England’s latest squad for the upcoming games against Ukraine and Scotland will be announced on Thursday. Here’s five big decisions facing Gareth Southgate ahead of the announcement…
Ollie Watkins or Callum Wilson?
Three months ago, the understudy to Harry Kane was Callum Wilson, who had his strongest season to date with 18 goals and 5 assists in 31 matches. Fast forward to the new Premier League season and Wilson has been dropped by Newcastle for Alexander Isak, leaving his place in the England squad at risk.
The man waiting in the shadows to take Wilson’s place is Ollie Watkins, who has made an impressive start to the season for Aston Villa, with a hat-trick against Hibernian in the Europa Conference League. Though will that be enough to impress Southgate?
Sterling to return?
Raheem Sterling is surely a shoe in for an England return, after a blistering start to the season for Chelsea. Sterling was omitted from the England squad in may which Southgate put down to a lack of fitness but two player of the match performances and two goals and an assist against Luton have seen the winger return to his brilliant best.
It’s an upturn in form which means Sterling will likely be playing against Ukraine and Scotland next week but will he have the impact he usually does when in England colours?
James Ward Prowse or Jordan Henderson?
Potentially the biggest conundrum facing Southgate in this squad selection. Jordan Henderson has been a familiar face in the England squad over the years, however, a move to the Saudi Pro League to play for Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq has left his place in doubt. Before leaving Henderson sought reassurance from Southgate but the England boss has offered no guarantees.
This uncertainty has only been enhanced by the form of James Ward Prowse. Since his move from Southampton, the new West Ham midfielder has managed a goal and two assists already, scoring against Brighton last weekend. It’s a continuation of the quality he displayed weekly while playing for Southampton but that was rarely enough to get the nod from Southgate. Will a switch to claret mean a week in white for Ward-Prowse?
Harry Maguire?
Harry Maguire hasn’t played a minute of football for Manchester United this season, finding a new home on the Old Trafford bench, but has continued to be an England regular despite the lack of game time for his club, and Maguire is expected to again be included in tomorrow’s selection.
The move comes with the injuries to John Stones and Tyrone Mings, with Eric Dier experiencing a similar situation to Maguire at Tottenham, only making the bench in the opening three Premier League games. The lack of available defenders means Southgate’s trusted man should once again be called upon. A controversial move or an inspired decision that could bring Maguire back to form?
Rico Henry to get his maiden cap?
Full-back has been an overpopulated position for England in recent history, with quality on both the left and right. This time around, it’s expected that Ben Chilwell, Kieran Tripper, and Kyle Walker will be on the squad list, with Trent Alexander Arnold included too but as a midfielder not as a right-back.
This leaves the question, will there be a need for a fourth full-back? If so, Rico Henry has a chance to earn his first-ever England cap. The Brentford number three has been one of the most exciting full-backs in the league, with his ability going forward matching his strength at the back. If included, it certainly would be well well-earned maiden cap for Henry.
