FIFA World Cup – FIFA World Cup 2022 LIVE – England go into the Qatar World Cup next year as one of the contenders to win the world’s biggest sporting event. However, the team has won only one World Cup back in 1966, with the Three Lions coming close in the last edition in Russia in 2018, losing to Croatia in the semi-finals. This time around, manager Gareth Southgate will be hoping to go one further, but face a tough test after a disappointing campaign in the UEFA Nations League ahead of the World Cup. For more news follow Insidesport.IN
FIFA World Cup: England’s right-back CRISIS Grows for Gareth Southgate ahead of Qatar World Cup, Check Out 3 Replacements for England
England boasts a wealth of talent in the full-back position in the world but is facing a tough crisis with only a month to go. Manchester City’s Kyle Walker underwent a groin operation and is fighting a tough race to be fit for the opener next month. The woes continued when out-of-form Trent Alexander Arnold suffered another injury, but is expected to be fit within the next fortnight.
The biggest blow comes with Chelsea right-back Reece James suffering a knee injury in the game against AC Milan this week. Manager Graham Potter has stated that he expects James to visit a specialist as the injury is worse than feared initially. The youngster put in splendid performances this season, with many calling him to be in the starting line-up throughout the World Cup next month. England opens in Group B against Iran on November 21, before the United States of America on the 25th and Wales on the 29th.
We take a look at the potential options for England at right-back for the Qatar World Cup:
Ben White
Naturally a center-back, White has excelled this season at right-back under Mikel Arteta. His performances have also helped Arsenal concede lesser goals in their first 9 games for the first time since Arteta took over. The Gunners currently lead the Premier League, with Ben White a crucial switch to right-back for the squad.
Another clean sheet. @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/eiWPBKzyxd
— Benjamin White (@ben6white) October 2, 2021
The £50m signing from Brighton and Hove Albion did not make the Three Lions’ Nations League side in September. However, the injury woes could be a blessing for the youngster who has shown his attacking prowess on the right wing this season.
FIFA World Cup: England’s right-back CRISIS Grows for Gareth Southgate ahead of Qatar World Cup, Check Out 3 Replacements for England
Joe Gomez
The Liverpool defender has suffered from injuries in recent seasons but has shown his ability on the ball across multiple positions in the backline. He continues to deputize at right-back in the absence of Trent-Alexander Arnold and has been solid at the back. Gomez was ever-present in the recent 7-1 win over the Rangers, showing how he could be a surprise entry on the list to Qatar.
Not many better feelings 🙏🏼💫 pic.twitter.com/l26eQzfPU0
— Joe Gomez (@J_Gomez97) July 13, 2021
James Tavernier
The Rangers captain has not yet featured for the Three Lions in his career but could be another wise option for Southgate and his young side. After joining the Scottish side in 2015, he has notched up 87 goals and 111 assists – stunning numbers from a full-back. With injuries to key players, Tavernier is another potential replacement with huge attacking capability in any formation.
Strong team performance yesterday 👊🏽💙 pic.twitter.com/sD1BrrcYue
— James Tavernier (@James_Tavernier) October 2, 2022
FIFA World Cup: England’s right-back CRISIS Grows for Gareth Southgate ahead of Qatar World Cup, Check Out 3 Replacements for England
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