World Cup Outsiders

World Cup Outsiders

          With the World Cup in Russia fast approaching, the majority of the England squad for the tournament names itself. The 23 man squad could be predicted, but there is some outside shots at a place on the plane to Russia. Will Gareth Southgate make any surprise choices? That is yet to be seen. The following players are surely in with a shot at making the squad.

1. James Ward-Prowse

The Southampton Midfielder is a certified deadball specialist.

The young midfielder, yet another graduate of Southampton's famous academy, has already made his England debut. He came on as a substitute in the friendly against Germany earlier this year. the 23 year old can play in the centre of midfield and wide on the right. The chances of him making the cut are slim in my opinion. This is because I would definitely take Harry Winks to Russia and Ruben Loftus Cheek is also in the reckoning following his debut against Germany. One key attribute that could see Ward-Prowse to Russia is his technique in free-kick taking. He took part in a Freekick Masterclass with Jimmy Bullard on Soccer AM in which he excelled, as did Bullard, but I can't see him getting in the England squad.

2. Ashley Young

The Watford Academy graduate has retrained a fullback in recent years.

Who'd have thought it? Ashley Young already has 31 Cap, including taking part in Euro 2012. His last England cap was in 2013, that was until he came on as an 80th minute substitute for England against Germany in November of last year. If England decide to play with Wingbacks then there is a strong argument that Young should be there, as he offers more in terms of attack than England's other options. The winger-cum-defender is versatile enough to play up both flanks and that could be invaluable.

3. Andy Carroll

Andy Carroll is a different type of attacker to our other options.

Right, I don't say this lightly, but technically he is a different option. Let's be honest, at some point we're going to be up against it and need to find a goal from somewhere. Chucking Carroll up front means we could play route one football. Surely this will be a last resort but it's better than nothing. Carroll can score goals, allegedly, if given the right service and I'm sure the national team can get him some good service. Now he just needs to stay fit...

4. Charlie Austin

Charlie Austin, formerly of Poole Town would be a useful player at a World Cup.

Charlie Austin is one of the top English strikers out there right now. His scoring rate is that of a player who should already have England caps but the former non league striker is yet to make an appearance for the Three Lions. Austin has been called up once before but didn't get off the bench. The forward averages a goal every other game in the Premier League and should really be in the England squad by now? Obviously, Kane and Rashford are ahead of him, and others, but the chances of him popping up with a goal are always there.

          Some other players deserve a brief mention but they're more than likely already in the squad, or further away than they should be. Players like Harry Winks should already be on the plane. Ruben Loftus Cheek could be further off the squad because Crystal Palace aren't doing so well. Aaron Creswell is a good player, but is he good enough to get passed his rivals for a spot at left back? I doubt it. The third goalkeeper spot will be a toss up between Jordan Pickford, Fraser Forster and Ben Foster. Nathan Redmond is another good option but where do you fit him into the team in the shape that we've been playing? Finally, is it going to be a toss up between Welbeck and Sturridge? Two forwards who don't score enough goals are far from first choice...

We'll see won't we?

Until next time...

Craig.