England’s World Cup 2022 squad analysed: From Wilson’s form to the versatility of White

The wait is over.

Gareth Southgate has named the 26 players he hopes can help England go even further at the 2022 World Cup than in the previous one four years ago. Some hopefuls, such as Jadon Sancho and Tammy Abraham, will be disappointed to have missed out, others on the fringes of the set-up might be a little surprised to have got the call. 

Plenty of the players chosen have been here before — 12 of the 26 were in the squad that reached the semi-finals under Southgate at Russia 2018, where they scored first against Croatia but lost 2-1 after extra time.

There are some new faces though, including the 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, who is the only player called up by Southgate who plays for a club outside the Premier League.

Here, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme take a look at the 26 who have made the cut, and why they have done enough to get the nod for the plane to Qatar…

Goalkeepers

Jordan Pickford Club: Everton Age: 28 Caps: 45 Major tournaments: 2

Since establishing himself as England No 1, Jordan Pickford’s club form has occasionally been concerning.

But not now.

Only the current top three have conceded fewer goals than 16th-placed Everton’s 14, yet only two sides have a higher expected goals against (xGA) number than their 23.52. That, unsurprisingly, is the biggest discrepancy in the league, and owes much to Pickford. His save percentage of 79.7 is second only to that of Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has played half the Englishman’s 13 games. 

More to the point, Pickford has never let England down, and his distribution skills are much admired by Southgate.

Nick Pope Club: Newcastle Age: 30 Caps: 10 Major tournaments: 1

Nick Pope was a key addition to Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side in the summer, and his shot-stopping performance is above average so far this season — saving more shots than expected based on the quality of the ones he has faced.

Pope’s quality at shot-stopping has rarely been the issue when being considered for an England spot, with his distribution being the main cause for concern — especially when compared with Pickford.

However, it’s worth noting how much less Pope is launching the ball since leaving Burnley following last season’s relegation, with his long ball passing dropping from 91 per cent last season to 69 per cent in this one.

His quality on the ball might not be as good as Pickford or Aaron Ramsdale, the third keeper in the 26, but there are signs his style might be changing.

Aaron Ramsdale Club: ArsenalAge: 24Caps: 3 Major tournaments: 1

Eighteen months ago, Aaron Ramsdale was a mid-tournament replacement for Dean Henderson at the European Championship because of injury. This time around, there was little doubt about his place in this squad. 

Ramsdale has impressed since moving to Arsenal from relegated Sheffield United in the wake of those Euros — particularly in the first half of his debut season, although he was always unlikely to replace Pickford as England’s No 1 for Qatar, because of the Everton man’s fine performances at international level.

There is a legitimate question about who is Pickford’s immediate backup, however.

Pope is the more experienced player and perhaps the more imposing figure, but his distribution isn’t quite up to the standards Southgate wants, and Ramsdale is certainly the superior player in that respect.

Defenders

Trent Alexander-Arnold Club: Liverpool Age: 24 Caps: 17 Major tournaments: 1

What could we possibly discuss about Trent Alexander-Arnold?

The debate surrounding his defensive capabilities will continue to rumble on, but to have a player in your squad with the delivery and passing quality he can offer is a huge threat to opposing sides. It is arguably even more useful at international level, where set pieces become even more important as games are more attritional, than in the club game.

Southgate will likely elect to start Kieran Trippier ahead of the Liverpool right-back in the crucial games, but if he were played as a wing-back in a 3-4-3, you’d most likely see the best of Alexander-Arnold in an England shirt.

Conor Coady Club: Everton (on loan from Wolves) Age: 29 Caps: 10 Major tournaments: 1

One criticism of Conor Coady was that he was unable to play in a back four, only in a three — so much so that former Wolves head coach Bruno Lage shipped his captain out of the club in the summer when moving to a back-four system himself.

But Coady has shown himself to be up to the job while on loan at Everton, forging an experienced partnership with James Tarkowski.

Be it three or two in central defence, Southgate now knows Coady is comfortable in either system.

Eric Dier Club: Tottenham Age: 28 Caps: 47 Major tournaments: 2

Four years ago, Eric Dier travelled to Russia as a backup central midfielder — cover for Jordan Henderson. But at club level he’s now unquestionably a centre-back, and his fine performances in the middle of Antonio Conte’s Spurs defence prompted Southgate to hand him a recall in September after 18 months out of the squad. 

He seems the most suited to that ‘spare man’ role, although in recent weeks he has shifted to a right centre-back role and was effective when marauding forward in the second half of the 2-1 loss to Liverpool last week, although he also made an error to let in Mohamed Salah for what proved the visitors’ winner.

