Gareth Southgate’s right back dilemma
A few weeks ago we started with our series about the tough decisions Gareth Southgate must make towards the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The England World Cup tickets are very popular, but fans of the national team aren’t exactly happy with their manager at this moment in time. After finishing fourth during the 2018 World Cup and second at the 2020 Euros, Southgate looked to be loved by the fans. The recent poor performances made many fans doubting his abilities. Is he still the right man to guide England to the World Cup? To be the right man he must make to right decisions. After discussing the goalkeeper position, it’s time to look at one of the most stacked positions in the England team, the right back. England has some of the best right back options in the World, but who will be on the plane to Qatar?
Kyle Walker
The Manchester right back looked to be a certain for the squad. His abilities to play right wing back as well as right center back in a back three, makes him a very popular player. However, he got injured during the Manchester derby last weekend. He missed the Champions League game against Copenhagen and he’s likely to miss quite some more games. The big question is, is he will be fit on time for the World Cup. With the huge competition in the squad, he has to play at least a few Premier League games before the World Cup, to claim his spot in the squad.
Reece James
A few days after Kyle Walker got injured, Reece James played an amazing match in the Champions League against Ac Milan. He scored Chelsea’s third goal in this match, was solid in defence, while very dangerous in attack. If he keeps this form going, he will most definitely be on the plain and has a huge chance to be the starting right back for England during the tournament.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold splits opinions> He’s one of the best and most dangerous right backs in attack, but can be leaky in defence. Which of these attributes is the most important one? Gareth Southgate seems to value the defensive side more, therefore isn’t using Trent a lot. The injury of Kyle Walker, might be Trent’s way into the plane.
Kieran Trippier
Kieran Trippier seems to be valued a lot by Southgate. He’s practically almost always in the squad. Southgate even shipped him to the left back position on occasion to keep him in the team. His transfer from Atletico Madrid to Newcastle United, gives Trippier a good chance to get with the team to Qatar. Southgate sees him play on a weekly base now and wants to bring him along with him. His perfect free-kick abilities give the team an extra weapon near the oppositions box.
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