*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
He’s making a list. And checking it twice. Nope, Santa Claus isn’t coming to town just yet, it’s Gareth Southgate finalising his England squad for the Qatar World Cup.
The Three Lions boss has already submitted a 55-player preliminary party to FIFA bigwigs and is set to fix his final 26-man squad by Sunday, November 13 at the latest.
An intense battle to make the plane to Qatar is raging with just a few more rounds of Premier League action before the competition pauses for the first ever winter World Cup.
NEW TO PADDY POWER NEWS?
While the likes of Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Raheem Sterling have probably already packed their bags, Southgate has a number of injury and form concerns to take into account.
Paddy’s trusty traders have helped out by pricing up a ‘To Make England’s World Cup 2022 26 Man Squad‘ betting market, which you can check out on paddypower.com or via our snazzy widgets below.
We’ve taken a look at those England World Cup odds to predict the Three Lions’ roster for Qatar 2022.
Goalkeepers
Every team at the World Cup is permitted to take three stoppers and it seems Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale are the likely lads.
Nottingham Forest loanee Dean Henderson was in the last squad by virtue of Pickford’s absence but seems to be fourth in the pecking order while Sam Johnstone has failed to nail down a regular role at Crystal Palace.
Defenders
It’s well established that Southgate has a penchant for right-backs – he took four to Euro 2020 for crying out loud! Kieran Trippier, who is enjoying a fine season for Newcastle, is rated by our traders as the most likely to make the squad.
Reece James is a major doubt due to the knee injury sustained in Chelsea’s Champions League win at AC Milan, which could open the door for Trent Alexander-Arnold, despite the Liverpool ace being far from a regular starter for England.
Kyle Walker is recovering from groin surgery but has been a mainstay in defence during the Southgate era. He has 70 caps to his name and experience could be the order of the day as long as he proves his fitness.
Ben White has been a revelation for Premier League leaders Arsenal at right-back this season and his flexibility could prove handy due to the fact he is a centre-back by trade.
Tottenham defender Eric Dier returned to the England fold for the first time in 18 months for September’s UEFA Nations League matches against Italy and Germany thanks to his fine form for Spurs.
John Stones and Harry Maguire were key to the Three Lions’ success at the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020. They both sustained hamstring injuries in September’s 3-3 draw with Germany but should return to full fitness in time for Qatar.
Everton loanee Conor Coady was included in the most recent England squad and is enjoying a decent campaign on Merseyside. He has plenty of experience playing in a back three – one of Southgate’s preferred formations – which aids his chances of being on the plane.
Marc Guehi and Fikayo Tomori were included in the squad for September’s games but competition for places looks tough.
Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell are the leading options at left-back and, despite being far from guaranteed of their places at club level, they look likely to make the plane for Qatar.
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice have established themselves are Southgate’s go-to-guys in the engine room. The only potential issue would be if either player picks up a last-gasp injury problem.
Kalvin Phillips had to withdraw from the most recent England squad due to a shoulder injury and has not figured for Manchester City since. He was replaced by Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson for the Italy and Germany games.
Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse has 11 caps at international level and is also a contender to fill the back-up role in the centre of the park.
In terms of the advanced midfield options, our traders think Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Mason Mount are nailed-on for the squad, with Jack Grealish also likely to make the cut.
Leicester’s leading light James Maddison is enjoying a fine campaign but has rarely featured for England. Chelsea duo Ruben Loftus-Cheek – part of the 2018 World Cup group – and Conor Gallagher – last called up in June – are also potential options.
Forwards
2018 World Cup Golden Boot winner Harry Kane is the main man in attack for England and could break Wayne Rooney’s all-time goalscoring record at the World Cup. He just needs three goals.
Strikers Tammy Abraham and Ivan Toney could make the grade having been included in the most recent squad, although the Brentford hotshot failed to make it on the pitch. He’s pretty good at penalties, though.
Raheem Sterling is a core member of Southgate’s plans and contributed three goals to help England to the Euro 2020 final last year. Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has seemingly played his way into contention, despite his last call-up coming last November.
Jadon Sancho has a battle on his hands to make the party as the most recent of his 23 caps came more than a year ago. West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen was included in the last England squad but his mixed start to the season for the Hammers could cost him a place.
Predicted England World Cup Squad: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale; Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, Ben White, Eric Dier, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Conor Coady, Luke Shaw, Ben Chilwell; Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, James Ward-Prowse, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount, Jack Grealish; Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Tammy Abraham and Ivan Toney
Read More
- Score your football betting tips and previews at Paddy Power News
- World Cup 2022 dates, fixtures, groups, kick-off times and schedule for Qatar competition
- World Cup 2022: Which teams have qualified for the Qatar World Cup?
- World Cup winner odds: Brazil, France and England head Paddy’s Qatar 2022 outright market
- World Cup top scorer: Who are the favourites to win the Golden Boot?
- England World Cup predicted lineup: Paddy’s prices for Southgate’s starting XI v Iran