Harry Maguire Club: Manchester United Age: 29 Caps: 48 Major tournaments: 2

There is probably not a more polarising player in the squad.

Those who rate Harry Maguire will point out his inclusion in the team of the tournament at last year’s European Championship — a competition he went into injured.

Maguire marshalled a defence which kept clean sheets in its first five games (albeit he sat out the opener because of that ankle problem), and has the ability to progress the ball up the pitch through dribbles and vertical passes.

Plus, he has an aerial presence that makes him a threat in both boxes. His seven goals make him England’s fourth-highest scorer under Southgate and attacking set pieces were central to their success in Russia four years ago.

In the other camp, people will rightly stress that new manager Erik ten Hag has not only axed him as captain but effectively ostracised Maguire from the Manchester United team this season. He has played less than 25 per cent of the possible minutes, which is his lowest in seven Premier League seasons. It is to be expected that his confidence will be low and he might be lacking a bit of technical and psychological match sharpness.

The simple reality is both things are true — an in-form Maguire is arguably England’s most important centre-back but this season he looks the farthest from that best version we have seen in some time.

He is Southgate’s fourth-most capped player and some are angered by Maguire’s inclusion as a violation of the manager’s claim that he’d pick players “in form”. They forget the 29-year-old has been exceptionally good at the last two major tournaments.

Luke Shaw Club: Manchester United Age: 27 Caps: 23 Major tournaments: 2

Injuries have reduced his competition for the position but Luke Shaw was a left-back lock for this squad regardless. While there are more dynamic, overlapping options, few can compete with him in terms of technical ability — he consistently picks good passes and joins in the attack at the right times.

Shaw had comfortably the most progressive passes (27) of any England player at the Euros last year and was as good at getting the ball into the final third as he was creating from it — his three assists and 10 open-play shot-creating actions were the highest of any of Southgate’s players in the tournament, notably setting up Harry Kane to seal the last-16 win over Germany.

In September’s Nations League fixture against the same opponents, he once more showed his capacity to lock off the back post on crosses from the right, akin to his Euro 2020 final goal, which could be an important source of goals in the group stage — against Iran and Wales in particular, England are likely to face deep defences and will need to use crosses to break them down.

John Stones Club: Manchester City Age: 28 Caps: 59 Major tournaments: 3

When John Stones limped off in the first half of that 3-3 Nations League draw with Germany in September, his place in this squad seemed under threat. It was the latest disappointment in a difficult year at international level for Stones, who also pulled out of a squad in March because of injury, and was sent off late on in June’s 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Hungary.

But Southgate values familiarity, and Stones’ long-standing partnership with Maguire remains a key part of his approach. Stones can also play either to the right of England’s defence or as the spare man.

Kieran Trippier Club: Newcastle United Age: 32 Caps: 37 Major tournaments: 2

Kieran Trippier has played a part in two of the most important goals England have ever scored: his free kick opened the scoring in that 2018 World Cup semi-final with Croatia, and he galloped forward to provide the assist when Shaw did the same against Italy in the Euros final last year.

His performances since joining Newcastle from Atletico Madrid in January have been exceptional. He’s scored sublime free kicks, delivered a stream of crosses from the right and played no small part in Miguel Almiron’s rejuvenation.

Trippier might be the most in-form player of this whole squad.

Kyle Walker Club: Manchester City Age: 32 Caps: 70 Major tournaments: 3

Kyle Walker has been selected with question marks over his fitness, having not played a competitive game since the start of October. Southgate reported that he is confident he will have Walker back by the end of the group stage, and the defender’s huge experience suggests it is a risk worth taking.

Walker is a trusted member of the England squad, able to play as a right-back in a back four or as the right centre-back in a three. That versatility is invaluable at international level.

Also, when fully fit, the recovery pace that Walker can provide is nothing short of a cheat code.

He might yet have an important part to play in Qatar.

Benjamin White Club: Arsenal Age: 25 Caps: 4 Major tournaments: 1

Benjamin White received his first-ever call-up for the provisional Euros squad last year, was initially omitted from the final party, then got recalled after Alexander-Arnold got injured in a warm-up friendly. He didn’t see any action in the tournament, though, and was not in Southgate’s June or September squads.

But his fine form at club level has secured him a seat on the plane — combined with England’s injury problems at right-back. And it’s in that position where White has surprisingly starred this season, pushed out wide after William Saliba’s return to his parent club from several years on loan in his native France.

Defensively solid, White has also looked excellent going forward at times, with his overlapping in the 3-1 derby win over Tottenham in early October particularly impressive.

Midfielders 

Jude Bellingham Club: Borussia Dortmund Age: 19 Caps: 17 Major tournaments: 1

The youngest but arguably the most exciting member of this squad. Despite his age, Jude Bellingham has not just continued to shine in a Dortmund shirt but has gone up a level this season on both the domestic and European stages — scoring four goals in as many Champions League group games from midfield.

