It’s just over two weeks until the World Cup kicks off and Gareth Southgate probably has a pretty good idea of who will make his final 26-man squad.
But he’s injury issues with some of his favourites (Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips, Reece James) have given him something to think about, as has the form of some others (Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jordan Henderson) may only intensity his headache.
Selecting a World Cup squad is a delicate balance between tried-and-trusted players that have always been dependable, and emerging candidates that are playing their best football at the time. But which players are most in form right now?
We’ve put together an England XI based purely and entirely on their form this season, arranged in a 4-3-3 formation.
GK: Jordan Pickford
Aaron Ramsdale is developing nicely at title-challenging Arsenal and looked likely to challenge Pickford’s No.1 shirt ahead of the World Cup. But the Everton ‘keeper looks back to his best in 2022-23 so far.
Ramsdale and Newcastle’s Nick Pope have conceded fewer goals than Southgate’s preferred choice, but they’re left better protected by their defences. Only Brentford’s David Raya and Nottingham Forest’s Dean Henderson have made more saves than Pickford this season.
RB: Kieran Trippier
People have been squabbling about Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold for so long that they’ve forgotten about the classics.
Who could forget that Trippier free-kick against Croatia at the last World Cup? Four years on, he left England to become a La Liga champion and is arguably better than ever at Newcastle.
The 32-year-old has a goal and two assists and has been a vital figure in Newcastle boasting the best defensive record in the Premier League.
Kyle Walker and James have been perfectly decent, but they both face a race to be fit in time for Qatar. Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold has had his critics for his role in Liverpool’s defensive frailty this season.
CB: Ben White
There’s a strong argument that White has been the best English defender so far this season and he might not even make Southgate’s squad.
Admittedly his best run of form to date has been at right-back, where England are already stacked with solid options. But his natural role is at centre-back, where we’re sticking him, and his versatility could prove incredibly useful. He can even slot in at the base of midfield if required.
“Ben would be very comfortable playing on the right side of a back three as…
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