Being named in England’s preliminary World Cup squad is a major achievement for any player. But a spot on the 23-man roster isn’t guaranteed. Gareth Southgate provides an inside look at who will make it — and who will be watching at home. Here is a look at players with an outside chance of making the trip to Qatar:
Ben White – Arsenal
With Kyle Walker and Reece James injured, Ben White is a top candidate to make the squad. The Arsenal defender is known for his versatility. He can play right-back or in defence. He’s been a mainstay at the club since signing in 2021 but hasn’t yet appeared for England’s senior side.
But now might be his time to shine. The 25-year-old has been playing well for Arsenal this season, and with two of the Three Lions’ most important defenders out injured, White could fill in at right-back or centre-back.
James Ward-Prowse – Southampton
When England manager Gareth Southgate named his squad for the upcoming European Championships, one name was noticeable by its absence: James Ward-Prowse. The Southampton midfielder, who has been a regular in the Three Lions set-up since 2018, was omitted from the squad and replaced .with Jude Bellingham.
There’s no denying that Ward-Prowse is a talented player – but is he really good enough to cut this summer’s World Cup?
Ward-Prowse might not be a household name like some of his compatriots, but he has consistently performed at the Premier League level for over seven years. Southgate is known to value set-piece specialists, and the Southampton man is one of the best in his position in the Premier League.
James Maddison – Leicester City
James Maddison is probably the most likely of these players to be included in England’s World Cup squad, but that doesn’t mean he’s got it in the bag.
The Leicester midfielder has been touted as a future England star for some time now, and this season has shown why. He’s got the creative qualities that make him capable of unlocking defences and causing problems for opposition teams.
But there are a few concerns over Maddison’s suitability for international football. He is not someone who regularly tracks back and offers defensive support, which could be an issue at the international level, where teams are typically more organised than they are in the Premier League.
Jarrod Bowen – West Ham
England has two elite left-footed wide attacking options in Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka. Still, Jarrod Bowen’s high-intensity directness offers a different dimension potentially worth having at their disposal.
Bowen enjoyed the campaign of his career last term, scoring 18 goals in all competitions as West Ham finished seventh in the league and reached the Europa League semi-finals.
The 25-year-old is a tireless worker who can run at defenders with pace and directness – particularly on the counter – making him an excellent option for any team wanting to stretch play wide.