Bellingham is neat and tidy in tight spaces, and able to drive forward with the ball when those spaces open up. He has already shown Southgate he can play as a No 6, No 8 or No 10, providing the perfect versatility that is going to be required if England change their shape as they move through the tournament.

The fact that Bellingham already has 17 caps while still in his teens shows the confidence that Southgate has in him. 

Conor Gallagher Club: Chelsea Age: 22 Caps: 4 Major tournaments: 0

One of the few surprise names on the list, Conor Gallagher effectively squeezed in ahead of James Ward-Prowse to be — perhaps — England’s 26th man. 

Southgate isn’t short of attacking midfield options, particularly after plumping for James Maddison, so it seems likely he has some level of faith in Gallagher’s ability to play deeper.

He started alongside Henderson as part of a double pivot in a 3-4-3 against Switzerland in a friendly back in March and acquitted himself reasonably well, although he feels more at home given a freer role as part of a midfield trio.

It seems unlikely he’ll get that sort of license in this tournament, though, and he was probably considered a ‘good traveller’ by Southgate.

Mason Mount Club: Chelsea Age: 23 Caps: 32 Major tournaments: 1

Compared to other attacking midfielders in the squad, it’s arguable that Mason Mount is less creative, less prolific and less likely to provide a true moment of magic at this World Cup. But coaches love him because of the subtle things — his tactical flexibility, his discipline, his pressing, and his ability to receive the ball in space.

Mount has long been a Southgate favourite — he was invited to train with the senior squad ahead of the previous World Cup, even before his loan spell in the Championship at Derby County and more than a year before his Premier League debut. But his place in the starting XI is less secure than it was going into Euro 2020, partly because Southgate seems likely to play a 3-4-3, and partly because Mount’s England performances over the last 18 months have been solid rather than spectacular.

Then again, that is what Mount is all about.

Kalvin Phillips Club: Manchester City Age: 26 Caps: 23 Major tournaments: 1

It is perhaps surprising to see Kalvin Phillips in the squad, given he has played just 53 minutes of club football for new club Manchester City all season — just one in the Premier League — following a summer move from Leeds, because of a shoulder injury. But he has been integral to England’s success in recent years — not least shown by his performances at Euro 2020, when he played nearly every available minute in their seven games.

Southgate reiterated the importance of having Phillips in the squad, particularly with the attributes he brings: “We don’t have a lot of cover for that role in the country. Kalvin is a super player and we feel he is a risk worth taking.”

As The Athletic reported in that summer of 2021, the unique skill set Phillips can offer on and off the ball is as relevant today as it was then. The challenge is now getting him match fit.

Declan Rice Club: West HamAge: 23 Caps: 34 Major tournaments: 1

Declan Rice is another who has been a mainstay of Southgate’s squad for some time now, and was also a crucial cog in the system during England’s run to the Euros final last summer, starting every game. Rice plays a more disciplined role for his country than he does for his club. You are less likely to see him driving forward with the ball in Qatar, which he does so well at West Ham United.

Speaking of which, Rice is coming into this World Cup off a disappointing start to the season for West Ham, although his own performances have rarely faltered individually.

You can always guarantee that he will be safe in possession and aggressive out of it as he anchors the midfield.

Jordan Henderson Club: Liverpool Age: 32 Caps: 70 Major tournaments: 5

Injury niggles have meant that Jordan Henderson has played just under half of the available minutes for Liverpool this season, but his value to the England squad cannot be underestimated. He has good tactical discipline, is a vocal leader, and can plug gaps in the midfield to allow his more attack-minded team-mates to thrive. 

Put simply, the Liverpool captain brings a wealth of experience that will be needed in the big moments of this tournament.

Just as at Euro 2020, he might not start every game in Qatar but he will be invaluable to call upon.

Forwards

Marcus Rashford Club: Manchester United Age: 25 Caps: 46 Major tournaments: 3

Marcus Rashford looks to be playing with more confidence and freedom than he has in the past few years for Manchester United. He has already bettered his goals and assists tallies for the whole of last season, and recently became the 22nd player to score 100 goals for the club.

It means that Rashford is also coming into the World Cup in fine fettle, posting some strong attacking output at the right time.

Whether or not it is from the start, or more likely coming off the bench in Qatar, Rashford’s direct runs from the left-hand side will be dangerous for any opponent.

Phil Foden Club: Manchester City Age: 22 Caps: 18 Major tournaments: 1

Many are justifiably clamouring for Phil Foden to have a more central (in terms of involvement, not positionally) role for England.

