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England thrashed Iran 6-2 in their opening World Cup 2022 matchup.
Following defeat to Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi-final and reaching last year’s European Championship final, there is significant expectation on England in Qatar.
Gareth Southgate’s side are one of the favourites to lift the trophy alongside Brazil, Argentina and France. But history is against them: England have not won a major tournament since they hosted the World Cup back in 1966.
Captain Harry Kane will surely once again be the key man for his country — his Golden Boot total of six goals in Russia in 2018 shows he has exactly what it takes to find the net at a World Cup.
Jude Bellingham is another expected to shine to star in Qatar given the 19-year-old’s form in the last couple of years for Borussia Dortmund.
Having not won in their last six matches going into the tournament, England will need to improve on their recent form if they are to perform well and while their group does not look the strongest on paper, it is actually the most competitive according to the FIFA world rankings. Wales, Iran and the US will all pose different challenges in Group B.
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England’s World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Nick Pope (Newcastle);
Defenders: Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Benjamin White (Arsenal), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Conor Coady (Everton, on loan from Wolves), Luke Shaw (Man Utd);
Midfielders: Declan Rice (West Ham), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Man City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Mason Mount (Chelsea);
Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Callum Wilson (Newcastle), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Man City), James Maddison (Leicester City).
Monday, November 21: England 6-2 Iran
Friday, November 25: England vs USA
Tuesday, November 29: Wales vs England
England squad analysis
After winning the hearts of a nation with runs to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, England manager Gareth Southgate is under pressure.
Under pressure to deliver the England men’s team’s first major trophy since 1966, and under pressure to do so playing a more expansive and entertaining brand of football. Achieving both may be all but impossible in the modern game, but can he muster one or the other?
For a full analysis of England’s chances in England, click here.
Meet The Athletic’s guest writers for the World Cup
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(Photo: Getty Images)
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