Gary Neville has warned England would face a “massive blow” if they do not get at least two of their “absolutely outstanding” right backs fit for the World Cup.
Neville believes Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker are a cut above Kieran Trippier who is currently England’s only fully fit right back. James is hoping his knee injury suffered in Chelsea’s Champions League win at AC Milan is not serious - and early signs are promising - with Alexander-Arnold on the sidelines and Walker facing a race to be fit for Qatar.
England boss Gareth Southgate has world class options in the position and it has become a standing joke about how many he will pick in each squad. Incredibly, three of the four picked last month have subsequently picked up injuries which only goes to underline the issues facing Southgate with such a congested fixture list ahead of the World Cup.
Former England defender Neville said: “You go from a few weeks ago, it’s probably the strongest department and you’re thinking one of those really talented right-backs may be left out, so we’re in trouble in that position. It’s staggering really, what’s happened.
"We just have to hope they get fit. Trent came off on Sunday, Kyle’s injured, Reece James injured (on Tuesday) night. Kieran Trippier himself has had injury problems.
“Honestly, I don’t think I’d have played many games for England if those four were around in my day, if at all, because they’re absolutely outstanding.
“I just think it would be a real shame if we didn’t see Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker – particularly those three. We know Kieran Trippier’s a good performer, but those three have got outstanding aspects to them and for them not to be in a tournament would be a big blow.
“So I’m hopeful we can get at least two of them out of that three back fit again, because it would be a massive problem if they weren’t. I think one or two of them will be fit.”
Walker has undergone groin surgery and is the biggest doubt while Alexander-Arnold suffered an ankle injury but the department does not look quite as strong with the clock ticking before the squad is named on Thursday, November 10.
It could mean that England end up turning back to Arsenal’s Ben White, who was a surprise omission from the squad last month to face Germany and Italy. But White himself has been nursing and bravely playing with a hip problem which may go some way to explaining why he was left out despite his outstanding performances.
But the sheer number of games and congested fixture list to squeeze everything in before the World Cup is putting huge pressure on players.
- The Overlap Live – with Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane – hits Ovo Arena Wembley for its biggest ever live show on Thursday, November 10. For tickets and more information go to www.cuffeandtaylor.com
