Gareth Southgate announced his 26 man squad for the World Cup in Qatar earlier today with the tournament kicking off in 10 days. There are no new faces to the squad but there are however recalls for James Maddison, Callum Wilson, Ben White, Kalvin Phillips, Marcus Rashford and Conor Gallagher.
James Maddison definitely deserves his recall simply because of the form he's in and the way he has improved as a player over the past year. Many people including myself wanted him in the squad as he's the kind of player England have been crying out for in terms of someone who is creative on the ball. He's also been overlooked a lot in the past and he finally has the recall he deserves.
Marcus Rashford also deserves his recall as he too has been in good form this season where he has looked a player reborn under Erik Ten Hag at Man United. His confidence was shot to pieces for much of last season and this season he's got it back and is deservedly back in the squad.
Ben White and Callum Wilson also deserve their recalls with the seasons they're having with Arsenal and Newcastle respectively. White has put in some performances at right back for Arsenal this season and can play in a number of positions which will be key for England depending on whether they play either a back three of a back four. Wilson was fighting it out with Ivan Toney for the second striker spot behind Harry Kane with both of them making decent starts to the season. I think he just about deserved it as he can link up play with his teammates and is a natural goal scorer. He also has more international experience than Toney and that was probably what edged him here.
I was surprised to see Kalvin Phillips recalled as he only just returned to action for Man City last night after a few months out with a shoulder injury. He was a key player for England during the Euro's last year but given that he's just come back, I wasn't expecting him to be involved. I was also surprised to see Conor Gallagher recalled as I don't think he's done enough for Chelsea to put himself back in the squad.
In terms of the rest of the squad, I was very surprised to see Harry Maguire included as he's lost his place in the Man United team and hasn't been in great form for the past year. I can see why Southgate has included him as Maguire is someone he trusts but given his lack of game time and form, I wasn't expecting him to be involved. I was also surprised to see Trent Alexander Arnold involved because of the difficult season he's having with Liverpool. I can see why he has been included as Kyle Walker isn't match fit and Reece James is ruled out altogether. But I'm still surprised with his inclusion.
FULL ENGLAND SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS:
Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Nick Pope (Newcastle)
DEFENDERS:
Kyle Walker (Man City), Kieron Trippier (Newcastle), Trent Alexander Arnold (Liverpool), John Stones (Man City), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Ben White (Arsenal), Harry Maguire (Man United), Conor Coady (Everton), Luke Shaw (Man United)
MIDFIELDERS:
Declan Rice (West Ham), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Kalvin Phillips (Man City), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Phil Foden (Man City), James Maddison (Leicester), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Jack Grealish (Man City)
FORWARDS:
Raheem Sterling (Man City), Marcus Rashford (Man United), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Callum Wilson (Newcastle)
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