England manager Gareth Southgate has announced his 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup scheduled to get underway on November 20.
Two surprise last-minute additions to the squad were Leicester City playmaker James Maddison and Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson, neither of whom has played for the Three Lions since 2019. Despite their lack of international experience, both players have impressed Southgate with their recent club form. Maddison has the fourth-most goal involvements in the Premier League this calendar year.
“Look, he’s a good player, we’ve always said he’s a good player. He’s earned the right. We think he can give us something slightly different to the other attacking players that we’ve got,” Southgate said of Maddison.
While Chelsea full-back Reece James will miss the tournament through injury, Arsenal’s Ben White will fill the void, having impressed in the Premier League this season.
Joining Wilson up front is Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane as well as Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, who were selected ahead of Roma’s Tammy Abraham and Brentford’s Ivan Toney.
Although Manchester City players Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips have both struggled with injuries as of late, both of them have been included in the World Cup squad due to being recognized as key team members.
England kicks off their World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21.
