England: Five players to watch

NOV 21: England fans are wary of ‘golden generations’. Much was expected, after all, and precious little delivered by the star-studded teams in which much faith was invested in the earlier part of this century.

Hopes springs eternal though, and there is quiet confidence in the Class of 22 heading to Qatar. Justifying those raised expectations are the impressive campaigns that took the Three Lions to within a whisker of UEFA EURO glory and to their best FIFA World Cup finish™ since 1990. Some of the emerging stars are already proven winners at youth level, too, with England’s U-17, U-19 and U-20 teams having amassed a hefty haul of European and world titles in recent years.

Add to these exciting youngsters an embarrassment of riches in certain positions and, in captain Harry Kane, one of the most dependable goalscorers on the planet, and the blend begins to look decidedly potent. Here, FIFA+ looks at five men whose form and fortunes will be well worth following as the Three Lions chase global glory.

Jude Bellingham

Position: Midfielder Age: 19

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder became England’s third-youngest player when he debuted in 2020, and big things are expected. Although he is not yet a guaranteed starter, Bellingham’s ball-carrying ability, athleticism and maturity – he has already ascended to a leadership role at Dortmund – have established him as one of the most exciting youngsters in the game.

Gareth Southgate has also highlighted the midfielder’s versatility, and if Kalvin Phillips continues to struggle for playing time at Manchester City, this talented teenager could very well muscle his way into the Three Lions line-up.

Phil Foden

Position: Midfielder/Forward Age: 22

The prodigy famously described by Pep Guardiola as “the most talented player I’ve ever seen” is now firmly established as a key man for club and country. Player of the tournament when England won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in India five years ago, Foden brings skill, vision and creativity and will be crucial to the nation’s hopes of senior success in Qatar.

“We’ve known since he was 15, 16 what might be possible, and now we are seeing that,” Southgate has said of the City star. “He is a special player, without a doubt.”

Harry Kane

Position: Striker Age: 29

England’s captain remains the first name on Southgate’s team sheet, and for good reason. One of the world’s foremost No9s, Kane has already scored more goals in competitive matches and major tournaments than any player in England’s history, and is closing in fast on Wayne Rooney’s overall record of 53.

Having fired his way to the adidas Golden Boot at Russia 2018, the Spurs star is the bookies’ favourite to top the tournament’s scoring chart once again in Qatar. Although no-one in the history of the World Cup has ever managed that in separate editions, few would put it past the Three Lions’ sharpshooting skipper.

Declan Rice

Position: Midfielder Age: 23

According to his club manager, Rice is “the best midfield player in Europe” and was England’s top performer at the EURO. And while plenty will quibble with David Moyes’ enthusiastic assertions, no-one can dispute that the West Ham captain is the rock on which England’s midfield is now built.

Southgate, in lauding Rice’s athleticism and “outstanding” ball-recovery skills, has even suggested this powerful holding midfielder could succeed Kane as Three Lions captain. “Even though he is a young player, he has got tremendous leadership qualities,” enthused the England manager. “He is captaining his club at an incredibly young age, so you can see all the signs of what might be possible.”

Bukayo Saka

Position: Forward Age: 20

Southgate has acknowledged that Saka is “less appreciated” and enjoys a profile that “isn’t quite the same as some of our other attacking players”. But he has gone out of way to praise the way in which this humble and hard-working attacker “just goes quietly about his job”. "He’s a fabulous kid,” Southgate has gushed. “If your daughter brings Bukayo home, you'd be more than happy!”

It is not, however, the Arsenal youngster’s personality traits, but his skill, speed and intelligence that make him a near-certain starter in Qatar. Southgate considers him “hugely exciting”, “a fantastic talent”, and opposition defenders at the World Cup may soon find cause to grudgingly agree.