Ten surprise players who could be named in Gareth Southgate’s secret 55-man England squad for Qatar World Cup

Kealan Hughes

Published: 14:28, 19 Oct 2022
Updated: 14:46, 19 Oct 2022

GARETH SOUTHGATE could include several surprise names in his preliminary squad for the World Cup.

Fifa rules stipulate that each country must submit a list of at least 35 players by Friday.

Gareth Southgate must submit a list of up to 55 names to Fifa by FridayCredit: Getty

The list will be kept secret and can include a maximum of 55 names, from which the final squad will be selected.

Southgate and other World Cup managers have to submit their final list of 26 players by November 14, but several more players will likely be selected until that point.

There are a few players on the fringes who could be included, such as James Ward-Prowse, Ivan Toney and Jarrod Bowen, all of whom have been called up before.

But there are many others whose chances of making the plane are much less likely, and here SunSport takes a look at ten of those players.

Ben White

The Arsenal defender, 25, has had a brilliant campaign for the Gunners despite featuring in a less familiar right-back role.

He has also proven himself at centre-back and Southgate recognised his ability with a call-up to the Euro 2020 squad, and with the Three Lions suffering an injury crisis at right-back White will surely be included.

Ben White could make the World Cup after also making the Euro 2020 squadCredit: James Heaton/News Images

James Maddison

There has been a recent groundswell of calls for Maddison to go the World Cup, partly because of his form but also because some saw him as the solution to England's recent goal drought.

Harvey Elliott

Elliott is quietly impressing at Liverpool and would likely have a good chance of making the squad if competition was not so fierce.

The fact he has never been called up means Southgate will likely overlook the 19-year-old and allow him to continue progressing for the Under-21s, having won three caps so far.

Harvey Elliott has impressed for LiverpoolCredit: Reuters

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Southgate included the Chelsea star in his squad for the last World Cup in 2018 but his last cap came almost four years ago.

However, the 26-year-old's versatility and ability to play at right wing-back means there is a chance he could be selected with Reece James and Kyle Walker possibly missing out though injury.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek's versatility means he could be recalled to the squad for the first time since 2018Credit: Phil Bryan/News Images

Callum Hudson-Odoi

Once touted as a future England star, Callum Hudson-Odoi has failed to live up to his potential and is now on loan at Bayer Leverkusen from Chelsea.

The 21-year-old has failed to score for the German side in nine appearances but his direct approach gives him an outside shot of making the squad.

Callum Hudson-Odoi last played for England in 2019Credit: Getty

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

England's injury crisis at right-back means there could be an unlikely call-up for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is still yet to make his senior debut.

But he will need to get back into the Manchester United team and return to form if he is to persuade Southgate to take him to Qatar.

England's injury crisis at right-back means Aaron Wan-Bissaka could make the squadCredit: Getty

Eberechi Eze

The Crystal Palace star - who has been capped by England at Under21 level - is playing his way into contention with two goals and two assists in the Premier League.

Eze, 24, has recovered well from an Achilles injury which sidelined him for six months and would offer England something different in midfield thanks to his ability to glide past players.

Eberechi Eze has found form at the right timeCredit: Getty

Chris Smalling

Smalling, 32, was dropped from the squad in 2017 because Southgate felt he was not suited to playing out from the back.

The England boss preferred John Stones and Harry Maguire but with the latter out of form he could look to Smalling, who deserves a place in the squad according to his manager Jose Mourinho.

Jose Mourinho believes Chris Smalling deserves a place in the squadCredit: Alamy

Dan Burn

Burn, 30, is another player who could appeal to Southgate because of his flexibility.

He can play in different systems as a centre-back or a left-back and his 6ft6 frame could be a threat for England from set-pieces, which proved so effective at the last World Cup.