England head to Qatar with a squad set to average around 26 years of age, up from 25.5 at Russia but still some way below the 2010 squad which came in at ageing 28.5.
It will be a first World Cup for the likes of Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden. However, despite the relative youthfulness of the travelling party, the 2022 edition looks likely to be a final shot at World Cup glory for a number of the Three Lions squad.
We pick out six players for whom this is probably their last chance to bring it home...
Nick Pope
(born: April 19, 1992)
The Newcastle United keeper will be 34 when the next World Cup comes around, which is not old for a keeper. Indeed, David Seaman (38), David James (39) and Peter Shilton (40) were all much older when they represented England at a World Cup.
However, the crucial distinction is that they were first-choice keepers. With Jordan Pickford younger than Pope and Aaron Ramsdale emerging as a capable back-up, Pope’s chances of establishing himself as the Three Lions' number one seem more remote than ever.
He may not want to continue traipsing around the world with England without any hope of making a start. An international retirement could be tempting before the next edition comes around.
Kieran Trippier
(Born September 19, 1990)
England’s bountiful riches at right-back will not prevent 32-year-old Kieran Trippier taking the starting role when the Three Lions kick off against Iran.
The Newcastle star has been a firm favourite under Southgate, featuring in each of the last two major international tournaments. But come 2026, Trippier will be 35, more susceptible to injuries and unable to hold back the young pretenders any longer.
Of course, he still faces competition to be involved at this tournament, though with Kyle Walker and Recce James recovering from injuries and Trent Alexander-Arnold struggling to grasp his defensive duties, Trippier could well get the nod.
Have Your Say! Should Gareth Southgate put more trust in Trent Alexander-Arnold? Tell us in the comments section!
Conor Coady
(Born February 25, 1993)
Coady will be 33 when the next World Cup comes around and it’s hard to see him going from sneaking into the 26 to becoming an integral part of England’s plans in that time.
Still, a call-up for Qatar would see him make it into the squad for two major international tournaments so nothing is off the table.
Kyle Walker
(Born May 28, 1990)
Walker is not even going to be 100% fit going into Qatar after surgery on his groin.
The Manchester City right-back will be 36 when the next tournament comes around and the threat of further injury setbacks robbing him of his pace - his defining characteristic - are high.
He’s unlikely to be at the Etihad, either, with his contract expiring in 2024. A return to Sheffield United has been mooted, which is as good as announcing your international retirement.
Harry Maguire
(Born March 5, 1993)
Maguire is barely clinging on to his England spot after falling out of favour at Manchester United and will be 33 in 2026.
A move from Old Trafford is surely not too far away and while that will undoubtedly free him from the pressure created by his inflated price tag, it will most likely free him from European competition too.
He has never let England down, however, despite his United woes so he can expect some loyalty from Southgate. Expect him to line up as England’s main striker in 2026 if Erik ten Hag's recent tactical approach was anything to go by.
Jordan Henderson
(Born June 17, 1990)
Another player whose England journey looks to be coming to an end. Not a moment too soon, his critics chorus.
However, the fact that Henderson has been trusted by successive England managers - this will be his sixth successive major tournament - and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp speaks volumes for the midfielder’s value.
Will turn 36 during the 2026 World Cup, however, and has already been superseded by Jude Bellingham at international level. It could well be Liverpool next.
