England’s World Cup qualifying campaign begins on Thursday and coach Gareth Southgate has to make some important decisions, with the European Championship finals fast approaching.

Almost after the glorious 2018 World Cup Finals, the Three Lions are no longer brave underdogs, they are filled with talent and big things to be hoped for across the country that yearn for a fun summer.

Three years ago in Russia, England fans fell in love with a team that caused a lot of frustration and heartbreak.

Captain Harry Kane is now one of the best forwards the world has to offer, taking home the Golden Boot in 2018 in white. Tottenham And his nation.

Across the team, a number of superstars have also appeared to push champions three years ago along with Declan Rice, Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish among them.

But who are the superstars, who hang out, and who fight to prove they deserve to wear the Three Lions proudly in June – and hopefully in July?

Goalkeepers

It’s a phenomenal two weeks for the two reserve shots in England.

We have three matches without No.1 Jordan Pickford, so one of Dean Henderson, Nick Pope, and Medal Johnston could emerge as the confirmed No.2 as well as the main contender for the Everton superstar.

Fouls in the Premier League have affected the reputation of the 30-game champion Beckford, but Southgate continues to support his main player as mistakes do not happen on the international stage, plus he may still be in debt to him after penalties in Colombia.

If we take a look at some of the Premier League stats, the Pope is at the head of this gang of four.

He has kept the most clean sheets this season nine times, while Pickford (6) is tracked by Sam Johnston (5) – but it should be noted that Henderson has a higher percentage of closures, with only four in six league matches with Manchester United.

Looking at things at a slightly more advanced scale, Bob also comes out on top.

Using the Post-Shot Expected Goals Scale, the Burnley player only conceded 32 despite data indicating that he may have left 37.1 goals, which is better than his rivals.

But Southgate has to take into account his style of play and the way he defends his team, with Bob assisting Burnley’s defensive toughness, while Beckford’s excellent distribution is a big plus.

TalkSPORT CHOICE – Nick Pope, Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson

The Defenders

This is the most stable region of Southgate, but the resurgence of the John Stones this season has changed things a little.

At right-back, Reese James only came to rival Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier, but Walker is also used on the right in three defense in international duty, but the decision not to call up either Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Trent Alexander-Arnold has surprised many.

Legendary Atletico Madrid Trippier, with his experience and delivery of the deadly ball, appears to be the man who kept Alexander-Arnold out, while Wan Bisaka may be considered not good enough in the final third of football, despite being the best defender in the group. .

The left back is another interesting area with Luke Shaw in exceptional condition and Ben Chilwell also doing well for Chelsea, and he is also able to play as a wing back.

However, the duo have not completed the full 90 minutes of the England game since 2015 and 2019 respectively. But they’re currently the best picks for the job, while Matt Target is the one who should at least be in the conversation.

When it comes to the heart of the defense, I was raised some eyebrows again with Eric Dyer’s forward selection ahead of Isrei Konsa, Louis Dunk and James Tarkovsky.

All three have better seasons than Dier who was now disqualified by Jose Mourinho at Tottenham and was a member of the team that knocked out the Europa League against Dynamo Zagreb.

But the core of Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings and Conor Coady looks clever, providing decent aerial ability and skills with the ball on deck, while the latter is perfect for playing a three-in-the-back and working as a deep playmaker.

This makes the Three Lions adaptable to their opponents and are dangerous in attacking set pieces.

Meanwhile, John Stones enjoyed an amazing renaissance at Manchester City and was named to this month’s squad for the first time since 2019.

But Southgate has a tough call with Mings, Cady and Maguire to establish themselves in the squad in recent years and there is no guarantee he will make the cut, especially since he has Declan Rice who can play at the back.

TalkSPORT CHOICE – Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Reese James, Luke Shaw, Ben Chilwell, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings and Connor Coady

Midfielders

Contrary to defense, Southgate midfield is set to be very different with Jordan Henderson who could be a cause of injury concern, Dair is now a defender, and Dele Alli is not playing for Tottenham Hotspur.

In the qualifying rounds for the tournament, Rice took his place in the side. Chelsea Mount is also an obvious favorite under Southgate, while Kalvin Phillips is a challenge, along with James Ward-Prowse and Phil Foden. Sure, Jesse Lingard is pushing hard for a late listing given his recent resurgence as well.

Judd Bellingham’s early talents are clearly noticed, while Grillish and James Madison are currently absent due to injury.

Henderson, if fit, should be picked automatically due to his role as ranks captain, not to mention his abilities and versatility when it comes to midfield duties.

In a major tournament, you’ll need to create chances, and three of the best teams in the division right now are Greelish, Mt. and Madison.

The former makes 6.1 shots per 90 in the Premier League, while Mount (4.96) and Madison (4.53) are not far behind, Foden is only 3.56, but when it comes to goal-making, Grealish and Foden are two major players with the best Villa man in Premier League.

The former makes 0.91 goals making actions per 90, while City ace Foden (0.81) is not far off, with Maddison (0.61) and Mount (0.4), but the latter can be forgiven for his high work rate and extravagance. Chelsea attackers.

Sure, Lingard has a chance to pick it up as well, but given his small sample size and the fact that his rush to the scene was so recent it might be best to leave him at home for now.

TalkSPORT CHOICE – Declan Rice, Calvin Phillips, Jordan Henderson, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Mason Mount

The attackers

Only injury will keep England captain Kane out of the squad. Its location – and its beginning – is certain.

Raheem Sterling has never had a very old year in terms of goals or assists, but his quality is unquestionable and remains key to Southgate, even if he is only a team player, while Marcus Rashford is the best too.

That leaves little room in the 23-man squad, especially with Kane’s deputy, Dominic Calvert Lewin, likely to be at the top.

This means that Jadon Sancho has only lost two more spaces in the current group due to injury, he is a great contender, along with Bukayo Saka who is now a key right-wing player to improve. Arsenal.

Ole Watkins deserved his shot to dazzle the next three games, and he also offers variety after playing wide and across the middle, but he may find it difficult to break into the 23 at this late stage.

TalkSPORT CHOICE – Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Dominic Calvert Lewin, Bukayo Saka

You can hear the England World Cup qualifiers with San Marino (Thursday) and Albania (Sunday) directly on talkSPORT