England World Cup squad standby list – who will head to Qatar 2022 if players are injured? | Football | Sport
England boss Gareth Southgate will hope that the 26 players picked for his World Cup squad can stay fit between now and the Three Lions’ first game against Iran next Monday. However, Southgate can still make changes before that clash if any of his stars face the devastation of having to pull out of the tournament through injury.
Any player who suffers a problem can be replaced at any time before their country’s first game. After that, only goalkeepers can be drafted into the squad as FIFA rules state that there must be three shot-stoppers in each squad.
Southgate will pray that he does not have to make any changes. But if he does, Express Sport has looked at the players who could be called upon.
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Fikayo Tomori
There were many Serie A viewers who were confused by the exclusion of Fikayo Tomori. The former Chelsea centre-back was excellent for AC Milan in their Italian top-flight triumph last season.
Tomori might not have been quite so good so far this term, but would be a reliable option for Southgate should he be called upon. Injuries to John Stones, Harry Maguire, Eric Dier or Conor Coady would lead to Tomori’s reinclusion.
The 24-year-old should have the edge over the likes of Marc Guehi, Dan Burn and Lewis Dunk due to his speed.
Ryan Sessegnon
Southgate is already light on full-backs due to injuries suffered by Reece James and Ben Chilwell. Kyle Walker has not played competitively since undergoing groin surgery in September.
The uncapped Ryan Sessegnon could be next in line should Luke Shaw, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker or Trent Alexander-Arnold suffer an injury. Sessegnon has been decent for Tottenham this season and has the advantage of being able to play in a back four or as a wing-back.
James Ward-Prowse
Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse was one of the casualties from the Euro 2020 squad. The 28-year-old lost his place to Conor Gallagher, who will go to his first major tournament with the senior England team.
Southgate name-dropped Ward-Prowse as a player who has been told he could be called upon, though. The 11-cap star could be top of the standby list should anyone drop out.
Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney responded to his World Cup snub by producing a match-winning, two-goal performance against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday. There was plenty of clamour for the Brentford ace to be included but he ultimately lost out on a place to Callum Wilson.
That felt slightly unfair. Toney is the Premier League’s second-highest scoring English striker behind Harry Kane. He also has a penalty record of 26 goals from 27 attempts – an excellent trait for a player who might need to take part in a shootout.
There remain some questions over Wilson’s fitness. He made a comeback from illness in Newcastle’s victory over Chelsea at the weekend. Toney could be drafted in if those concerns over the 30-year-old remain.
