England comes into the 2022 World Cup looking better than they have in a long time. They reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup before reaching the final of Euro 2020. What next?
While tournament results have been good, recent performances have given fans reasons to worry.
Today we’re looking at England’s fantasy football potential. We’re also analyzing the Three Lions squad and predicted line-up.
Fantasy football potential/Odds
The majority of England’s players are active in the Premier League. This should be enough to make supporters hopeful. The EPL has been the most important football league in the world for some time.
The squad is a mix of experienced players and youngsters. Most of the veteran footballers represented England in the previous World Cup.
Fantasy football fans will want to keep an eye on Jude Bellingham and Conor Gallagher. Both are rated as 2* in FootballCoin. They can be leased using in-game currency, Gold.
Bellingham, especially, has been in fine form in the Bundesliga. He’s on the radar of teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United. He’s likely to play a part in England’s campaign.
There are also many other top-rated players. Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, and Trent-Alexander Arnold are all rated 5* in FootballCoin. Kane, especially, will be looking to add to the six goals already scored in a World Cup.
Full squad & predicted line-up
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale.
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, Eric Dier, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ben White.
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice.
Forwards: Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, James Maddison, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Callum Wilson
All of England’s players, except for Jude Bellingham, are active in the EPL.
England’s predicted starting XI: Pickford – Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw – Rice, Bellingham, Fodden – Rashford, Saka, Kane
Tactics and formations
Gareth Southgate is expected to use a similar tactical set-up to the ones employed for Euro 2020. These have been, after all, very successful years for The Three Lions.
England tends to start in a 4-3-3 formation. The team almost always plays with a double pivot, usually Rice and Bellingham (or Philips). Sterling tends to tuck in as an inside forward. Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold and Walker offer width and dynamism.
The England team’s shape is known to change in possession. 5-4-1 and 5-2-3 are also utilized. The choice to switch to these is often determined by the qualities of the chosen starting players.
The starting 11 itself is a question mark. Most would expect Southgate to opt for a tried-and-tested formula. However, impact subs, such as James Maddison or Jack Grealish, may be afforded their chance.
Key players
Harry Kane – Kane is one of the greatest strikers that England has ever had. He’s also very consistent. If fully fit, he could be one of the stars of the entire tournament.
Bukayo Saka – Saka is still only 21 years old. His good performances in last year’s Euro and as a starting player for EPL leaders, Arsenal, should make him a top priority for Southgate.
With immense talent at his disposal and great national support, Saka could be one of the breakout players of the tournament.
