Five names who could break into the England squad ahead of the 2022 World Cup
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| Gareth Southgate has a growing pool of players to choose from |
Five names who could break into the England squad ahead of the 2022 World Cup
By Jonny Bray
Emile Smith Rowe has joined up with Gareth Southgate’s England squad after a run of outstanding performances for Arsenal.
He’s just one of several young players who have shown they have the potential to add to Southgate’s impressive ranks so far this campaign.
Many players across many different positions could go on to have fantastic careers for England if they maintain this level of performance.
Here are just a few of them.
Aaron Ramsdale
Aaron Ramsdale has proved a lot of people wrong.
The Arsenal shot-stopper has performed superbly since displacing Bernd Leno as first-choice keeper at the Emirates stadium.
Many had questioned Mikel Arteta’s decision to sign the keeper when he already had Leno.
At 23-years-old he could still have over a decade left of football at the highest level, and if he maintains this level of performance, he’ll be Arsenal’s number one for years to come.
Jordan Pickford has been outstanding under Southgate, but it could be Ramsdale who finally overtakes him as England’s number one.
It’s also not like Ramsdale was walking into an established back five.
Arsenal had been mocked for years for their instability in defence, but Ramsdale, combined with the signings of Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu, has helped turn that perception around.
Conor Gallagher
Conor Gallagher has been one of the best players in the league this season.
In ten appearances, Gallagher has scored four goals and created two more, making him by far one of the most impressive youngsters in the league in terms of output.
But his all-round work ethic is what has endeared him to the Crystal Palace faithful, and it’s also made him crucial to Patrick Vieira's pressing style of play.
Gallagher’s pressing ability and all-round work rate could make him the natural successor to Kalvin Phillips.
This season, Phillips has been part of a struggling Leeds side, and his position in the starting line-up could now be under threat.
Tariq Lamptey
Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey is back to his best after returning from injury.
The right-back impressed last season before an injury prevented him from playing for ten months.
He has already shone for England at numerous youth levels, and it won’t be long before the 21-year-old gets an opportunity in the senior side.
Right-back is probably England’s strongest position, but Lamptey is an exceptional talent.
And with several sides still looking for a first-choice right-back, the Seagulls defender could get an opportunity to play for a top side sometime in the future.
Trevoh Chalobah
Many people were surprised when Trevoh Chalobah made his debut for Chelsea against Villarreal back in August.
Since then, he’s become a regular feature for Thomas Tuchel’s side, playing six times in the league.
He’s scored twice, including a stunning goal on his league debut against Crystal Palace.
He’s been part of a rock-solid defence, and if he can keep getting game time at The Bridge, there’s no telling how far he could go.
Centre-back is one of England’s weaker positions, and Chalobah could be a solid addition to Southgate’s side.
Oliver Skipp
Oliver Skipp has become a first-team regular for Spurs this season.
Despite a difficult start to Tottenham's campaign, the 21-year-old has impressed in midfield.
With Antonio Conte taking over in north London, Skipp now has an excellent opportunity to progress under one of the best managers in world football.
The only worry is that he could get lost in the shuffle with a new manager coming in.
There will almost certainly be a new formation under the Italian, and Skipp may not be the best player to suit the style of play.