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After the confirmation of his 26-man World Cup squad on Thursday, you can’t blame Gareth Southgate for being a nervous wreck ahead of this weekend’s club football final.
Only one hurdle remains for his chosen English stars in their attempt to get to Qatar without any bumps, niggles or, if I understand correctly, serious injuries.
Southgate have already lost Reece James and Ben Chilwell in the past month, while Kyle Walker has been included in his roster despite not being fully fit yet. For example, the boss of Three Lions will hold his breath for the next three days.
Gareth Southgate holds his breath during the final round of club competitions this weekend
Nearly all England’s World Cup squad members will be in action over the next three days, meaning they risk sustaining devastating injuries at the final hurdle
With the exception of Walker, all his players are likely to earn minutes for their respective club teams, meaning many injuries are at risk at the last hurdle.
So when will each member of the England squad play all weekend? Sports post brings you game by game updates on their progress.
Jude Bellingham (Borussia Monchengladbach 4-2 BORUSSIA DORTMUND – Friday 7:30 PM)
Having started all 14 of Dortmund’s previous Bundesliga games this season, it was no surprise to see Bellingham back in the lineup for their loss to Borussia Monchengladbach. Despite seeing the midfielder on the losing side, Gareth Southgate is said to have not only allowed the 19-year-old to spin through the 90 minutes unscathed, but also provided a stylish assist from 30 yards.
Jude Bellingham not only avoided every knock on Friday night, he also delivered a stylish assist
John Stones (MAN CITY vs Brentford – Saturday 12:30 PM)
Stones continued his run of games with a third consecutive start in the Premier League, while Manchester City slumped to a disappointing 1-2 home defeat to Brentford. The England centre-back was helpless to stop unselected Three Lions hopeful Ivan Toney from scoring twice, but got a solid 90 minutes in his legs that Southgate will be happy with.
Phil Foden (MAN CITY vs Brentford – Saturday 12:30 PM)
The 22-year-old has been left out of City’s last three starting lineups in the league, meaning it would be a surprise if he misses here again.
Phil Foden is one of four Manchester City men who can play against Brentford on Saturday
Jack Grealish (MAN CITY vs Brentford – Saturday 12:30 PM)
With Foden likely to start, Grealish could start on the bench with Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez also in the fray, but expect him to play a part at the Etihad.
Kalvin Phillips (MAN CITY vs Brentford – Saturday 12:30 PM)
Returned from a long spell on the sidelines in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win over Chelsea and can only hope for another short run here.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (LIVERPOOL vs Southampton – Saturday 3pm)
Alexander-Arnold remains an integral member of Jurgen Klopp and is expected to start at Anfield.
Jordan Henderson (LIVERPOOL vs Southampton – Saturday 3pm)
In and out of their XI this season so far, the Liverpool captain is not guaranteed to play from the start on Saturday.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson (left and right) likely to play for Liverpool
Jordan Pickford (Bournemouth vs EVERTON – Saturday 3pm)
The England goalkeeper is Frank Lampard’s No. 1 at Goodison Park meaning he will be heavily involved in a match he must win for his struggling Toffees.
Conor Coady (Bournemouth vs EVERTON – Saturday 3pm)
Another one of the ever-present Lampards who is sure to start on such a crucial afternoon for Everton.
Declan Rice (WEST HAM vs Leicester – Saturday 3pm)
Another team that needs three points in the final weekend is West Ham, meaning the presence of their captain is essential.
James Maddison (West Ham vs LEICESTER – Saturday 3pm)
Maddison’s glowing form for the Foxes this season, which earned him a place in Southgate’s squad, makes him a guaranteed starter for Brendan Rodgers.
Conor Coady and Jordan Pickford will be deeply involved in a game Everton must win
In-form James Maddison will be desperate not to ruin his World Cup dream this weekend
Eric Dier (TOTTENHAM vs Leeds – Saturday 3pm)
The Spurs defender has started 13 of 14 Premier League games in 2022-23 and, having suffered three defeats in six, Antonio Conte will need him from the start against Leeds.
Harry Kane (TOTTENHAM vs Leeds – Saturday 3pm)
The only way the Southgate captain can beat this is if Conte backed him to win the World Cup Golden Boot. Sure to start.
Nick Pope (NEWCASTLE vs Chelsea – Saturday 5:30 PM)
Pope has not missed a minute in goal for the high-flying Magpies this season and that is unlikely to change when Chelsea visit St James’ Park.
Kieran Trippier (NEWCASTLE vs Chelsea – Saturday 5:30 PM)
Another vital for Eddie Howe, the 32-year-old is set to play a full part in Saturday’s clash at Tyneside.
An injury to England captain Harry Kane would be disastrous at this stage
Callum Wilson (NEWCASTLE vs Chelsea – Saturday 5:30 PM)
Wilson is currently a man of form with three goals in as many games. Newcastle will be counting on him again this weekend.
Conor Gallagher (Newcastle vs CHELSEA – Saturday 5:30 PM)
Gallagher, a surprise inclusion in Southgate’s roster, has only started in six of Chelsea’s 13 games and is likely to come from the bench.
Mason Mount (Newcastle vs CHELSEA – Saturday 5:30 PM)
Graham Potter is under pressure after three defeats in four games, so expect Mount to be included in his starting lineup this weekend.
Raheem Sterling (Newcastle vs CHELSEA – Saturday 5:30 PM)
Although his form has deteriorated sharply of late, the England forward seems to be a favorite of Potter’s and it would be a surprise to see him on the bench on Saturday.
Aaron Ramsdale (Wolves vs ARSENAL – Saturday 7:45 PM)
The Gunners’ first-choice keeper is sure to appear at the start as they look to maintain the top position en route to the World Cup break in Molineux.
Ben White (Wolves vs ARSENAL – Saturday 7:45 PM)
In Mikel Arteta’s four-man backline, White has impressed the right-back, making it unlikely the Arsenal boss will leave him here.
Bukayo Saka (Wolves vs ARSENAL – Saturday 7:45 PM)
The 21-year-old has been in excellent form this season with five goals and six assists in his 13 appearances. Another certainty to start.
Bukayo Saka is in excellent form for Arsenal and is expected to start against Wolves
Harry Maguire (Fulham vs MAN UNITED – Sunday 4:30 PM)
Maguire, who returned from a hamstring problem at the end of October, played for United in the Carabao Cup on Thursday and was able to sit out this trip to Craven Cottage.
Luke Shaw (Fulham vs MAN UNITED – Sunday 4:30 PM)
The English left-back has recently reclaimed his place in Erik ten Hag’s base and hopes to maintain the momentum on Sunday.
Marcus Rashford (Fulham vs MAN UNITED – Sunday 4:30 PM)
Rashford, a reborn man under Ten Hag, has netted 11 goals in 18 appearances for United and hopes to top that number in West London.