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It was heartbreak for England football and its fans in Russia four years ago when Gareth Southgate's team exited the tournament after losing in the semi-final. Four years down the line and with experience competing in multiple international tournaments, the Three Lions are once again ready to roar and finish the unfinished business. From the 2018 FIFA World Cup heartbreak to the 2020 Euros agonising defeat in the final, England have had their fair shot at becoming champions once again and ending their 56-year-old drought of winning a major trophy but the team's inadequacy to cross the final hurdle has unraveled far too many times.
For a country that has produced legendary footballers for as long as the game was invented, England have managed to win only one FIFA World Cup which came in 1966. It is indeed surprising and the senior men's team's lack of conversion rate in terms of winning titles is well documented.
As the Three Lions gear up to participate in the FIFA World Cup for the 16th time, one question lingers one: will it be England's year this time around? Well, Gareth Southgate's men were in Group B alongside side Wales, USA and Iran, and truth be told, England are the runaway favourites to clinch the top spot. Topping Group B isn't a choice for England but delivering the ultimate prize in football remains a well-nourished dream. Is 2022 the year when England's dream comes true?
Before moving forward, let's take a look at England's schedule and squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup:
Fixtures: England vs Iran: November 21, England vs USA: November 25, England vs Wales: November 29
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Nick Pope.
Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, Ben White, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Eric Dier, Conor Coady, Luke Shaw.
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Kalvin Phillips, Jordan Henderson, Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount.
Forwards: Harry Kane, Callum Wilson, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, James Maddison.
A thorough glance at England's squad is enough for a staunch football follower to term The Three Lions as one of the favourites for the biggest trophy in the sport. Having said that, England have always enjoyed the services of great individual players and it's the collective team effort that has led to the nation's downfall in multi-national events.
Ahead of the tournament, we take a closer look at the strength and deficiencies of England's national team.
A team comprising match-winners
England is a side loaded with players who can single-handedly propel the team to a win. In every position, England have multiple options to choose from and whichever option Southgate opts for, he could bank on them to weave their magic. It is also a team that has a good blend of youth and experience. Talisman Harry Kane is the assassin up front for England and he will have support from Europe's best young talents in Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford, all of whom are in terrific form this season.
Raheem Sterling has struggled a bit for Chelsea this season but the 27-year-old is the man for big occasions. His play-making skills and deceptive runs at the opposition's backline are both tremendous. If Sterling puts on a better performance in terms of finishing, England's attack can be unstoppable.
Their midfield, on paper, oozes talent. Declan Rice has been fantastic for Leeds United while Jude Bellingham's stock continues to rise at a frantic pace. Kalvin Phillips and Jordan Henderson boast the ability to control the tempo of the game. A lot will depend on the two mid-field generals. If they take care of business, England looks like a completely different side.
The concerns around England's centre-backs
England have six options for the centre-back position: Harry Maguire, Eric Dier, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Ben White and Conor Coady. Maguire hasn't had enough game time for Manchester United this season after his abysmal performance last season. and Walker is coming back after a lengthy injury break. White and Stones have done reasonably well this season but when you take a look at the squad and compare every department, the defence is definitely England's weakest link. Onus will be on Southgate to field a formation that puts England in a winning position.
