Euro 2020 nearly brought football home. England’s men came close to winning their first major international title in 55 years. Wembley Stadium was the scene of yet another Three Lions defeat.
Gareth Southgate’s squad showed steady growth even while falling short of victory. They were scoreless for 480 minutes. The pain of the final will never be forgotten. The English squad may win.
Before, this squad has also tasted the bitter taste of defeat. England advanced to the bronze medal match thanks to a goal scored by Mario Manduki in the 109th minute.
English women have ended a lengthy trophy drought with this year’s European Championship victory. The men went through qualification unbeaten, outscoring their opponents 39-2 in 10 matches.
After a 0-3-3 loss with just four goals, fans are disappointed that their team has been relegated to League B of the UEFA Nations League. Will the English men learn from the mistakes of their female counterparts, or will they bring more misery to the tournament?
Group B England Matches Schedule (All Times Eastern)
- Vs. Iran, Nov. 21, 8 A.M.
- Vs. U.S.A, Nov. 25, 2 P.M.
- Vs. Wales, Nov. 29, 2 P.M.
England Team Coach
- Coach Name: Gareth Southgate, Hired in November 2016
Players of England to Watch: Harry Kane, Striker
Kane is as prolific a scorer as they come, and he is only two goals shy of tying England’s all-time scoring record held by Wayne Rooney. He has a lethal combination of range, accuracy, and decisiveness in the box, where he can score easily from various positions.
The Tottenham forward will also be eager to rest rumors that he missed a golden opportunity to set up Raheem Sterling for a game-winning goal in the World Cup semifinals.
Players of England to Watch: Raheem Sterling, Winger
At 27 years old, Sterling has already made three World Cup appearances despite only having played for three different Premier League “Big Six” teams before landing at Chelsea. He has never failed to contribute for England but in nine World Cup appearances.
He has failed to find the back of the net. The four-time Premier League champion is still capable of breathtaking displays, making him a formidable opponent for any defence in the B division.
Players of England to Watch: Declan Rice, Midfielder
Since Southgate took over as manager, Rice has become an essential cog in the wheel of this England squad. The 23-year-old performs all the heavy work in defence, allowing this squad to record 19 shutouts in 27 games throughout last year’s qualifying for the Euros and the World Cup.
Breakout Candidate of England: Phil Foden, Attacking Midfielder/Forward
Foden didn’t play much in Euro 2020, but he has four assists in World Cup qualification. He’s versatile enough to fill in at wingback or wide midfielder for Southgate’s squad.
The 22-year-old excelled at Manchester City last season and has benefitted from playing with Erling Haaland this season.
Before Haaland’s arrival, he played as a wide forward in a system without a real striker. He was exploiting his talismanic manager’s regimented approach by living in the half-spaces between the opponent centre-backs and outside defenders. Foden will provide creativity to a defensive-minded midfield or Kane’s front line.
Overzealous City supporters dubbed him “Stockport Messi” for his skill in tight midfield and attacking zones. Southgate preferred Mason Mount above him during the Euros. Foden will provide creativity if the goals dry up.
World Cup History of England
- 16th Appearance in FIFA World Cup
- Last Tournament Appearance: 2018 (Fourth Place)
- Best Tournament Finish: Champion in 1966
Outlook and Expectations from England
England’s World Cup outcomes have pitted individuals against teams. One of the world’s top soccer talent producers has never met expectations. Frank Lampard, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, and others captained one of the most talented national teams of all time, yet they never reached a World Cup quarterfinal. The 2018 run and Euro brought hope—and a typical bitter finale.
Group B should be easy for England. The last time it was grouped with the U.S., the Americans drew 1–1. In round 16, England lost 4-1 against Germany.
This squad has faults. Jordan Pickford, a key player for England at Euro 2020, has struggled at the club level, as have Harry Maguire and John Stones.
Reece James is injured, and Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips aren’t matching fit. Southgate’s UEFA Nations League approach lacks imagination.
Sure, lineups will alter substantially from those utilized in Qatar. Those matches were performed unwillingly by players coming off a tough season and starting a new one. No team wants to fall before its biggest game.
Anything less would be disappointing. A subpar group stage performance would be disastrous. Fans of England’s men’s squad are weary of waiting.
World Cup Squad of England
- Jordan Pickford (Everton) – Goalkeeper.
- Nick Pope (Newcastle) – Goalkeeper.
- Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) – Goalkeeper.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) – Defender.
- Conor Coady (Everton) – Defender.
- Eric Dier (Tottenham) – Defender.
- Harry Maguire (Manchester United) – Defender.
- Luke Shaw (Manchester United) – Defender.
- John Stones (Manchester City) – Defender.
- Kieran Trippier (Newcastle) – Defender.
- Kyle Walker (Manchester City) – Defender.
- Ben White (Arsenal) – Defender.
- Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund) – Midfielder.
- Conor Gallagher (Chelsea) – Midfielder.
- Jordan Henderson (Liverpool) – Midfielder.
- Mason Mount (Chelsea) – Midfielder.
- Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City) – Midfielder.
- Declan Rice (West Ham) – Midfielder.
- Phil Foden (Manchester City) – Forward.
- Jack Grealish (Manchester City) – Forward.
- Harry Kane (Tottenham) – Forward.
- James Maddison (Leicester City) – Forward.
- Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) – Forward.
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – Forward.
- Raheem Sterling (Chelsea) – Forward.
- Callum Wilson (Newcastle) – Forward.