Maguire IN, Sterling OUT: How will England line up at the 2022 World Cup?

15 Nov 2022 07:37 GMT
3 min read

Harry Maguire celebrates in iconic style against San Marino — © ProShots

England will kick-off their 2022 World Cup campaign with a Group B opener against Iran as Gareth Southgate looks towards another deep run in an international tournament.

Nearly 18 months since losing to Italy in the European Championship final, England travel to Qatar with the hope that they can emulate or better their semi-final showing in Russia four years ago.

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Southgate has continued to keep faith in the core squad that led England to their best tournament displays since they won the World Cup in 1966 but how will they line-up going into this year’s competition?

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England have somewhat struggled since their Euros heartbreak and are winless in their last six games having scored just twice from open play, leading to relegation from the Nations League.

However, Southgate is set to continue with the players he believes in, with Jordan Pickford set to start over Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale in goal.

While England may experiment with a back four in the group stage, Southgate will likely stick to a five-at-the-back system, with Harry Maguire at the heart of the centre-backs despite his poor form and lack of game time for Manchester United.

John Stones is all but guaranteed to start next to Maguire but the third centre-back remains to be seen, with Kyle Walker potentially lacking match fitness and Ben White largely untested at international level, although he will likely get the nod over Eric Dier due to his good form with Arsenal.

Kieran Trippier has established himself as one of the best Premier League performers this season, leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench, while Luke Shaw is the only recognised left-back in the squad and will surely start most the games there.

© ProShots - England's projected line-up for the 2022 World Cup

Despite criticism from fans, Southgate has often opted for two defensive midfielders, and while Declan Rice is certain to start, his regular partner Kalvin Phillips has played just one Premier League minute this season due to injury and likely won’t be risked, instead stepping aside for Jude Bellingham.

Harry Kane is arguably the safest position in the squad up top and the Tottenham striker should feature with Manchester City’s Phil Foden on the left, although Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount and Jack Grealish could all be rotated in at certain points, along with Raheem Sterling, whose poor form for Chelsea keeps him out of the team.

Leicester’s James Maddison would have a strong case for the final spot on the right-wing but, having not featured for England since 2019, he will likely be behind Bukayo Saka, with the Arsenal wonderkid hoping to turn his club form into country and lead England to glory.