Newcastle, meaning Southgate is heading towards him after Ivan Toney and Tammy Abraham.
Wilson made his England debut against the USA in 2018 and scored in that match, so he hopes to play against England’s Group B opponents!
