Gareth Southgate recently released his selected squad for the World Cup 2022 qualifying rounds that will be starting soon. Jude Bellingham is the youngest player named in the squad, although his presence is still a doubt.
Bellingham made his international debut for the Three Lions in 2020. Southgate has named him in his squad and he could also be on his way to make his competitive debut at the age of just 17. But his presence ponders over the Coronavirus travel regulations. Germany has a strict quarantine rule that might just rule him out from traveling.
Jude Bellingham is one of the most precious footballers of this generation. He started his senior career at his academy club Birmingham City. His talent had made it imminent that he was to leave the club soon.
In September 2020, two clubs were shortlisted as his possible destination. Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund were the final candidates with the latter winning his signature, mainly because Dortmund is known for nurturing young players.
His move to Germany made him the costliest 17-year-old as the deal was said to be around £25 million initially with add-ons to continue. He also became the youngest Englishman to play in the Champions League when he made his debut against Lazio.
Other players left alongside Jude Bellingham:
“We don’t know. We’ve left him in the squad. At this moment in time, it looks as though we won’t be able to take him. The quarantine rules in Germany looked like they’ll rule him out. But, as we’re seeing, those rules can change so quickly and while we’re still investigating what’s possible we wanted to name him in the squad.” – Gareth Southgate when asked about Jude Bellingham’s chances of playing.
England’s No.1, Jordan Pickford was injured in Everton’s loss against Burnley, where he was forced off just before half-time. Jack Grealish and Danny Ings will also miss the journey as one hasn’t recovered yet, while the other got injured recently.
Patrick Bamford was not picked by Southgate despite putting up impressive performances. Another surprising player that failed to make the list is Trent Alexander-Arnold. His injury and the club’s downfall has affected him a lot and it can be seen in his performance.
England’s travelling squad:
With Pickford out, it will be another headache for Southgate. Nick Pope and Dean Henderson will be fighting for the spot and both of them have been impressive.
Luke Shaw has been recalled to the squad and he definitely deserved it. After 5 years of injuries and miseries, he has finally found a perfect season and he has been brilliant. Joining alongside him is John Stones who made a statement under Pep’s 21-match unbeaten run.
The forgotten man, Jesse Lingard is back. He has shown his worth at West Ham after being left out by United and England for the past couple of years. He has scored 4 goals in just 6 Premier League matches while on loan, showing why he deserved his recall.
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins will be getting his first cap for his nation after earning a spot in the squad. He has scored more than 10 goals for the Villans.
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Nick Pope
Defenders: Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Eric Dier, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Jesse Lingard, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Strikers: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Ollie Watkins
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