The number of squads at last year’s tournament also provided limited indications of selection, with Pickford, Stones, Rice, Sterling and Kane among just six present at the tournament, along with star man Calvin Phillips (14). Injuries to Maguire and Henderson limited their own involvement, while Southgate rotated his full-backs – who were also deployed as wing-backs – and his young attacking players. The rotation could be all the more critical in Qatar during an unprecedented series of matches brought on by the first winter World Cup and the hangover from the chaos caused by the coronavirus crisis. Bellingham – who many are clamoring to start for England – has been allowed to wear his Borussia Dortmund number 22 shirt, while Saka’s change to 17 is likely a nod to Arsenal’s number seven shirt. a shirt that arguably has more claims. currently by Grealish. Given Southgate’s refusal to pick Maddison for England until his recent form made his case for inclusion compelling, it is perhaps no surprise that he was handed the No.25 shirt. It could take the pressure off the 25-year-old Leicester City talisman and keep his feet on the ground. Instead, keeping Grealish at No.7 may well give him a much-needed confidence boost given his form for both club and country and the fact that it looked to be paying off at Euro 2020, when he was mostly a substitute . In a role reversal from last year, Phillips’ injury problems could also open the door to more game time for Henderson, who was expected to start the Euros ahead of his fellow midfielder until he was knocked out before the tournament. By far Southgate’s biggest selection dilemma will be who will support Kane in attack, with Sterling, Rashford, Grealish, Xhaka, Maddison, Mason Mount (19) and Phil Foden (20) vying for two – or at most three – places. . As well as rotating his side to avoid injury or exhaustion, who is chosen to start a match can depend on the opposition and their perceived weaknesses. Sterling’s experience and recent ability to play on the biggest stage is likely to ensure he is selected for the match against Iran, despite his lack of form since leaving Manchester City for Chelsea. If Southgate is looking for the tried and trusted, then Rashford’s resurgence and goalscoring record for England could tip the balance in his favour, but Maddison, Mount, Foden and Saka would all have valid claims based on their own performances this season for club and country.
