The 2022 FIFA World Cup is set to begin in Qatar soon with 32 of the best countries in world football fighting it out to determine who comes out on top and gets crowned as the new world champions. England will be one of the 32 nations taking part in this year’s World Cup. The Three Lions will be desperate to go on a long cup run and maybe even win the competition after their last and only World Cup triumph coming back in 1966.
Let’s take a look at how England could set up on the field before coming to a conclusion on how they fare in this World Cup.
Defence
England boss Gareth Southgate has chosen to pick Arsenal‘s Aaron Ramsdale, Newcastle United’s Nick Pope and Everton‘s Jordan Pickford as his goalkeepers. Based on form, Ramsdale might get the nod to start but Southgate has previously chosen to rely on Nick Pope as well for the big games. Pickford will probably have to settle for a spot on the bench for most of this tournament.
Southgate has got some underperforming defenders in his squad with the likes of Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Eric Dier making the cut. We can expect Dier and Maguire to start alongside John Stones if Southgate opts to play a back three throughout this tournament.
Midfield
Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are the standout central midfielders in Southgate’s squad. We can expect them to anchor the midfield for the Three Lions for most of his tournament.
Southgate will also rely on the experience and leadership of Jordan Henderson and the creativity of Mason Mount and James Maddison off the bench if needed.
Attack
Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling are expected to start in Southgate’s first XI for most of this World Cup. Both Kane and Foden are enjoying a good run of form but the same cannot be said about Sterling.
Southgate will also have the pace of Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford on the bench.
How Will England Perform In This World Cup?
Based on the squad Southgate has selected, England have got a good chance of going on a deep run in this World Cup. However, their recent form has been far from convincing in international football which is something Southgate needs to rectify later this month.
England fans will expect their country to at least go into the knockout phases of the competition. Anything less could spell the end of Southgate as England’s head coach. A lot of pressure will be on the Three Lions which could lead to them underperforming in this World Cup.
