Doha: Fifty-six years since that Wembley final when England beat West Germany 4-2 to win their first and only World Cup, the Three Lions are still yet to add to their only international trophy.
Since the 1966 World Cup, England has reached the final of two major international tournaments - Euro 1996 and Euro 2012. At the World Cup, England managed two fourth-place finishes in Italia 1990 and Russia in 2018 where they lost to Belgium in the third-place match. Many believe they are still haunted by their UEFA Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.
Heading to Qatar 2022, the idea that England can finally break their international drought is not so far-fetched. Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad announced last Thursday raised a few eyebrows, but the manager largely named the core group of players like Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford etc., who he has nurtured since taking charge of the team in 2016.
Leicester’s James Maddison, Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, and Newcastle striker Callum Wilson all made the list, while Roma’s Tammy Abraham was a surprise omission despite playing well in Italy. Harry Maguire’s inclusion has been questioned by many because the Manchester United captain has had a torrid season with injuries and poor form, which has limited his playing time so far. AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori, who has been on a good run of form for the Italian giants, also missed the final list of players.
Injury to right-back Reece James had prompted Southgate to pick Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, a player, the England coach clearly isn’t too keen on. Though there was room for the recovering Kyle Walker, the Manchester City man has not played since October 2 due to a groin injury which required surgery. Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier looks set to get the starting nod in Qatar.
On the bright side, Borussia Dortmund wunderkind Jude Bellingham, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Manchester City’s Phil Foden are players to watch out in Qatar.
“We have wanted to make sure we have the balance of the squad right,” said Southgate while announcing the squad list.
“In this day and age, the squad is more important than ever with five substitutes. You want different options for different moments of matches and different stages of the tournament as well. We have had to cover a couple of players who are not fully match fit, so having 26 players means you can take a couple of risks.
“We think the balance is there. We think we have everything covered,” the 52-year-old former defender added.
The Three Lions on paper, have a strong team with plenty of experience, particularly with Harry Kane leading the line. Though their attack has looked blunt recently, managing just four goals in their last six, perhaps England’s major weakness would be the defence. The Three Lions have lost three of their previous six games in all competitions, drawing three, and have conceded 10 in the process, losing by a lone goal to Italy and a 4-0 humbling at the hands of Hungary.
“I think I’m the right person to take the team into the tournament. I think it’s more stable that way, without a doubt,” Southgate stressed in September after England lost to Italy, adding “I’ve seen every other England manager have it (criticism). I wasn’t and never have been carried away by praise. I know how the game is and it turns so quickly. And in the end, you’re judged on results,” he said of the criticism.
Notwithstanding, as England arrived in Doha yesterday for yet another shot at the World Cup, many football fans will ask the question is it coming home?
England kick off their Group B and World Cup campaign on November 21 against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium, the USA on November 25 at the Al Bayt Stadium, and wrap up the group stage four days later against Wales at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
