WORLD CUP QATAR 2022 : England World Cup 2022 squad list and numbers

  WORLD CUP QATAR 2022 : England World Cup 2022 squad     list and numbers.

    Gallagher, left, was one of the more surprising inclusions while Mount, right was always on                    the plane       

   Having emerged mostly unscathed from the final round of Premier League fixtures, the England squad touched down in Qatar on Thursday, before their opening match of the World Cup today, against Iran. 

Between now and then, the players have been training in sweltering heat during the day but enjoying some home comforts back at their hotel. 

Here's our verdict on each of the 26 players, plus their squad number – an identifier that Southgate views as very important. 

Jordan Pickford (Everton)

Squad number: 1

It seems incredible that Pickford had just three caps before he was England’s No1 for the last World Cup. He has been first-choice in the four years since and it was in his absence recently that Southgate saw what he was missing: an excellent range of passing as well as shot-stopping. 

Do say: Look at the stats. He has made 55 saves, the second most in the Premier League, and stood out in a struggling Everton team. 

Nick Pope (Newcastle)

Squad number: 13

When was the last time an England goalkeeper was the centre of a social-media frenzy involving the biggest brands in the world? Burger King asked a question, and Nick Pope was the random answer. His saves for Newcastle since arriving in the summer have given him as many headlines, he has been in excellent form. 

Do say: Which is better….tomato or gherkin? 

Don’t mention: Relegation. Pope finished in the bottom three last season at Burnley but did enough to secure a move to Newcastle. 

Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

Squad number: 23

One of the stars of All Or Nothing where, despite a win against Aston Villa, he let his Arsenal team-mates know how unhappy he was with conceding a late consolation. His high standards and excellent attitude as a back-up makes him an asset in the goalkeeping department. Sitting at the top of the Premier League, he will be ready if called upon. 

Do say: Banter. He can give it out as well as take it, as Leicester fans found out when he responded to the chant of “you’re s---, ah…” 

Don’t mention: Clean sheets lost to late goals. Even in victory, he will be fuming. 

   Aaron Ramsdale has impressed for Arsenal this season

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Squad number: 18

Will have the hunger to prove doubters wrong. His attacking quality and set-pieces have never been in question but there are still defensive errors in his game that can cost his team. Missed out on the Euros through injury after being picked for the squad so this is now his chance, given other injuries.

Do say: He’s put in almost 100 crosses so far this season and always influences a game. 

Don’t mention: Why he did not play during the last international break. Or whether full-back is his best position.  

Conor Coady (Everton)

Squad number: 26

His positivity around the camp is so important to England’s squad harmony. That was the case last year when Southgate’s team were in a bio-secure bubble. Coady was the type to get on with his work in training without fuss and be ready if required. One of natural leaders in the group. 

Do say: What were Wolves thinking letting you out on loan and accepting such a small option? 

Don’t mention: Whether he can play in a back four. Bruno Lage did not think he could but did not last long with Coady out of his team.  

Eric Dier (Tottenham)

Squad number: 15

41The comeback kid who was a penalty shootout hero at the last World Cup but lost his place in the squad and missed out at the Euros. His form at the heart of a back three at Tottenham earnt him a recall for the same role under Southgate. Now he has a great chance of a starting place. 

Do say: Will you take a penalty in a shootout? 

Don’t mention: Crowd abuse, which saw his brother targeted and Dier heading into the stands. His mother does not go to Spurs away matches. 

Harry Maguire (Manchester United)

Squad number: 6

No player has been so divisive under Southgate. His name gets jeered at Wembley and he has lost his place in the Manchester United team, yet the England manager has faith in his centre-back who has been there for the big moments in the last two tournaments, making him likely to play in Qatar regardless of club form. 

Do say: Form is temporary, you’ve reached the latter stages in the last two tournaments.

Don’t mention: Frenzied five seconds against Germany when he lost the ball and conceded a penalty.