FIFA World Cup series: insight into England
Welcome back to my blog,and today I will be giving you an insight into the England team which will be heading for the world cup. This article will also serve as my attempt at guessing the World Cup squad that Gareth Southgate will be announcing today. I have added a bit more depth and some new segments to this article, which will hopefully broaden your knowledge on these teams.
WC matches (group stage): 21 Nov vs Iran, 25 Nov vs USA and 29 Nov vs Wales.
Predictions
England have a relatively easy group, and should top the group with a 4–0 thumping of Iran, a close 2–1 win against the USA and a 3–1 win against Wales. Yes, i’m predicting that England will top the group with 3 wins in 3 games. They face either Senegal or Netherlands in the Ro16 (most likely), and should go through, before getting knocked out in the semis or quarter finals. While I am supporting the Red and White this WC, I just know Southgate will not be able to lead us to another Final if he keeps persisting with his backward, basic tactics.
History
England have won the World Cup only once, lifting the coveted trophy almost 6 decades ago in 1966. England are always in the mix for this trophy, and this year might be their best shot at it, given the quality of their squad and the form their players are in.
Key players
Harry Kane will be a crucial leader and goal scorer for Southgate’s side, while midfielder Jude Bellingham will hope to provide his team with silky passes and creativity. Phil Foden, England’s new Golden Boy will also hope to make the difference for Southgate, while Jack Grealish could be a surprisingly influential player given his recent form. Finally, James Maddison could announce himself on the world stage if given the chance.
Predicted squad
Well, this segment will certainly be controversial. Nevertheless, here’s who I think make the final 26.
Jordan Pickford of Everton should easily start in goal for England, while Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal and Nick Pope who now plays for Newcastle should travel as capable back-ups.
Now onto the full-backs. Kieran Trippier should make the cut after stellar performances for Newcastle, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is too talented to leave out. Ben White has predominantly featured for Arsenal on the right so he is another option England could use. Finally, left back Luke Shaw should make the cut over Ben Chilwell, given his recently impressive return to form.
I have 5 centre backs in mind who I feel should fly to Qatar with England. Harry Maguire is an ever-present in the England set-up despite his below-average form for club, while John Stones will definitely start for England. Fikayo Tomori should be starting alongside him, but probably won’t despite his form for AC Milan. Finally, Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace and Conor Coady could be part of the squad, though Eric Dier looks like he could make the cut instead of the latter.
The midfield was slightly more complicated, but here are my choices. Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice will be a dynamic duo in the centre of the park, while Kalvin Phillips will make the cut given his return to fitness as well as his performances last time around in the Euros. Jordan Henderson will be a crucial leadership figure in this young dressing room, while Mason Mount will be an important difference maker. Finally, James Maddison definitely deserves a call-up given his electric form.
Next up: The forwards. Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling are guaranteed picks, while Marcus Rashford will also get the nod given his recent revival.Finally, Ivan Toney, Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish will make the squad to provide Southgate with some quality back-ups.
Finally, the predicted line-up (4–2–3–1)
GK: Jordan Pickford
Defence: Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, John Stones and Trippier
Midfield: Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice
Attack: Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling; Harry Kane
That’s all for this article, thank you all for reading it and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Do look forward to the next part of this series focusing on Argentina and then Portugal, and till next time, adios!
