We’re so very nearly there…
The first-ever mid-season World Cup is rapidly approaching, giving players little time to stake their claims to be included in those final squads; and, for English right-backs, that really isn’t ideal.
There’s already mountainous competition for places in Gareth Southgate’s squad for that position, with some excellent players getting nowhere close to selection, so with just a few months before this season’s showpiece event begins in November, who’s likely to go to Qatar?
Here, 90min looks at the major English right-backs in contention (we’ve specified major because anything else would mean approaching novel territory) to travel for the 2022 World Cup – the following list of right-sided full-backs from England is, unfortunately for the England manager, definitely not exhaustive…
In spite of injury trying its best to curtail Kieran Trippier’s return to English football, the full-back has looked excellent since leaving Atletico Madrid for Newcastle in January and is a consistent presence in the England squad when fit.
Thankfully, the Magpies man has enjoyed a strong and consistent start to the 2022/23 campaign without injury and, although not a guaranteed starter for the Three Lions, should be included in Qatar due to his flexibility to play on either flank – a trait that relieves Southgate’s ironic struggle for left-back options.
Reece James’ continued form for Chelsea and a barnstorming beginning to the 2022/23 season has firmly catapulted the wing-back to the top of Southgate’s pecking order; a perfect hybrid of attacking vigour and defensive solidity, the 22-year-old doesn’t look to have a ceiling.
When fit, there’s no contention over England’s starting right-back at the moment – well, that’s the problem. With disaster striking in the Champions League in mid October, the powerhouse looks a major injury doubt for the World Cup.
Potentially ruled out for eight weeks, it’s not looking promising for James and it’s not looking ideal for Southgate.
Another sticky situation for Southgate is the fitness of Kyle Walker, who has been a constant in England squads for a number of years and has represented a key figure in the sides that did so well at…
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