Gareth Southgate’s list for the last international break before the World Cup was announced last Thursday. The English team is facing Italy (Away) and Germany (Home) in the UEFA Nations League. These high intensity games against big rivals come at a very peculiar time, since fans are not concerned about this “tournament”, what everybody is really talking about is what does this call-up mean for England’s squad heading into Qatar 2022, which kicks off in just 60 days’ time. These two matches could mean last opportunities for players who got a call up to prove their worth, and secure a place in the final roster for the international joust.
Since the announcement of the list, a lot of talk around has been going around regarding why Southgate constantly ignores players who have proven their worth at their clubs and are playing their best football. Instead, the English manager still gives opportunities to players who have been on a clear downfall in their careers. It’s understandable that international managers prefer players whom they already know, as they have little time to spare till November, but still makes no sense why some well known names are being left out. So, this raises the following questions: Is the final squad already set in stone? Or is this international break a last opportunity to book a ticket to the World Cup?
Pickford And Two More
Entering this international break, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is dealing with a thigh injury so he will not be seeing any action. This has opened the door for three goalkeepers to become the back-up in Qatar, since it’s almost certain that Pickford will be starting in the opener against Iran. For this call-up, Gareth Southgate chose Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Nick Pope (Newcastle United), and Dean Henderson (Nottingham Forest).
As things stand, it looks as if Ramsdale has the upper hand in the trio to be the back-up, since he is at top form in his club (1st place in the League). But specially because he is used to playing from the back. His short passing abilities, and setting up play from his own goal makes him an obvious choice for the English manager, since this is very important in his own tactical scheme.
We believe the 3rd, and last spot for a goalkeeping spot will be between Pope, and Henderson. This is going to be a close one and neither of the duo would like to miss this once in a life time opportunity (even if it means not playing a single minute). Ramsdale will probably start against Italy, but if Southgate starts either Pope or Henderson against Germany, this might be the chance they’ve been waiting for.
Maguire Again
One of the most discussed topics in Southgate’s list is the call-up of Manchester United’s CB Harry Maguire, as he has been on free-fall for more than a year, even losing his starting job at his own club. Maguire has Manchester and England fans enraged as to why is he still in this squad. It’s clear that the English boss trusts him, and is very likely that he makes the final squad. Southgate left Arsenal defender Ben White out of his list, so he is probably not going to make the trip to the World Cup, but players such as Conor Coady (Everton), and Eric Dier (Tottenham) got a call up, so if they see playing time during these two games this could mean eyes will be on them to see what they can bring to the table.
Deserved Call-up and Snubs
One of the few pleasant surprises for the UEFA Nation’s League list has been the addition of Brentford’s Ivan Toney, who has been playing top football this start of the season for the “Bees”, scoring five goals in seven matches so far. If Toney get’s playing time, he will have a golden opportunity to book a ticket to Qatar.
Some notable absences were felt on attack, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) did not get a call up, as well as James Maddison (Leicester) who has been previously backed by fans to get a chance, one that will not arrive on time.
There is a lot of work to be done by Gareth Southgate, and the final list will certainly raise some eyebrows for this England squad, which has its sight on finally bringing it home. So, who will make the final cut?
