It’s fair to say that in recent months England fans have lost some faith in Gareth Southgate. The heartbreak of the penalty shootout defeat to Italy in last year’s Euros final has still left a bitter taste in the mouth of Three Lions supporters, and despite going on a rollercoaster journey to Wembley – albeit one restricted by the coronavirus pandemic’s social distancing — Southgate’s decision to bring on Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, two inexperienced penalty takers with little international experience, proved to be his downfall.
Coming off the back of their best World Cup and Euros since the turn of the century, Southgate’s rigid approach to player selection and inability to switch tactics has made England a one-dimensional side that lacks identity, and that’s been represented by their poor showing in the UEFA Nations League and the back end of qualifying. Nonetheless, England made it to Qatar and embark on the 2022 World Cup with the same blissful ignorance as every international tournament.
Despite calling for Graham Potter’s appointment, the reactionary nature of England fans all but assures that they’ll be singing Southgate’s rendition of Atomic Kitten’s ‘home again’ should things start brightly in the Khalifa International Stadium in their opening game against Iran. But the former Middlesborough man simply has to get things right, and a large part of that lies in defence.
Any England side looks more favourable amongst World Cup betting without Harry Maguire in the side. The Manchester United captain is simply in terrible form and after losing his place in Erik ten Hag’s side at Old Trafford it’s becoming harder to justify selecting him in a Three Lions shirt, regardless of how well he’s played in previous tournaments. But who replaces him? Read on, as we take a look at other centre-back options Southgate has at his disposal ahead of the World Cup.
Fikayo Tomori
Perhaps the most obvious choice to anyone who watches football outside the Premier League — Southgate included — Fikayo Tomori’s omissions from the England setup are becoming as hilarious as they are frustrating, especially when you consider the likes of Conor Coady and Tyrone Mings were selected above the 24-year-old.
Tomori won Serie A with AC Milan last season and has demonstrated how he can be a real leader in that backline having matured so much since leaving Chelsea in 2021. His pace and ability to sweep would suit a back three and his aerial presence and reading of the game would complement John Stones and Kyle Walker on either side of the defensive trio.
Ben White
While the form of William Saliba at Arsenal has pushed Ben White out to right-back this season under Mikel Arteta, his improvement over the last 12 months, both on the ball and off it, has been exponential. Although he’s still rash in the tackle, picking up two yellow cards in four games for his club so far, his aggressive challenges and desire to earn back possession is a key component of a Southgate side, and his ability to retain the ball and his passing range would be a good fit for the England side.
White is yet to earn an England cap but could be handed a debut should his good form continue ahead of Nations League fixtures against Italy and Germany. The World Cup tips had favoured both sides to go far in the tournament but with Italy not qualifying, they’ll likely put a strong side out at the San Siro which will provide a stern test for White.
Joe Gomez
Had injuries not hampered the best form of Joe Gomez’s career, he’d rightfully be considered the best centre-half in the country. While he’ll hardly be partnered with a Rolls Royce of a defender like Virgil Van Dijk for England as he does at Liverpool, Gomez has the ability to pass the ball between the lines rapidly and his composure under pressure will serve wonderfully in breaking down low-blocks, which will be a recurring theme of England’s group-stage. However, his injury record is certainly a concern, and you wonder if he’ll have played enough minutes at club level to justify his selection before the World Cup, especially with competition from Joël Matip and Ibrahima Konaté at Anfield.