Posted: 09:30, November 8, 2022 | Updated: 10:31, November 8, 2022
Alan Shearer has named England’s 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar and has included James Ward-Prowse, Ben White and Callum Wilson in his 26-man squad. England manager Gareth Southgate is scheduled to name the Three Lions squad on Thursday. However, Monday is the final deadline for the 26 names to be submitted to FIFA. Shearer unsurprisingly named Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope as England’s goalkeepers for the tournament. However, there have been some interesting calls from the former England striker for the remaining 23 places. Alan Shearer announces his preferred England squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar Shearer included White in his preferred England squad when speaking to The Athletic. Injuries to Ben Chilwell and Reece James and Tyrone Mings have opened up at least one place in the Three Lions squad and Shearer believes White deserves it. Shearer also questioned the form of Harry Maguire, Eric Dier, Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold. He said Kieran Trippier is one of the first defenders on the team sheet at the moment. As such, he believes the team could benefit from White’s inclusion. He says the 25-year-old is “full of faith at Arsenal” – having made his debut for the club in the 2-0 defeat by Brentford on the opening day of last season. Injuries to Ben Chilwell and Rhys James have opened up at least one place in the England squad Shearer therefore decided to pick Ben White in his 26 for England Speaking about the defensive line, Shearer said: “It’s not just about questionable fitness – it’s about form. With Kyle Walker it’s fitness, with Harry Maguire it’s form and a lack of game time — a league start for Manchester United since August. “It’s the form for Eric Dier, Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold. Kieran Trippier should be one of the first defenders on the team sheet at the moment, while Ben White is full of faith at Arsenal, but there are some big calls to be made here.” In midfield, Shearer has decided to select Ward-Prowse as a “squad player” as he says Kalvin Phillips will return to full fitness in time. He has also included James Maddison in his 26-man squad. He has also named Ward-Prowse as a ‘squad player’ for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar He says it’s unlikely that Kalvin Phillips will return to full fitness in time after his shoulder surgery He said: “I will go with what I know at the moment but that means there are a few caveats. I’ve picked James Ward-Prowse as the team’s player – given his delivery from free-kicks and other set-pieces would provide a different option – but if Calvin Phillips can prove his fitness, which I now highly doubt, their player Southampton would come out. Likewise, if Kyle Walker isn’t ready, I’d probably add another midfielder in West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen. James Ward-Prowse is a good bet for Gareth Southgate’s England team.’ Shearer went on to talk about the offensive line. He decided to leave Brentford’s Ivan Toney out and go for Tammy Abraham and Callum Wilson. He said taking a good penalty isn’t enough to secure Toney a spot on the team. Shearer decided to leave out Brentford’s Ivan Toney (R) in favor of Callum Wilson (L) He also expressed concerns about Toney’s physicality on the field. He said referees at the highest level might not take kindly to his aggression. It’s a valid point considering Toney has been sent off for picking up five yellow cards in the Premier League. Shearer said: “In attack, I left Brentford’s Ivan Toney out and went for Tammy Abraham and Callum Wilson. I understand that if England are to win the World Cup they will almost certainly have to win the penalty shootout somewhere down the line. “I understand the fuss about Toney being involved, but I would be a little concerned about how his physical condition might be viewed by the referees at the highest level. Wilson has long-term fitness issues but has been excellent for Newcastle United.
2022 WORLD CUP TEAM ALAN SHEARER
GOALKEEPERS: DEFENDERS:
Walker Shaw White Coady Stones Trippier Alexander-Arnold Maguire Dier
INSIDE:
Of Grealish Madison Rice Ward-Prowse The leg Mountain Bellingham Henderson
FRONT:
Kane Wilson Rashford Genuine Abraham
