Former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher revealed his picks for England’s World Cup squad on Monday night, sparking debate among fans and pundits alike.
With under 140 days until the tournament kicks off, Carragher’s selections included a mix of established stars, emerging talents, and a few surprises.
Certainties in Carragher’s Lineup
Carragher started with the players he considers “certainties,” naming ten key figures.
Among them were Jude Bellingham, despite a mixed relationship with Thomas Tuchel, and England’s likely No.1 goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Other names included Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka, and captain Harry Kane.
He acknowledged that left-back was a glaring gap in this initial ten, suggesting that Luke Shaw could fill that role if fit.
Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink also weighed in, emphasizing the need for experienced leaders in the squad.
Goalkeepers and Defensive Choices
Carragher considered Dean Henderson a “contender” for backup goalkeeper spots, with Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale listed as “outsiders.”
James Trafford was added to the squad alongside Henderson.
At full-back, the main contenders were Nico O’Reilly, Tino Livramento, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Djed Spence.
Outsiders included Myles Lewis-Skelly, Lewis Hall, Rico Lewis, Kyle Walker, Luke Shaw, and Tyrick Mitchell.
Carragher explained that while he admired players like Livramento and O’Reilly, he would likely favor Lewis Hall and Shaw for experience and consistency.
For centre-backs, John Stones, Dan Burn, Trevoh Chalobah, and Jarell Quansah were considered contenders.
Harry Maguire, Joe Gomez, Levi Colwill, Jarrad Branthwaite, Fikayo Tomori, and Josh Acheampong were labeled as outsiders.
Carragher emphasized Stones’ talent and experience but noted his struggles with injuries, ultimately favoring Chalobah and Maguire as a solid partnership possibility.
Midfielders and Leaders
Jordan Henderson was a clear inclusion for Carragher, praised not just for his on-field contributions but for leadership and experience.
Contenders also included Adam Wharton, Alex Scott, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Morgan Gibbs-White, while outsiders included Conor Gallagher, Curtis Jones, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, James Garner, and Lewis Miley.
Carragher ultimately selected Mainoo and Wharton, highlighting Mainoo’s performances in key matches such as Euro 2024’s semi-final against the Netherlands.
Attackers and Creative Options
For the attacking lineup, Carragher weighed several options for wingers and No.10s.
Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Gordon made the cut, while other options like Noni Madueke, Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Harvey Barnes, Ethan Nwaneri, and Matheus Mane were left out.
For a back-up striker to Harry Kane, the choices included Ollie Watkins, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dominic Solanke, Ivan Toney, Danny Welbeck, Liam Delap, and Tammy Abraham.
Carragher opted for Watkins, citing his performances at top club level and contributions in previous tournaments.
Carragher’s Final Squad
Carragher’s final England World Cup squad, as he selected it, includes:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
Defenders: Reece James, Lewis Hall, Luke Shaw, Tino Livramento, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Trevoh Chalobah, Harry Maguire
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Adam Wharton
Attackers: Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Phil Foden
Carragher’s squad leaves out notable names such as Kyle Walker, Joe Gomez, Eberechi Eze, and Jarrod Bowen, reflecting his focus on a mix of leadership, form, and squad balance.
England’s Group Stage and Next Steps
England will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in the World Cup group stage, with the first match scheduled for 9pm on June 17.
Provisional squads could be named in May, with final selections confirmed shortly afterward.
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