WORLD CUP AGONY: TOP 5 ENGLISH PLAYERS TO HAVE THEIR DREAMS RUINED

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Players such as Maddison, Wilson and Gallagher have finally been given their opportunity to shine, after Southgate included the trio in the England squad he believes could bring the World Cup home. But with the pool of players Southgate has at his disposal, it was always a guarantee that a few huge names would be omitted from his 26 man squad. Here are 5 top players who have had their World Cup dreams ruined for England.

Dan Burn

Since his arrival on Tyneside in January 2022, Dan Burn has been a rock at the back for the Magpies and an integral part of their side that currently sit third in the premier league table by many’s surprise. With what you can argue to be his best season yet, he’s kept a huge four clean sheets and conceded just 10 in 14 matches, this all for a Newcastle side who this time last year were bottom of the league. In comparison to England star Eric Dier , he’s made more successful tackles (11 to Eric Dier’s seven) as well as more aerial battles won (31) and zero errors leading to goals to Diers one. With the success of corners and set pieces England have had in recent years on the big stage, Burn would’ve been the perfect fit to capitalise and also innovate an England defence who have conceded an embarrassingly high 10 in their last six UEFA Nations League games.

Fikayo Tomori

Current Milan ace and former Chelsea player Fikayo Tomori must be scratching his head in confusion over what he had to do in order to get in this England side. The Englishman took a huge risk to join the Italian outfit permanently after a loan spell in 2021, only costing £24 million to leave the blues. He was a huge rock at the back in Milan’s title winning season in 2021/22. This hasn’t changed since last season either, as the 24 year old has kept six clean sheets in 20 games in all competitions. Since last season, he’s even had the most tackles out of every England centre back. Tomori has also became more of a leader at the back for Milan, a huge skill to have for such a prestigious club when times can get tough. You could even argue Tomori is at a disadvantage compared to his English team mates, as Southgate will be more likely to see defenders such as Coady, Stones and Maguire play more due to them all playing in the Premier League. Southgate claims the reason for the absence of Tomori is because “the young centre backs haven’t done quite enough to push out the older ones”. Either way, England are missing out massively in this World Cup without a player like him on their side.

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Ivan Toney

Toney will be disappointed and as confused as all England fans on how he didn’t get into the squad. From scoring 31 goals in Brentford’s astonishing promotion battle after signing for just £5.5 million from The Posh. He carried this impressive record into the premier league, scoring 12 and assisting five keeping the relegation favourites in the top flight. This season Brentford find themselves sitting comfortable in 11th place with the 26 year old being at the heart of the team once again. He’s scored 10 this season in the Premier League, only England captain Harry Kane and global Superstar Erling Haaland have more. Toney is a complete striker, perfected by Thomas Franks expertise. From running onto loose balls in behind to playing as a target man, Ivan Toney would’ve offered everything Southgate would want. He would’ve worked perfectly as a second striker alongside Kane or a lone striker, and even offers an outstanding penalty taking record, scoring 26 and only missing 1 with even his manager believing “he’s the best penalty taker in the world”, after a 2-0 victory over Brighton. Despite the fact he couldn’t make it to the World Cup this year, England fans should not worry as with the euros and the next World Cup not too far away, Toney will for sure be in with another shot at international stardom.

Reece James

Reece James was almost a certain name in Southgate’s first team, let alone the 26 man squad, this is despite the quality right backs Southgate has at his disposal. These huge names including Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Unfortunately for Reece James however, he won’t be able to play for England In the World Cup due to a knee injury picked up against Milan. Reece James has done a brilliant job previously at returning back from injury, even after an ACL which players struggle to come back from, he came back a better player and contributed significantly to Chelsea’s top four finish last season. Despite a small chance Reece James could be back by the knockouts, Southgate didn’t want to take the huge gamble, which other managers have took. So far this season, James has had a lacklustre season compared to his last, all this in an always changing Chelsea side, getting one goal, one assist and just one clean sheet in seven games. This is a shadow of himself last season where he got five goals and nine assists in just 26 games, including 33 tackles and 17 interceptions. Clearly a huge blow for England.

James Ward-Prowse

The current captain and engine in the Saints midfield James Ward-Prowse has once again missed out on a spot in a major tournament for England. He currently has the most minutes for an outfield player in Europes top five leagues, proving peak fitness compared to the majority of the England team. It’s a shock that he’s had his place took by Gallagher who’s also had an underwhelming season, who also doesn’t provide experience nor has he proved minutes for England previously. James Ward-Prowse provides a different dynamic, being seen as a creative and set piece ace, providing 6 big chances this season, and since his debut in 2012 has scored 14 free kicks with only England icon David Beckham scoring more. This would’ve been key in the knockout stages of the tournament where moments decide games.

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