Places Up for Grabs in England World Cup Squad
With the European club season fast coming to an end, all eyes will be turning towards the 2018 World Cup in Russia. As per usual, there will be a huge amount of focus on the England team and the press will be following their every move in the lead-up to the tournament and throughout the event itself. However, there is still time for players to force their way into thinking of manager, Gareth Southgate. So, which players are guaranteed a seat on the plane to Russia and who is fighting for their place?
Guaranteed Players
Harry Kane will be in the squad and is sure to start the first England match at the 2018 World Cup. He is the best striker England have and is one of the first names on the team sheet. His club team mates, Deli Alli and Eric Dier are also guaranteed to go to Russia.
Other names who are sure of a place in the squad include Raheem Sterling, Kyle Walker, Jordan Henderson, Jamie Vardy, Jordan Pickford and Jon Stones.
The latter may not play regularly for Manchester City but is well-suited to the three at the back system which Southgate may wish to employ in Russia.
In Contention
A few months ago, Marcus Rashford would have been in the guaranteed list but his form and time on the pitch has dropped at Manchester United and he could be one of the shock players who misses out in the final reckoning.
His Manchester United team mate, Jesse Lingard, now looks a better bet to make the squad and possibly the starting XI. With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain injured, Lingard will probably get the nod. Ashley Young is another Manchester United player who has come into contention and his versatility down both flanks could be important.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is pushing for a place in the England World Cup squad and his form for Crystal Palace towards the end of the Premier League season has been excellent. With Jack Wilshere’s continual battle for fitness, Loftus-Cheek makes for a reliable option in the squad and his athleticism could be very important if England make the knockout stages of the tournament.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been very impressive for Liverpool at right-back, especially in the latter stages of the Champions League this season. With Kyle Walker playing on the right side of three central defenders, Alexander-Arnold may join Kieran Trippier in the squad.
Fabian Delph is another player who has emerged as a potential England full-back this season under the guidance of Pep Guardiola. Delph can also play in midfield, making him a tempting option for Southgate.
Doubtful
One of the big names to potentially miss out is Gary Cahill. The central defender has been out of favour at Chelsea for much of this season and his form has not been good. Another defender who has slipped down the pecking order is Michael Keane.
His summer move to Everton has not worked out as expected and he has not featured in the most recent England squad.
Time is running out for these players to prove their worth to club and country and everyone will be keen to impress Southgate before the end of the season.