James Maddison, a midfielder for Leicester, has been selected for England’s 26-man World Cup roster in Qatar.
Additionally, Marcus Rashford of Manchester United, Callum Wilson of Newcastle, Kyle Walker of Manchester City, and Ben White of Arsenal have been selected by manager Gareth Southgate.
Fikayo Tomori, a center-back for AC Milan, Ivan Toney, a striker for Brentford, and Jarrod Bowen, a forward for West Ham, are all absent.
Despite only recently returning from two months out with a shoulder problem, Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is in, as is center-back Harry Maguire, who has struggled to get a game for Manchester United this season.
Your #ThreeLions squad for the @FIFAWorldCup! ? pic.twitter.com/z6gVkRTlT3
— England (@England) November 10, 2022
Southgate hits back at FIFA’s focus on football message
Gareth Southgate stated that it was “unlikely” that anyone at the World Cup would heed Fifa’s instructions to stick to football.
Fifa pleaded with the 32 World Cup nations in a letter published online last week to concentrate on football rather than concerns over human rights in Qatar.
The England manager stated, “Frankly, I’ll decide whether to talk, and I’m very sure the players will as well. So communication will not inevitably influence our opinion.”
“I’m very aware of the extent of our influence. We have complied with the demands that the human rights organizations urged the FA to make.”
“But we are in a position where we have some power, and we have tried to utilize that influence. As some players have had some fundamental causes in the recent past.”
“We’ve pushed that, and I’m not sure there’s much more we can say on those themes that will be novel. We will continue doing that, but there are times when we also need to make sure our attention is where it needs to be.”
? "I think that's highly unlikely, we have always spoken about issues that we think should be talked about."
Gareth Southgate responds to FIFA asking nations to only speak about football when the football starts pic.twitter.com/vOr3aWrBIa
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 10, 2022
Southgate on the selection of Wilson over Toney and Abraham
According to the manager, Toney, who received his first England call-up in September, was always a “long shot” to travel to Qatar. Instead of Toney and Tammy Abraham, Newcastle United forward Callum Wilson was given a spot in the team as a backup striker.
“Callum wasn’t available in September because he was hurt. Ollie Watkins, Tammy, Ivan, and he were most likely in the picture. Likewise, Dominic [Calvert-Lewis].”
“We were keeping a close eye on him as well. September was a terrific opportunity for us to observe Ivan on the practice field, get to know him better, and show him how we operate.”
“We knew that participating in a World Cup at this time was unlikely and had talked about it with him. Since then, we’ve kept tabs on every player.”
“We think Callum is in that wealthy vein of form and has spent a little bit more time with us, been on the field with us, and we know him better.”
“Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford will step forward to fill that position. If we’re required to go there. That was how it worked. I know a little bit about the other stuff.”
Gareth Southgate on why he wisely chose #NUFC striker Callum Wilson over Tammy Abraham. pic.twitter.com/0tRaEK6rpM
— Newcastle Fans TV (@NewcastleFansTV) November 10, 2022
Southgate: Maddison rewarded for his superb form
The inclusion of Maddison is a reward for his outstanding performance for Leicester this year.
He has six goals and four assists in 12 Premier League games. Maddison has been crucial to the Foxes’ comeback after a shaky start to the season.
His only appearance for England occurred in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro over three years ago, when he played 35 minutes.
“He is playing fantastic,” according to Southgate.
“He is a skilled athlete. Maddison is a good player, as we have always maintained. He deserves to have it.”
“He could offer the other attacking players something a little different.”
17 goals and 10 assists in 2022.
James Maddison has earned his World Cup spot ? pic.twitter.com/i97WkVu2Gx
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 10, 2022
Southgate explains Maguire pick and Tomori’s omission
Fikayo Tomori is one of the young defenders who was not chosen, despite winning the Serie A with AC Milan last season. Despite having fitness and form issues with Manchester United, Harry Maguire will be traveling to Qatar.
Southgate responded to a question about Maguire’s selection at a news conference on Thursday. He said, “We’ve had excellent contact with all of the clubs on the training loads of all players. Even though he hasn’t played much in recent weeks.”
“We chose our more experienced defenders because despite the younger players’ strong points. They may not have contributed enough to displace the more seasoned players.”
“The pecking order was necessary given the tournament we will be participating in and the caliber of the matches.”
