With the 2022 World Cup in Qatar fast approaching, Gareth Southgate is set to announce his 26-man England squad over the next few weeks.
England's form has been questionable as of late, seeing them relegated from their Nations League group, so fans are waiting to see whether Southgate will make drastic changes or stick with the same tactics ahead of the competition. Their 3-3 draw against Germany in the last international break did have some bright spots, but it also showed some of the issues that need to be addressed.
Barring some radical changes, many fans will likely be able to guess the majority of the squad who will on the plane to Doha later in November. But with the current injury list already causing problems and the potential for more before the Premier League breaks later this month, let's go through all the latest news before the Three Lions boss' announcement.
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When will the World Cup squad be announced?
Southgate has already submitted his 55-man provisional list to FIFA on October 21 but the details of that squad are not required to be published to the public and he has opted against a full announcement. The manager must now rattle down his squad to the final 26 which has a deadline of November 13th.
With the Premier League breaking in two weeks, Southgate is expected to announce the squad before then on November 10th.
Who will be in the England squad for the World Cup?
Many fans already know Southgate's list of go-to players and barring any last-minute injuries, there is no reason not to expect that they will be on the plane. Harry Kane will lead the line and take the armband, while the likes of Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Jordan Pickford, Phil Foden and Mason Mount have been ever-presents over the past 18 months.
Manchester United players Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford were not present for England's round of fixtures in September, but their recent form will likely find them a place on the plane. Leicester City's James Maddison has also staked a good claim for his inclusion as well alongside Brentford's Ivan Toney and Newcastle's Callum Wilson.
Many fans will question whether Harry Maguire deserves to be a part of the squad, however. He has been an ever-present under Southgate but has been in poor form for a good chunk of the past 18-months, and with the likes of Fiyako Tomori waiting on the sidelines, it may be a matter of the manager's preference who goes and starts for England.
Who is unlikely to be involved through injury?
Reece James is the biggest doubt for England due to a knee injury he sustained against AC Milan in the Champions League earlier this month. England have also gone from having an abundance of right-backs to a limited number thanks to injuries to Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who are doubts ahead of the selection but could find their way in if fitness allows.
Kalvin Phillips formed a good partnership with Declan Rice at the Euros, but since his move to Manchester City he has been plagued by injury and is unlikely to be ready ahead of the tournament. Arsenal's Emile Smith-Rowe is also likely to miss out having struggled with groin problems during the 2022/23 campaign.
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