Joe's England Squad
After the heartbreak of the last two major tournaments for England, it’s time for England’s ‘Golden Generation’ to end the 56 year long wait for international silverware – I believe this is the squad to do it.
GK: Pickford, Pope, Ramsdale.
DF: Trippier, Walker, Alexander-Arnold, Maguire, Stones, Coady, Tomori, White, Shaw.
MF: Rice, Bellingham, Henderson, Ward-Prowse, Mount, Maddison.
FW: Kane, Wilson, Toney, Saka, Sterling, Rashford, Foden, Grealish.
His explanation:
During his time as manager, Gareth Southgate has successfully built a strong core within the squad, and my selection greatly respects that. Key ever-present figures such as Pickford, Maguire, Henderson and Kane provide a vast amount of leadership throughout the team, making them a crucial part of my 26-man squad. Despite the form of Maguire and Henderson dropping steeply this season, I believe their mentality and attitude makes them nailed on selections for the England boss.
A hot talking point around the England squad selection is whether James Maddison should be taken to Qatar. After a dazzling start to the season (but very little experience in an England shirt), opinions of both fans and pundits have been split – I think he is a must-have for England. His creativity and decisive passing offer Southgate something that may have been lacking at the last two tournaments, and it will help put an end to England’s recent goalscoring struggles. Harry Kane will also massively benefit from his selection, as there will be far less pressure on him to create goals; he can focus purely on scoring them.
Starting 11:
In an attempt to end our tribulations in front of goal, I would propose a change of system and style for Gareth Southgate.
As opposed to starting the likes of Foden, Mount or Grealish, who are all very technically gifted but like the ball to feet, I think the way to test opposition defences the most would be to utilise our fastest and most direct players – Saka and Rashford.
Finally, I think our back five should have as few changes as possible – they have never let us down in the past, I am confident they won’t let us down now.
Ben's England Squad
GK: Pickford, Ramsdale, Pope
DF: Trippier, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Tomori, White, Sessegnon, Burn, Shaw
MF: Bellingham, Rice, Mount, Ward-Prowse, Maddison, Phillips
FW: Kane, Rashford, Sterling, Saka, Foden, Wilson, Toney,
Grealish
His Explanation:
I believe the goalkeeping trio almost pick themselves, with Pickford to start for me due to his brilliant past tournament form for England as well as his proven quality with Everton in recent times. A truly underrated and excellent goalkeeper.
The notable additions in defence include the uncapped Dan Burn, but with his ability to deputise as a left-back I believe he should be included to provide cover for Luke Shaw. In addition to this, the also uncapped Ryan Sessegnon has proved his quality so far this season as a left-wingback for Antonio Conte’s Tottenham side. This, in my eyes warrants him a place in the 26, especially with his familiarity in a similar system to the one Southgate typically uses. Another Tottenham man just misses out for me in Eric Dier, he has shown impressive form so far this season, but I opted for the less experienced Tomori and White in order to give them tournament experience and future proof the England defence.
In Midfield Kalvin Phillips has been included as he continues his fightback from injury. This could be considered risky but considering his impressive performances in the Euros that earned him England Player of the Year for 2020-21, he had to be taken for me. Furthermore, I believe that the exceptional form of Leicester man James Maddison warrants him a place on the plane as a potential game-changing option.
I believe the forward line is fairly straightforward. Tammy Abraham misses out for me due to his poor run of finishing form for AS Roma so far this season. Leaving the space open for Callum Wilson and Ivan Toney, the only issue for the Brentford man being these rumours of gambling misdemeanours which could hang over the England squad like a dark cloud if not resolved soon.
Starting 11:
Lewis' England Squad
In the build-up to the Qatar World Cup; we have witnessed an exodus of potential England stars being ruled out through severe injuries. Two stars, who would have definitely made it into my Three Lions squad, had it not been for injuries are Chelsea duo Reece James and Ben Chilwell. Gareth Southgate would similarly have taken the full backs too, but instead he is now forced to look at alternatives. But here is my England 26-man squad, awaiting your scrutiny and disappointment, but you can’t please everyone.
GK: Pickford, Ramsdale, Pope
DF: Stones, Maguire, Guehi, White, Tomori, Walker, Sessegnon, Shaw, Trippier, Tarkowski
MF: Henderson, Loftus-Cheek, Bellingham, Rice, Maddison, Mount
FW: Kane, Wilson, Rashford, Foden, Grealish, Sterling, Saka
The absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell, means the late additions of 22-year-old Sessegnon and versatile Arsenal defender Ben White. Sessegnon has been revived under Antonio Conte and plays in a 5-2-3 formation as an overlapping fullback which suits England’s style. I have decided to omit Eric Dier, because I feel 30-year-old Tarkowski, brings leadership and has been uncompromising in tackles. He is also, a suitable alternative to Harry Maguire if the Manchester United captain continues his poor form in an England shirt.
The greatest surprise will be the inclusion of Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was last capped under Southgate in 2018. However, he has the capacity to intimidate opposition with his strength and he is a positive influence on the ball, driving forward and bringing change. Silencing Gary Lineker and co, I have chosen mercurial talent James Maddison. I felt, his stardom and form couldn’t be overlooked, and he can take over on free-kicks from Ward-Prowse. Kalvin Phillips is unfortunate to not make the squad but given his long-term injury, where he has played just 14 minutes this season, I decided against his inclusion.
The battle of understudy striker, between Ivan Toney, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Tammy Abraham and Callum Wilson was made easy with the Newcastle forward’s recent form. Although, the previously four time capped international has been out of the picture since 2020, I felt that he was the most dependable and prolific striker if he was needed at the World Cup. It was helped with Calvert-Lewin sustaining a long-term injury and Roma striker Tammy Abraham’s struggles in Serie A this season. It was an easy decision to include Marcus Rashford, who looks sharp and hungry under Erik Ten Hag and provides England with the option to use the long ball and threaten on the counterattack.
Starting 11:
Gareth Southgate will most likely use his trusted 3-4-2-1 formation playing Kyle Walker as the right sided centre-back and bringing in Luke Shaw as a left wing back. However, I want England to be a more offensive and direct outfit where we show risk and ambition in games. This is why I’ve opted for a 4-4-1-1 formation, because we have the stable core foundation of Bellingham and Rice, surrounded by the pace and trickery of Saka and Sterling. Out of the debate surrounding Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Jack Grealish I have gone for the 23-year-old Chelsea playmaker because he has been the most consistent performer in an England shirt and his work rate is impeccable. My reason behind excluding Euro finalist scorer Luke Shaw is that he has been inconsistent for Manchester United, where his desire and positioning has been questioned. Whereas, Trippier and Walker represent our two most experienced veterans with Tripper’s Newcastle form making him undroppable.
Josh's England Squad
GK: Pickford, Ramsdale, Pope
DF: Alexander-Arnold, Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Tomori, Tarkowski, Coady, Shaw, Walker, White
MF: Rice, Bellingham, Phillips, Maddison, Ward-Prowse, Mount
FW: Grealish, Kane, Rashford, Sterling, Foden, Toney, Saka
Starting 11:
Vote below on who you think has picked the best England squad. Also, if you think you can do a better job then get in touch or comment on our social media pages.
Whose is the best England Squad
Ben
Joe
Lewis
Josh
Comments