Newcastle United’s impressive start to the season helped create a little bit of history as the Magpies had three players selected for an England World Cup squad for the first time since 1998.
On that occasion, captain Alan Shearer and midfield duo Robert Lee and David Batty were named in Glenn Hoddle’s squad that suffered penalty shoot-out heartache in a first knockout round tie with Argentina. The controversial 2022 tournament in Qatar officially got underway on Sunday as the hosts fell to a 2-0 defeat against Ecuador, with two goals from former West Ham United striker Enner Valencia doing the damage.
England will kick off their bid for success on Monday afternoon when they face Iran and United trio Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson will all hope to get game-time and help Gareth Southgate’s side get their tournament off on a positive note.
But could any of the Magpies stars feature? A ‘leaked’ England side suggests their was mixed news for the trio.
1. GK: Jordan Pickford
A firm Southgate favourite and looks to have beaten competition from Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale. Photo: Lars Baron
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Statistically, England’s most in-form player, Trippier’s reliability looks to have seen him edge out Trent Alexander-Arnold to claim a starting place. Photo: Getty Images
3. CB: John Stones
There is an argument to suggest Stones is the only centre-back guaranteed to start the game. Who partners him at the heart of the defence is probably the biggest question for Southgate to answer. Photo: Shaun Botterill
4. CB: Harry Maguire
Ben White, Conor Coady and Eric Dier have very strong claims to earn a starting place but Southgate looks set to go with what he knows and select Maguire to partner Stones once again. Photo: Shaun Botterill