All over England – and those who happen to live all around the world – will have been waiting with great anticipation over Gareth Southgate’s squad announcement on Thursday.
Indeed, the Three Lions boss delivered his 26-man roster for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup competition, and with many believing that the nation could be one of the main favorites to finally end the 56 years of hurt that has been suffered in this tournament (and every other since), there may be some that will have been left questioning some of the choices to have been made.
Of course, if you were to take a look at the expected goals data that has been made available, then it is perhaps not too much of a surprise to see some of the forwards to have been selected in the squad. Naturally, players like Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling were always going to be picked, although many will have been delighted with the inclusion of Callum Wilson given that he has been scoring for Newcastle United at a decent rate this season.
Some, though, might have questioned the absence of Ivan Toney or Tammy Abraham given that they have both been influential for their respective clubs, Brentford and AS Roma this season and in times gone by.
Notwithstanding, it is possible to argue that the forward department is not the only place where some will have been left with questions. In order to understand fully, let’s check out the 26-man squad first in full below…
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Nick Pope.
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Harry Maguire, Ben White, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Eric Dier, Conor Coady.
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount, Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Kalvin Phillips, Conor Gallagher.
Forwards: Phil Foden, James Maddison, Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka, Callum Wilson.
So, where are there the biggest surprises or shocks? Some will argue that defenders Harry Maguire and Eric Dier perhaps do not deserve to be anywhere near the squad, although those that have watched England will perhaps suggest it is not a shock given that Southgate likes to use players he trusts and knows well.
Furthermore, the debate around Trent Alexander-Arnold appears to have been settled due to his inclusion; although that might be because Reece James was unable to travel due to his recent injury – something Chelsea teammate Ben Chilwell has also had to try and come to terms with.
However, Conor Gallagher could be considered the biggest surprise of them all. While he is getting some chances at Chelsea under Graham Potter, some may question whether he has done enough for a place on the plane to Qatar. Then again, if you take his form of last season into account with Crystal Palace, then perhaps he does.
