There are just 22 days until Gareth Southgate is expected to name his provisional World Cup squad on October 19.
The England manager must then name his final 26-man squad by FIFA’s November 13 deadline — and the form of Harry Maguire has left the England manager with a major problem.
Southgate has said he was willing to put his England reputation on the line by standing by Maguire, but his continued loyalty to the Manchester United defender in Qatar would be a big gamble.
Maguire’s troubles continued last night, as he made mistakes that led to two Germany goals, and his England inclusion will be a major talking point ahead of the Group B opener against Iran on November 21.
Here are the selection decisions facing Southgate…
Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford’s status as England No1 has been strengthened in the past week, despite him not being in the squad for the matches against Italy and Germany.
That is because Nick Pope failed to convince, in both his shot-stopping and kicking, and Aaron Ramsdale was an unused substitute in both games.
Dean Henderson is also in the mix, although Ramsdale looks set to be named third-choice.
Wing-backs
Reece James looks set to start on the right, having impressed in the role for some time.
Southgate’s handling of Trent Alexander-Arnold has surprised many, but his decision to leave the Liverpool star out of his squad last night surely ends his chances of starting in Qatar.
Who plays on the left is less clear. Luke Shaw started there last night but is out of favour under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. Ben Chilwell did not play a minute in these two games.
Southgate trusts Kieran Trippier, while Bukayo Saka is an option, even if the Arsenal man impressed further forward and playing on the right when he came on as a substitute last night.
Central defenders
It seemed almost cruel to keep Maguire out there last night after his mistakes, as Southgate’s decision to stick by him backfired.
A pillar of the team that reached the semi-finals in Russia four years ago, Maguire looks a shell of his former self and stripped of his confidence.
United have lost all three games that their captain has started this season, winning the other five after he was left out, and he is unlikely to be given a chance to play his way back into form before the World Cup starts.
Fikayo Tomori saw no action in these two matches, despite impressing for AC Milan, while Arsenal’s Ben White was left out of the squad.
John Stones suffered a hamstring injury last night but will start if fit, as should Kyle Walker.
Eric Dier has played his way back into contention and suits Southgate’s 3-4-3 system. Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi was in the squad this time, while Conor Coady and Tyrone Mings are options.
Central midfielders
After a brilliant display last night, Jude Bellingham has put himself in pole position to partner Declan Rice in midfield.
The 19-year-old is now ahead of Jordan Henderson, while Kalvin Phillips is an injury doubt for Qatar.
Bellingham was just 15 at the last World Cup but has made rapid progress and looks a certain starter.
Conor Gallagher was in the Under-21s squad this time, so seems unlikely to make Qatar. James Ward-Prowse is a Southgate favourite and will hope to be in the squad.
Wide forwards
Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling started both matches against Italy and Germany ahead of Mason Mount, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka and Jarrod Bowen.
Aside from possibly Bowen, all those players look likely to be picked for Qatar.
United duo Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho will hope to be pushing for a recall.
With England struggling for creativity, there is clamour for James Maddison to be given a chance, but he has been repeatedly snubbed by Southgate and a call-up now would be a surprise.
Strikers
Tammy Abraham is likely to act as Harry Kane’s deputy, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin injured.
Southgate has suggested that Ivan Toney is unlikely to be selected, despite his recent call-up.
