ENGLAND’s right-back conundrum has been a hot topic for some time now.
Last summer, Gareth Southgate famously selected four right-backs in his squad for the European Championships.
He was widely mocked for the decision, but with the squad limit increasing from 23 to 26, it was a decision that he could afford to make. And as he quite rightly said at the time, the players – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, Reece James, and Kieran Trippier – are definitely among the best 26 players in the country, therefore, he felt like he had no other choice but to select them.
The squad limit in Qatar will once again be 26, and there is a very real possibility that all four players will be selected once again.
At this point, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is right around the corner.
Excitement is already at a fever pitch and all our favourite sporting media sites are constantly talking about the tournament.
Promotions, such as BetVictor’s Crack The Code campaign, are already up and running, and the bookies have already priced up each match.
All that remains is for Senegal and the Netherlands to raise the curtain on November 21.
But one mystery that is yet to be solved is which right-back will wear the Three Lions on their chest when England’s campaign gets underway against Iran later that day.
As many as three right-backs could start against Iran
Two of the four players mentioned above started the opening game of Euro 2020 against Croatia a year ago, with Walker selected on the right and Trippier out of position on the left.
It was a game that England went on to win 1-0, with Raheem Sterling scoring the winner shortly before the hour mark.
If Southgate goes to a back five as he did four years ago, there’s a very real chance that as many as three right-backs could start. Kyle Walker slotted in on the right side of a three alongside Harry Maguire and John Stones in Russia, with Trippier preferred at right wing-back.
Against Iran, it’s possible that Trippier will once again be shuffled over to the left, allowing either Trent or Reece James to play in their favoured spot on the right.
It is a tough decision for Gareth Southgate to make but, during his six years in charge of the Three Lions, he has tended to get the big calls right.
He will feel that it is hard to overlook Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold. The 23-year-old is the best passer of the ball in the country, and that may be enough for him to get the nod.
But, as we all know, he is susceptible defensively.
Perhaps against the likes of Iran and Wales, starting him would be a good decision.
But further down the line, such as the potential quarter-final against France, a more defensively solid choice would be Manchester City’s Kyle Walker.
As much as the recent 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Hungary has got the fans on his back, whatever decision the manager makes should be trusted.
He has led England to their first World Cup semifinal since Italia 90, and their first major tournament final since 1996. England’s women have already brought football home, now it is Southgate’s job to keep it there.
