England predicted lineup for 2022 FIFA World Cup

The EURO 2020 finalists will be looking to have a strong tournament

Gareth Southgate has prepared his ultimate 26-man squad, seasoned enough to lead the country to its first major prize since 1966. England have come close numerous times since then, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

Will this World Cup be the Three Lions' turning point? Given England's formidable team, Southgate will be conflicted about who to select. However, we have anticipated England's starting XI below.

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

Pickford, who earned his England debut in 2017, has ensured that he is Southgate's first-choice goalkeeper and that his place in England is assured. Pickford, on the contrary, is having a rough season at Everton. But it doesn't influence the fact that he will start over Nick Pope and Arsene Wenger anytime and is the Three Lions' most reliable goalkeeper.

Right back: Kyle Walker

The former Tottenham Hotspur player will hopefully be ready for the World Cup. Southgate's selection of Kyle Walker despite injury demonstrates the manager's faith in Manchester City's right-back, and Kyle is excellent both offensively and defensively.

Kyle Walker is a terrific right-back who is well-suited to the Southgate formation. The player has excellent speed and will be favoured over Trippier and Alexander-Arnold. However, the 32-year-old has a groin ailment but will be prepared for the first game.

Centre back: John Stones

John Stones was crucial in England's run to the Euro 2020 final. Stones and Maguire operated together effectively and were pretty stable as England conceded only two goals in Euro 2020. And, yet again, Stones will be a core part of the Three Lions' defence at the 2022 World Cup. Stones is quite well in his physical and technical ability. Also, he is the most disciplined player on the ball, which will aid England's performance against a high-pressing opposition. Also, he utilizes body feints to evade opponents, and it will be critical for the team to create space.

Centre back: Harry Maguire

Despite just appearing in a few games for Manchester United, Maguire was fortunate to be selected by Gareth Southgate, who believes in the player and feels he will be distinctive for the national side. Maguire has been widely ridiculed for his club and national team performances, in which he showed a lack of personality.

Hopefully, he will reclaim his touch before the World Cup and perform as he did in the 2018 World Cup, which cemented his reputation as the most talented defender.

Left-back: Luke Shaw

Shaw was able to reclaim his from Following recovering from injury; the 27-year-old was called up by the national team head coach after a great performance in Euro 2020 when he was England's finest left-back. He is set to start ahead of other left-backs in the World Cup.

Shaw is a brilliant left-back with a penchant for attacking football and good deliveries in the box. Also, he was commended for his defensive and decision-making prowess, which will be beneficial to England in the World Cup.

Attacking midfielder: Jude Bellingham 

His transition into a top midfielder has been tremendous. At Dortmund, he has fashioned himself into one of the smart-thinking players, capable of working between the lines and opening up any defence with his vision. He warranted to be included to the Three Lions' 26-man squad; the player is on the radar of several big clubs and will significantly influence the national side in the World Cup.

Defensive midfielder: Declan Rice

A fantastic defensive midfielder with the ability to break any counter-attack. Rice, who switched from Ireland to England, was called up in 2020 and became an integral member of the England squad. Finally, his quickness and game-reading developed him into a polished defensive midfielder. Rice was a member of England's Euro 2020 squad and played in every match, and he will be eager to make another big mark in Qatar.

Attacking midfielder: Phil Foden 

Foden is having an incredible season with Manchester City and will be seeking to make a statement in the World Cup. Having played in only a few games in Euro 2020, this will be a moment where he will be a major brag after being developed into a mature player. Southgate will certainly employ him in midfield, which is his natural position. With his exceptional control and serenity on the ball. Foden is adept in tight spaces and can drift wide from opponents to create spaces. 

Right winger: Bukayo Saka

Saka found his stride late in the season after a slow start and a lack of scoring goals. He is now Arsenal's second-leading scorer. Southgate has recruited the 21-year-old, who will play on the right flank for England. Saka is a proactive person due to his speed and confidence in taking on defenders, and he is equally good at positioning and drawing defenders out of their positions. Southgate will very certainly rely on him at the World Cup.

Left winger: Marcus Rashford 

After a disappointing season last year, Rashford has worked valiantly to secure a spot in England's 26-man team. After struggling to impress Southgate at the Nations League. The 25-year-old was not called up by the head coach for the competition, and his spot in England's World Cup squad was in danger. Rashford, on the other hand, has played well to merit a call-up and will be a prominent member of the national team.

Rashford can function as a winger or a forward. But he prefers to operate from the left flank due to his explosive acceleration and cutting inside before striking with his stronger right foot. He also participates to the build-up by tracking back and collecting the ball. If Luke Shaw starts at left-back, Rashford and Shaw will develop a combination.

Striker: Harry Kane

Kane is undoubtedly Southgate's favoured striker. He is his favourite and most trusted forward, capable of making an immediate impact with his striking powers and outstanding vision. Also, Kane enjoys assisting in the build-up before coming from behind to slot the ball. He also led the goal-scoring charts in the 2018 World Cup and finished second in Euro 2020.

Kane is a tall, powerful striker who lacks pace. But makes up for it with his positioning and late dashes in the box. He will drive the team forward, expecting to win another golden boot in Qatar and a first major title for England.