The curtain fell this month on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Opening ceremonies begin on November 20 in Al Khor, before hosts Qatar take on Ecuador.
England is one of the favorites for the tournament. Only Brazil, Argentina and defending champions France have a better chance of winning the tournament. As Qatar makes World Cup history as the first hosts in the Middle East, big dogs from Europe and South America will be in town looking to add another trophy to the cabinet.
Gaining momentum or facing new challenges?
England have reached the semi-final stage of the World Cup three times (1966, 1990, 2018), with one win and two losses to prove it. A World Cup semi-final appearance followed by a runner-up finish at Euro 2020 showed that Southgate and the England men’s team were the real deal.
At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, England reached the semi-finals but did not reach the final in a loss to Croatia. England eventually finished fourth, losing to Belgium. At Euro 2020, England came up short again, but this time in the final losing at home to Italy in that nail-biting penalty shootout.
England’s confidence is through the roof after improving in the UEFA European Championship and reaching the final. Many feel England can do better in Qatar and end the 56-year wait to lift the World Cup again.
Spoiled for choosing?
Southgate faces a new challenge ahead of this World Cup, because the high expectations are no longer unfounded. England should reach the semi-finals, if not the final.
Coming into Qatar 2022, the challenge is no longer that England should be taken seriously, despite their disastrous showing in the Nations League this year. Having tasted success, Southgate’s latest challenge is the abundance of talent.
Back
Nowhere is the challenge more obvious than at right back. In the mix for the starting position are Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Reece James (Chelsea), Kyle Walker (Manchester City) and Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United).
However, Reece James and Kyle Walker are recovering from injury and racing against time to get in shape for team announcements.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was completely left out of the England squad when they played the final round of UEFA Nations League matches.
On the rise is Kieran Trippier, who leads resurgent Newcastle United, claiming a place in the top four of the Premier League and a coveted place in the Champions League.
Goalie
Southgate’s biggest headache may not even be the right back position. There are four goalkeepers who could start when England take on Iran on November 21 in their first Group B match.
Current number one Jordan Pickford (Everton) is a reliable leader as England goalkeeper, but his place is under threat from Nick Pope (Newcastle United), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) and Dean Henderson (Nottingham Forest).
There are headaches like this all over the field as England have an unprecedented level of talent vying for places on the team sheet.
In form or out of luck?
Gareth Southgate’s selection headaches are getting worse by the week. Many players are in stellar form entering the World Cup but were not in England’s setup for the past few years.
Southgate receives regular criticism for the spirit of loyalty at the core of the current England team. Critics argue that it leaves no room for form to play a role in the selection process. For example, Ivan Toney (Brentford) was called up in September for the final round of UEFA Nations League matches, but only got a place on the bench in the final match against Germany.
Players such as Callum Wilson (Newcastle), James Maddison (Leicester City) and Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) have made their case to be added to the squad. Pundits and fans have opinions on many more who should be on the plane to Qatar.
Equally important are those who should not be on the plane. Harry Maguire, always the butt of online ridicule, and Raheem Sterling have struggled for consistency in recent weeks. Both have the loyalty of Southgate.
With just days before the teams are announced, all English eyes are on Gareth Southgate as World Cup dreams are made and shattered.
Photo Credit: IMAGO/PA Images