Alan Shearer names his 26-man England squad for the 2022 World Cup

Alan Shearer has named his England squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has included James Ward-Prowse, Ben White and Callum Wilson in his 26-strong roster.

England boss Gareth Southgate is scheduled to name his Three Lions squad on Thursday. Monday, however, is the final deadline for FIFA to hand over the 26 names.

Unsurprisingly, Shearer has named Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope as England goalkeepers for the tournament. However, there were some interesting calls from the former England striker for the remaining 23 places.

Alan Shearer has named his favorite England squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Shearer included White in his favorite England squad when he spoke to the athletic. Injuries to Ben Chilwell and Reece James and Tyrone Mings’ opened up at least one place in the Three Lions squad and Shearer believes White deserves it.

Shearer also questioned the form of Harry Maguire, Eric Dier, Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold. He said Kieran Trippier is currently one of the first defenders on the team sheet.

That’s why he thinks the squad could benefit from White’s inclusion. He says the 25-year-old is ‘confident at Arsenal’ – after making his debut for the club in their 2-0 defeat to Brentford on the opening day of last season.

Injuries to Ben Chilwell and Reece James have freed up at least one place in the England squad

That’s why Shearer has decided to select Ben White in his 26-man squad for England

Speaking of the defensive line, Shearer said: “It’s not just about questionable fitness – it’s also about form. With Kyle Walker it’s fitness, with Harry Maguire it’s form and lack of playing time – a start in the league for Manchester United since August.

“It’s a form for Eric Dier, Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold. Kieran Trippier should be one of the first defenders on the team right now, while Ben White is confident at Arsenal, but there are some big decisions to make here.”

On the midfield side, Shearer has decided to select Ward-Prowse as their squad player, as Kalvin Phillips will be back to full fitness in time. He has also included James Madison in his 26-man roster.

He has also selected Ward-Prowse as squad player for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

He says it is unlikely that Kalvin Phillips will be fully fit in time after his shoulder surgery

He said, “I’m going with what I know now, but this means there are a few caveats. I have chosen James Ward-Prowse as squad player – as his delivery from free kicks and other set pieces would be another option – but if Kalvin Phillips can prove his fitness, which I now very much doubt, the Southampton man would come out .

“If Kyle Walker isn’t ready, I’d probably add another midfielder to West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen. James Ward-Prowse is a good bet for Gareth Southgate’s England side.”

Shearer went on to talk about the forward line. He decided to leave Ivan Toney out of Brentford and go for Tammy Abraham and Callum Wilson instead. He said taking a good penalty is not enough to put Toney in the squad.

Shearer decided to omit Brentford’s Ivan Toney (R) and go for Callum Wilson (L) instead

He also expressed concerns about Toney’s physicality on the field. He said top-level umpires may not be kind to his aggression. It’s a valid point as Toney has been banned for receiving five yellow cards in the Premier League.

shaver said: “On offense I left out Brentford’s Ivan Toney and went for Tammy Abraham and Callum Wilson. I understand that if England want to win the World Cup, they almost certainly have to win a penalty shootout somewhere down the line.

“I understand the call for Toney to be involved, but I would be a little concerned about how his physique might be viewed by top-level umpires. Wilson has long had fitness issues but has been brilliant for Newcastle United.”