He only featured in three of their seven games at the Euros last year but offers a unique skill set — a left-footer who can play on the left wing. Few players can match him for pace and even fewer have his level of creativity.

Foden had four assists in World Cup qualifying, the most of any England player, and is capable of splitting defences with eye-of-the-needle passes or combining with other forwards to circumnavigate teams’ low blocks.

Perhaps he is too adventurous with the ball for Southgate to play him regularly but a switch to a back-three system could open up a No 10 role for Foden to shine between the lines.

James Maddison Club: Leicester City Age: 25 Caps: 1 Major tournaments: 0

Despite just one cap to date, and that was won three years ago, Maddison’s form this season meant that Southgate found it too difficult to leave him out of this squad. His goalscoring and creative numbers are higher than they have ever been during his five seasons at Premier League level, and the England manager is clear on the double threat he offers.

“His set-play delivery is outstanding,” Southgate says, “and he can score goals from distance which — against low-block defences — is another attribute that is a little bit different to some of our other players.”

He’s not wrong.

Since the start of last season, no English attacking midfielder has a higher share of shots from outside the box than Maddison’s 58 per cent. Low-quality chances, sure, but he has the quality to test the goalkeeper more regularly than others from distance.

Jack Grealish Club: Manchester City Age: 27 Caps: 24 Major tournaments: 1

Jack Grealish has only completed a full 90 minutes for Manchester City four times in 16 appearances across all competitions this season. That could mean one of two things heading into the World Cup.

The positive spin is that he has comparably fresher legs than Rashford or Raheem Sterling. The negative one is that he is not quite coming into the tournament as hot as he might have liked.

When Grealish is on the pitch, his underlying output has remained strong — only Mohamed Salah (2.28) has created more than his 2.13 open-play chances per 90 among Premier League wingers.

It may be a similar role for Grealish in Qatar as it was in the European Championship last summer — begin games on the bench but be ready to make an important impact when entering the field.

Harry Kane Club: Tottenham Age: 29 Caps: 75 Major tournaments: 3

England captain Harry Kane won the Golden Boot at the previous World Cup four years ago, although he wasn’t overwhelmingly prolific in open play — his tally of six relied on penalties (three) and set-piece goals.

Yet Kane was still effective, receiving forward passes and facilitating the runs of Sterling beyond him. He showcased that side of his game for England before he became renowned for it in a Tottenham shirt. Now, we think of him as an assister for club colleague Son Heung-min as much as a goalscorer.

For England, he looks best when fielded alongside players who are intent on running in behind, rather than ones who look to drift central and create.

That, really, is Kane’s job.

Bukayo Saka Club: Arsenal Age: 21 Caps: 20 Major tournaments: 1

The biggest compliment you can pay Bukayo Saka is that his decisive missed penalty in the Euro 2020 final against Italy almost seems a side-story now, rather than something that has defined his career. His form since has been exceptional; and whereas now he’s merely one part of a well-drilled Arsenal attacking unit, at times in the past he was carrying his club.

There’s plenty of competition for places out wide in this squad, but Saka consistently plays well for England, and his recent cameo appearance in the 3-3 Nations League draw with Germany has probably put him ahead of others in the pecking order for a starting spot.

Raheem Sterling Club: Chelsea Age: 27 Caps: 79 Major tournaments: 4

Ultimately, it’s been a tough start to life at new club Chelsea for Raheem Sterling. His three Premier League goals are just one more than the number of managers he has had during his four months at Stamford Bridge. Being deployed in different positions has not helped Sterling’s rhythm, as he’s played on the right wing, the left wing, and as a centre-forward.

His 0.28 non-penalty expected goals per 90 number is almost half what it was last season at Manchester City (0.51), suggesting a lack of potency from Sterling himself. However, his struggles are embedded within the wider team structure for his club, and he will be key to his country’s success at this tournament.

Sterling was arguably England’s best player in last summer’s Euros, and a similar attacking return would not go amiss in Qatar.

Callum Wilson Club: Newcastle Age: 30 Caps: 4 Major tournaments: 0

“It is not a case where we are three or four weeks away from the first match (as is usually the case before summer tournaments),” Southgate outlined on Thursday. “We are now 10 days (from facing Iran in their Group B opener), so form could be more important.”

With that in mind, there are few players in the Premier League in better form than Callum Wilson. His 0.58 non-penalty goals per 90 figure is the best of his career and, crucially, aligns closely with his expected goals. Wilson is running hot at the moment, but not out of luck — he is a good, all-round striker who gets into great goalscoring positions.

Most important of all, he is injury-free.

A great option for Southgate to have in his squad.

(Photos: Getty Images/Design: Sam Richardson)