England are looking for another title since the 1966 World Cup. Last time in 2018, they went to the semi-finals, but the ticket for the final was not cut for the 'Three Lions'. The English will go to Qatar with their eyes on the second title of the World Cup. English coach Gareth Southgate has also announced the team for that purpose.
Apart from the inclusion of Leicester City star James Maddison, there are no big surprises in England's World Cup squad. Southgate gave a 26-member team with some expected stars.
Midfielder Calvin Phillips, who recently returned from two months out with injury, and Harry Maguire, who has been criticized for his lack of rhythm, have made the squad, but AC Milan centre-back Fikaio Tomori, Brentford striker Ivan Toney and West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen have not made the squad.
As a goalkeeper, Southgate relies on Everton's Jordan Pickford, Newcastle's Nico Pope and this season's surprise Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. However, as the No. 1 goalkeeper, the English coach will shoulder the responsibility of handling the post on the shoulders of Pickford.
Southgate may face some challenges in defense. He has kept Trent Alexander-Arnold in the team, who is looking for himself, lost in the rhythm like Maguire. Basically, the English coach has to rely on A Maguire and Arnold as Chelsea defenders Reece James and Ben Chilwell are out injured.
England's big hope in midfield is youth. Youngsters such as Mason Mount, Declan Rice, James Maddison and Jude Bellingham now have a big responsibility on their shoulders. However, England is also getting the experience of Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.
England's attack is also full of stars. Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Sakade may have to struggle with forward selection for Southgate.
England's World Cup team
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nico Pope (Newcastle), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal).
Defenders: Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Eric Dier (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Kieren Trippier (Newcastle), Conor Cody (Everton), Ben White (Arsenal), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool).
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Connor Gallagher (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Calvin Phillips (Manchester City), James Maddison (Leicester City).
Forward:Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), Callum Wilson (Newcastle), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United).