England fans are once again looking forward ahead of the 2022 World Cup, reaching the final of Euro 2021 last summer and reaching the last four at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. With the World Cup just around the corner, manager Gareth Southgate is confident in a strong Three Lions. England will start to be one of the main contenders for lifting the Hercules Cup. England determined his final squad based on domestic and previous international formats and announced his 26-man roster on 10 November.
The World Cup roster previously consisted of 23 players including three goalkeepers, but FIFA has expanded its squad for the Qatar 2022 World Cup to 26, meaning the giants have room to add some bolder options to their selections. The extra space allows for more experimentation especially in the offensive arena. In addition to the final line-up, Southgate is likely to have a list to be named, as he did at Euro 2021. Teams are allowed to be substituted due to serious injuries within 24 hours before the first match of the World Cup. However, any such exchange must take place from the initial preliminary list of 55 persons.
Here is the final list of 26 people who will make it to the World Cup in Qatar:
1. Goalkeeper
Everton star Jordan Pickford is the number one goalkeeper; Nick Pope and Allen Rumdale are the reserves.
2. Defense
Trent-Alexander Arnold of Liverpool; Walker, despite not playing since early October, was included in the list; Manchester United captain Harry Maguire; John Stones.
3. Midfielder
The defensive fulcrum of Declan Rice and Calvin Phillips provided England with a tacit understanding at Euro 2021; Jude Bellingham's meteoric rise has provided Southgate with an additional option to start if Phillips doesn't fully recover then Bellingham will start. In addition, depending on the formation, Mason Monte is likely to start as the link between midfielder and attack; Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has a lot of experience; Chelsea's Connor Gallagher has the ability to run on the field; Madison provides extra creativity.
4. Strikers
Captain Harry Kane is the undisputed starter who could break England's all-time goal record in Qatar; Raheem Sterling; Bukayo Saca, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish will be vying for another starting spot. Southgate has plenty of options up front, but Kane's other partner could be a challenge on Southgate's options Newcastle's Callum Wilson and Manchester United star Marcus Rashford will give Southgate something extra if Plan A needs to be adjusted.
England are expected to start the 2022 World Cup
(3-4-3): Pickford Walker, Harry Maguire, Stones Alexander Arnold, Bellingham, Rice, Trippier Sterling, Kane, Grealish
(4-2-3-1): Pickford Walker, Harry Maguire, Stones, Trippier Bellingham, Rice Saka, Monte, Sterling Kane