James Maddison is expected to miss out on a place in England’s Qatar World Cup squad when it is revealed by manager Gareth Southgate on Thursday afternoon.
Maddison’s exceptional form for Leicester City has prompted a clamour of support from figures across football, yet it is considered unlikely that he will make it with Southgate not short of more experienced and viable options in his position.
It could pave the way for 19-year-old Jude Bellingham to start when England kick off their tournament against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium a week on Monday. Kalvin Phillips, pivotal in a central midfield pairing with Declan Rice during the run to the European Championship final a year ago, has been keen to prove his fitness after missing most of the season with a shoulder injury and is likely to be included.
But it means Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham, one of the most highly-rated teenagers in the world, is likely to play alongside Rice, with Phillips backup at least until he is match-fit.
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Reece James is perhaps the biggest loss to the team after the Chelsea wing-back was ruled out through injury. It was a long shot that the 22-year-old would make the squad after injuring his knee against AC Milan last month, but he has worked tirelessly and had tried to convince Southgate to take him for the latter stages of the tournament.
James wrote on Twitter that he was “devastated” to miss out. “The minute I injured my knee, I knew the turnaround to make the World Cup would be tight, but I always felt it was possible,” he said.
“I’ve worked harder than I ever thought I could to give myself the best chance of going and truly believed I could help the team. I appreciate there was risk on both sides but it was one I was willing to take. Good luck to the boys. I’ll be back soon. Stay safe and sending love.”
James was set to start as right wing-back and, injury permitting, that responsibility will fall to Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier. Despite questions about his defensive capabilities while playing for Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold is the obvious understudy.
England’s predicted squad
- Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
- Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Coady (Everton), Eric Dier (Spurs), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Man City), Ben White (Arsenal)
- Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Man City), Declan Rice (West Ham)
- Forwards: Tammy Abraham (Roma), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Man City), Harry Kane (Spurs), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Ivan Toney (Brentford)
Southgate also has problems on the other flank after Ben Chilwell was ruled out of the World Cup through injury. Manchester United’s Luke Shaw, one of the stars of Euro 2020 but another who has struggled for form at his club, will be expected to start on the left with the highly versatile Trippier as backup. Trippier started England’s first game of Euro 2020, against Croatia, at left-back. Bukayo Saka, the Arsenal star, can also cover there, although his main strengths lie in an advanced position.
An injury to Kyle Walker was also a major blow to Southgate’s plans, but he is another player who has recovered enough to make it in. His experience is vital and, though it is uncertain if he will be fit enough for the opening game, when available his speed is a crucial weapon on the right of three central defenders.
Where Southgate is not short of options is up front, with a host of players vying for a place in the squad. It is likely that Raheem Sterling, captain Harry Kane and Phil Foden will start in a front three but who fits around them will have given the England manager some thought.
It is thought that Marcus Rashford, once a regular selection for Southgate who has drifted out of the squad as his form dipped for Manchester United, will make the list of forwards, as a reward for his seven goals in 17 appearances this season and general fine form.
Rashford was set to be included in Southgate’s last squad — for the Nations League fixtures against Italy and Germany — until injury prevented him from joining the camp.
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