At this moment in time, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is right around the corner. Footballing fans have already started counting back days, while the current international break gives the managers the last chance to prepare and sort out their teams for the mega event.
The same goes for Gareth Southgate, whose England side had clinched fourth place in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Since then, Southgate has gone through a lot of ups and downs with England. A 4-0 loss to Hungary in the UEFA Nations League in June has been the lowest point in Southgate’s tenure as the Three Lions boss, yet wins against the likes of Italy and Germany in the upcoming games could be exactly the tonic his team needs ahead of the World Cup.
Deciding who makes the cut for the 28-man squad in Qatar is just the start of many predicaments Southgate faces in the near future. In exactly two months’ time, the 52-year-old will select his starting XI for England’s opening game against Iran. While some positions give Southgate too much of a headache, there is definitely a selection to be made at right-back, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker and Reece James vying for a spot.
England does have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the right-back spot. It could be argued that all of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker and Reece James will be a part of Southgate’s 28-man squad, only one can claim that role at the World Cup. Add Kieran Trippier to the equation and the conversation becomes tastier.
Taking into consideration their Premier League statistics for the ongoing season, form and fitness levels, here is the case for each player.
#Trent Alexander-Arnold
Regarded as one of the best right-backs in England, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been an adventurous presence off the right flank for Liverpool in recent years. He is a fantastic passer and crosser of the ball, capable of creating chances out of nothing for his teammates in the final third.
The 23-year-old has bagged one goal in six league games for Liverpool so far this season, adding to his 1.3 shots, 0.2 aerials won, 1.3 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 0.7 clearances, 0.8 dribbles and 2.2 key passes per game with a 76.6% pass success rate (stats courtesy: WhoScored).
Alexander-Arnold has come under a lot of criticism for his lack of positional awareness and defensive errors, with his slump in form coinciding with the Reds’ slow start to this season. Yet, he looks to be Southgate’s first choice option at right-back.
#Reece James
Reece James has established himself as one of the best wing-backs in Europe over the course of the last couple of campaigns. Attacking and aggressive, the youngster continues to be a reliable presence on the right wing for Chelsea.
He has enjoyed a decent start to the new Premier League season, bagging a goal and an assist in five games. Tidy in possession, James has a pass completion rate of 90.9% whilst making 1.4 key passes and 1.4 crosses per game so far. The 22-year-old is solid defensively as well and has averaged 2 tackles, 1 interception, 1 clearance and 0.2 blocks (stats courtesy: WhoScored).
Given Alexander-Arnold’s dip in form this season and Kyle Walker’s lack of fitness, James could start at right-back for England in their upcoming Nations League games. The Chelsea defender’s versatility to operate as an auxiliary centre-back in a back three if required adds more value to his name.
#Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker has been the undisputed first-choice right-back in a well-oiled Manchester City side under Pep Guardiola for many years now. He is hugely experienced and one of the most senior players in the current England squad.
Walker has been central to Man City’s excellent start to the new season. While he has no goals and assists to show, the 32-year-old provides a lot during transition and build-up plays. The City star has averaged 0.3 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, 0.8 clearances, 0.5 dribbles, 0.5 key passes and 0.2 shots with a healthy pass completion rate of 91.1% (stats courtesy: WhoScored).
Even at the wrong side of 30, Walker still remains one of the quickest right-backs in England. He loves to bomb forward and join the attack, but working under the tutelage of Guardiola has seen the full-back bring balance to the offensive and defensive side of the game.
Like James, Walker’s flexibility to play as an auxiliary centre-back in a back three if needed to makes it impossible to look beyond him as a leading right-back.
Conclusion
If Southgate decides to go with a back three as he has done on various occasions down the years, there is a very real chance of Alexander-Arnold operating as a right wing-back with Walker slotting in at centre-back. Against Iran in their World Cup opener, though, England may play a 4-2-3-1 system which sees James get the nod ahead of Walker and Alexander-Arnold for the right-back spot.
Deep into the knockout rounds, if the Three Lions progress, a well-rounded and experienced player in Walker would be difficult to overlook. A lot of tough decisions to make for Southgate, but England fans will hope their manager succeeds in getting the best out of the group and leads the team to glory in Qatar.