England 2022 World Cup Starting XI: Is it coming home?

What will England’s squad look like when the 2022 World Cup begins?

England has some seriously talented youngsters breaking through at the moment. After their semifinal appearance in the 2018 world cup, we can only expect their squad to perform even better in Qatar. Their squad will be one the most exciting teams of the tournament along with France.

Formation: 4-3-3

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Goalkeeper: Unless a new promising goalkeeper pops up in the next few years, the only realistic option at the moment is Jordan Pickford, 25. He performed very well at the 2018 world cup, but has had some ups and downs this season. Despite his occasional dips in form, he is still England’s best goal keeper.

Left Back: This one is bit of a toss up. Both Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell have had incredible seasons. Beginning to fulfill the potential everyone knew they had. However, Chillwell may be on his way to Manchester City and if that happens his performances will skyrocket under Pep, leading to him solidifying the starting spot at left back in the England squad.

Center Back: John Stones is perhaps the only obvious choice. While he looked shaky at the beginning of his spell at Manchester City, he has grown into himself. And has started to show signs of reaching the world class levels expected of him when he first made the transfer to the east side of Manchester.

Center Back: Some people may feel that Harry Maguire will keep his starting spot. But if Joe Gomez can remain healthy, he will certainly surpass the Leicester City man. At the beginning of the 2018/19 season he looked to be the perfect partner for the player of the season, Van Dijk. He is strong in the tackle, pacey, and very comfortable in possession. If injuries hadn’t halted his development, this position in the starting XI may not even be in question.

Right Back: This choice may end up being harder than most people believe. Trent Alexander-Arnold is the most clear candidate. At only 20 years old, he is the starting right back in one of the most exciting sides in Europe and is about to play in a Champions League final for the second year in a row. However, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been the best defensive right back in the premier league this season with 6.3 tackles/interceptions, 3.7 clearances, and only being dribbled passed 0.3 times per game. Obscene numbers for anyone, let alone a 21 year old. The only thing that is certain is that England will have some serious options at right back.

Center Defensive Midfield: Declan Rice has shown this season that he is the future of England’s holding midfield. While boasting a defensive solidity, he is comfortable in dictating play. Something England has lacked. The only other natural defensive mid option at the moment is Eric Dier and he is not nearly as technically gifted as the 20 year old.

Left Central Midfield: There is an absolute talent developing under Pep Guardiola at the moment. Phil Foden is an adept dribbler with an eye for the killer pass. Even being dubbed as the next Iniesta. Pep doesn’t want to compare him to the Spanish legend, but has praised him as a “special” player and stated he “has something that is difficult to find.” High praise from the manager who has seen it all.

Right Central Midfield: Dele Alli seems like he’s been around for years, but he is still only 23 years old. The Tottenham midfielder is one of the stars of the Premier League. While his output has dropped off since the 2016/2017 season when he scored 18 goals and contributed 7 assists in the league, his talent has consistently shown through. As long as his form improves, the second central mid position is as good as his.

Left Wing: Somehow Callum Hudson-Odoi should be in this team, but Raheem Sterling may just be the best player in this squad. The FWA player of the year has 17 goals and 10 assists in league play this season. He’s always had a clear natural footballing ability, but this season he has brought his consistency to a new level. After Aguero declines, Sterling may move to a Center Forward position for City, however the next player on the starting XI would be hard to displace.

Center Forward: Who else but the knighted Tottenham forward, Harry Kane. Injuries have limited him to 17 goals this season; the first time he’s had less than 20 goals since he broke through the Tottenham squad in the 2014/15 season. However, he’s consistently proven those who labeled him as a one season wonder wrong. And his finishing ability and positional awareness are among the worlds best.

Right Wing: Despite Kylian Mbappe, the most talented U20 player in the world is unquestionably Jadon Sancho. His performances at Dortmund have seen him grab attention from some of the biggest clubs in Europe. He has the most dribbles completed per game (3.3) and the most assists (14) in the Bundesliga, while also notching 12 goals. And he just turned 19. No one can argue that he is on track to become one of the best players in world football.