England boss Gareth Southgate has hinted he will use most of his 26-man squad during the World Cup later this month after announcing three Newcastle United players had made the cut on Thursday. Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope booked their places on the plane after each enjoying fine spells of form in recent months.
Pope is ahead of Aaron Ramsdale in the England pecking order but may struggle to dislodge regular No 1 Jordan Pickford for key games this tournament. Meanwhile, Wilson would usually have to settle for limited tournament minutes behind the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling or Marcus Rashford.
However, with five substitutions now allowed, England currently experiencing a small injury crisis in certain positions and the energy-sapping conditions in the Gulf state, there may be more opportunity for the Magpies stars to show what they can do during the winter showpiece.
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“I think the squad is more important than ever," Southgate said on Thursday. "With five substitutes you can have almost half the team changed during the game so you want different options for different moments of matches and stages at the tournament as well.
“We’ve had to cover a couple of players that aren’t yet fully fit, so having 26 available meant we were probably able to take a couple of risks that you might not have been able to with 23.
"But we think the balance is there and we’ve got cover in the positions we need. We’re lighter on depth in some positions than others but we think we’ve got everything covered.”
One position England look to be lacking in depth is full-back after rotten luck in the injury department of late. Chelsea duo Ben Chilwell and Reece James both picked up recent issues that have kept them from earning a place at the tournament.
Meanwhile, Kyle Walker is also lacking match fitness after recent groin surgery. This means Trippier could be deployed at left-back at times, rather than in his natural position on the right.
Trippier has played at left-back regularly for the Three Lions with Southgate trusting him to fill on the opposite flank. Luke Shaw is also in the squad and has an impressive record on England duty.
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