It is a Premier League season like no other with a World Cup set to take place in the winter months for the first time ever. Not that it is needed, players will have that added element of motivation as they look to play their way onto the plane for their respective nations.
As far as Newcastle United are concerned, there aren’t a great deal of players certain to be in Qatar. So with that in mind, here is a look at the players who almost definitely will be, those that will be in with a chance or finally, potential long shots.
Nailed on: Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Fabian Schar
While nothing is nailed on in football, it feels as though these three players are the only members of the Newcastle squad almost certain to be on the plane. Gareth Southgate has always been a big fan of Trippier, and his start to the season at this stage makes him favourite over Trent Alexander-Arnold.
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Schar has been a staple of Switzerland’s squad for several years now, while Guimaraes’ form arguably makes him likely to start for Brazil, never mind just make up the numbers.
In with a chance: Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Callum Wilson
Aaron Ramsdale and Jordan Pickford will almost certainly be two of Southgate’s three goalkeepers in Qatar, leaving Pope to battle it out with Dean Henderson for that third spot. Wilson will also be fighting it out to be Harry Kane’s second choice, though at this stage Tammy Abraham is favourite for that spot.
As for Botman, surely it is only a matter of time until he breaks into Netherlands’ senior squad. That said, his lack of inclusion for the upcoming international break may indicate the World Cup will come too soon.
Long shots: Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin
Both uncapped at international level for England, Burn and Targett find themselves in similar situations. Burn is one of very few left footed English centre backs, and his form in the last 18 months should put him ahead of Tyrone Mings.
As far as Targett is concerned, England’s two first choice left backs Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell are currently playing second fiddle at club level. A few more good months and you never know.
Given the quality in the Brazil and France squads, Joelinton and Saint-Maximin also feel like long shots. That said, their form in recent months surely must mean they are on the respective manager’s radars.
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