England’s 26-man World Cup squad decided by WhoScored ratings

A look at who should be on the plane to Qatar with England according to WhoScored’s Premier League performance ratings.

Gareth Southgate has already submitted his 55-man provisional England squad to FIFA ahead of the fast-approaching World Cup.

We are now just weeks away from the big kick-off in Qatar, and Southgate is expected to name his final 26-man squad for the competition next week, on November 10. But before that, an extended squad of up to 55 players must be submitted, and national team bosses can only select players from that list for their final squad.

Not all managers have selected as many as 55 players, but well aware that injuries could occur in the next week or so, Southgate is said to have used the maximum allocation. Unlike many others, England have not made the list public, deciding that only the final list will be made available.

Goalkeepers

Jordan Pickford – 7.06

Nick Pope – 6.84

Aaron Ramsdale – 6.68

This could well be the England goalkeeper line-up for this World Cup. Dean Henderson is the other goalkeeper under consideration, but these three goalkeepers are the most in form. Pickford has been excellent with Everton, while Pope has been solid behind that Newcastle back-line. Ramsdale has been part of Arsenal’s excellent start to the season.

Defenders

Kieran Trippier – 7.59

James Tarkowski – 7.03

Ben Mee – 6.97

Ben White – 6.86

Aaron Cresswell – 6.80

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6.79

Alexander-Arnold’s stats suggest he has been better than perceived

Eric Dier – 6.79

Dan Burn – 6.76

John Stones 6.72

Joe Gomez – 6.70

Some of these players will travel, while the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Ben Mee and possibly Dan Burn won’t. Reece James and Ben Chilwell are fighting to return, while Kyle Walker will be likely to go.

Midfielders

Jude Bellingham – 7.51

James Maddison – 7.41

Declan Rice – 7.0

Jack Grealish – 7.1

Mason Mount – 6.87

Marcus Tavernier – 6.84

The top five are certainly in the conversation here, while Jordan Henderson is likely to be involved. Conor Gallagher and Kalvin Phillips will also be in contention. Marcus Tavernier is not expected to be in with a chance. James Ward-Prowse is also expected to be in with a good shout. The big question is whether Southgate will take Maddison and Grealish.

Forwards

Harry Kane – 7.44

Phil Foden – 7.34

Bukayo Saka – 7.3

Ivan Toney – 7.18

Callum Wilson vs Ivan Toney call-up battle examined as Gareth Southgate ponders England World Cup squad

Callum Wilson – 7.15

Solly March – 6.94

Marcus Rashford – 6.82

This is a pretty solid line up of forwards for England, but you would only expect one of Wilson or Toney to travel. Raheem Sterling is likely to get one of those spots, while Tammy Abraham will go ahead of Solly March, who is not in realistic contention. The top four are nailed on to be on the plane, as long as they stay fit.

The likely contenders

Here are some of the players who could be on the plane but find themselves outside the top performers in their respective positions.

Dean Henderson – 6.58

Luke Shaw – 6.66

Ben Chilwell – 6.51*

Reece James – 7.11*

Kyle Walker – 6.7

Harry Maguire – 6.63

Back in the side for the first time since Man United’s 3-1 win over Arsenal on September 4, Maguire made three blocks and provided eight clearances to help his side edge past West Ham.