Gareth Southgate is expected to reinstate Marcus Rashford and replace the injured Reece James with Arsenal defender Ben White when he names England’s 26-man World Cup team on Thursday.
Southgate has been finalizing his Qatar preparations and, in addition to taking risks on the fitness of Manchester City’s Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips, Rashford is set to emerge from international obscurity.
Marc Guéhi and Fikayo Tomori have been omitted, and sources close to James Ward-Prowse worry that the Southampton midfielder will also not be selected. This might pave the way for Ruben Loftus-Cheek or Conor Gallagher of Chelsea. The absence of Guéhi and Tomori could make room for Joe Gomez of Liverpool.
Rashford has not played for England since the Euro 2020 final loss to Italy, during which he missed a penalty during the shootout. However, the Manchester United forward has overcome his injury issues and has been in encouraging form this season. The 25-year-ability old’s to score goals is an apparent aspect of his appeal to Southgate, who has lamented the lack of dependable finishers on his side, and he is on the cusp of being reinstated.
Rashford, who has plenty of tournament experience, has never been ruled out by Southgate, but he is expected to provide unpleasant news to other England aspirants. The boss has left James heartbroken after deciding he could not risk taking the Chelsea right-back, who has been out for a month with torn knee ligaments, and he is seriously considering selecting Callum Wilson as Harry Kane’s replacement. Tammy Abraham of Roma and Ivan Toney of Brentford are in danger of losing out to Wilson, whose superb form has led to six goals this season.
There is a perception that Southgate, who may have just Luke Shaw as a recognized left-back in his side, is prepared to use Kane, Wilson, and Rashford as his central strikers. Rashford can also play on the left wing, meaning that West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen, who has been a part of England’s previous squads, may not be selected. Jadon Sancho, the United winger who traveled to the European Championships, and James Maddison, the Leicester playmaker, is also unlikely to be cut. Maddison has scored six goals so far this season.
Despite the potential inclusion of Wilson, whose history of fitness issues resulted in his last four caps occurring in October 2019, Southgate prefers continuity. However, injury issues have limited his defense options.
James, who has not played since limping off during Chelsea’s triumph over Milan four weeks ago, is the biggest loss. Southgate has opted not to risk the 22-year-old in England’s opening match against Iran on 21 November, even though he was certain he would be fit for the knockout rounds.
Without James, who would have played right wing-back, England will need to make adjustments. Kieran Trippier of Newcastle is likely to replace him, and White is anticipated to receive positive news. This season, the Arsenal center-back has succeeded as a converted right-back. Trent Alexander-Arnold, the right-back for Liverpool, should also be included.
Southgate is anticipated to choose Walker. Since having groyne surgery a month ago, the City right-back has not played, but England relies on his speed and expertise.
Uncertain is whether Walker, who typically starts at right center-back for England’s back three, will be able to withstand the rigors of a major tournament. United’s central defense is a concern, especially given Harry Maguire has started only one league game since August. John Stones, Eric Dier, and Conor Coady are set to be named as center-back, which could lead Southgate to be more cautious and select additional cover.
The circumstance on the left adds to the complexity. Ben Chilwell’s torn hamstring has deprived England of competition for Luke Shaw, but Southgate could choose to overlook Tyrick Mitchell of Crystal Palace and Ryan Sessegnon of Tottenham. With injuries to Leicester’s James Justin and Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters, the solution to Chilwell’s absence could be as simple as using the flexible Trippier on the left. England has used Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka as a left wing-back.
There are indications that Southgate feels confident that Phillips is fit. The midfielder for City underwent shoulder surgery in September and lacks match fitness, but he has been an important performer for England.
Nonetheless, Southgate must prepare for the prospect of Phillips experiencing a setback. He cannot rely solely on Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Jordan Henderson as center midfield alternatives.
