Which Players Could Force Their Way Into England's World Cup Side?

Gareth Southgate has remained loyal to his core group of players despite England reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020. Teddy Sheringham was shunted to the bench by Glenn Hoddle in favour of Michael Owen at the 1998 World cup. Sheringh had forged a dynamic strike partnership with Alan Shearer which took England to semi finals of Euros two years earlier. The 26-man squad means Southgates can call upon more players if one of his first-choice starters gets injured.

James Maddison has been a standout performer for Leicester this season. Emile Heskey believes he should be considered for an England starting XI. Heske doesn't think Maddisons will start against Iran. He thinks Gareth Southgate has already decided his starting line-up. He also thinks that the players don't have much time to prepare for the game. The players have several weeks of build- up. This time around the new players might not have that.

Trent Alexander-Arnold made the England World Cup squad by the skin of his teeth. Heskey believes Southgate will only use him in certain games. He doesn't see him as a midfield option. He would get an opportunity to show his best attributes against Iran. But against USA he might not be the best option there. The former Liverpool forward believes he would not play in midfield on the world's biggest stage. It depends on his opposition.

Harry Maguire is the first choice defender for England. He has barely played for Manchester United since August. Harry Kane scored 12 goals in 15 Premier League games this season. Heskey believes that players are tired going into a major tournament.  

Callum Wilson will replace injured Kane on the bench for the game against Manchester United. Heskey feels sorry for Ivan Toney. He was not included in the squad. Ollie Watkins was also left out. He believes that Wilson offers an alternative approach from the substitutes' bench.

Heskey reckons either Kylian Mbappe or Harry Kane will win the Golden Boot at the World Cup. Sheringham believes England can win it and wants them to have no regrets at end of the tournament. Heskey would like to see Lionel Messi win a World cup. He thinks that Diego Maradona is better than LionelMessi. He also believes that England should expect to win. England are fourth favourite in the outright betting on who will take the trophy. They should go there with the attitude that they can do it. The World Cups are a must for England to consider Qatar 2022 as a success. France, Belgium, Spain, Holland, and Belgium are also in good form.