England might not have tasted glory on the World stage since 1966 but this latest crop of players has twice enabled their fans to dream with strong showings at Russia 2018 and then again during the 2020 European Championships.
With Qatar 2022 on the horizon, they are once again towards the top of the betting odds and here we look at their biggest weapon.
So, who is England’s biggest weapon at the Qatar World Cup?
The Talisman – Harry Kane
We’ve asked who England’s biggest weapon at Qatar 2022 would be and we’ll kick off with the obvious choice in Harry Kane. Kane, who is amongst the favourites in the FIFA World Cup betting odds to win the Golden Boot, is England’s goal-getter, main man and captain. If England are to win the World Cup he will unquestionably bang in a few goals.
Despite only being 29 years old Kane is already hunting down the Three Lions’ scoring record, which is currently held by Wayne Rooney. But looking at the statistics, he’s started the season for Tottenham with five goals in six appearances, looking to be bang at it with the World Cup nearing. A fit and firing Kane gives England a real threat in the final third both for when they’re dominating games and for when they face tougher tests where they might only get a half chance in a game.
Those half chances are where tournaments can be won and legends made. In Kane, England have someone who is capable of taking them; the fact he’s outperformed his expected goals in seven of the last eight seasons is proof of that.
The young star – Phil Foden
Let’s have this right, England haven’t produced a player as exciting as Phil Foden for a very long time and he has the ability to conquer the world in Qatar come December – and even if England don’t win the tournament, Foden could turn in a Gazza-esque set of performances.
You only need to look at Foden’s impact with Man City to realise that he is the real deal because no average 22-year-old is holding down a starting spot in Pep Guardiola’s side without good reason. He’s technically phenomenal, works tirelessly, can beat a man or thread a killer pass. With players such as Kane to link up with, there is every chance we see Foden post some bonkers stats at this tournament.
That said, Foden’s game isn’t necessarily best depicted through statistics. If you watch the way he plays the game he’ll leave you gobsmacked at what he can do with the football – and without it. His movement is smart, his touch close to perfect and he’s started to add that killer instinct to his game too. All of that could prove crucial in a set of group games that are likely to be tight affairs. If he orchestrates England through those games, then his confidence will be sky high for the knockout phase.
A left field choice – Ivan Toney
Right, before we get slaughtered, hear us out here. We know that Brentford striker Ivan Toney isn’t going to be England’s starting striker in Qatar and nor do we expect him to be at any point. What he is though is a centre forward that would give Gareth Southgate a very different profile to work with – and he can score goals.
Let’s start with the scoring goals element. Toney cannot boast to have the CV of a Harry Kane but five goals to date this season – including a hat-trick against Leeds – and 12 in 33 Premier League games last season is a tidy record for a player whose side doesn’t dominate and create chances at will. The other side of Toney’s game is built around his pace and power; he is a real handful for any defender.
Take England’s group for example. Sure, England should breeze through it but none of the sides there are going to open up and go toe-to-toe with them; this means England might have to be patient in games as they look for a breakthrough. Someone with strength and an aerial threat could prove the difference.
You’ve then got the other side of the tournament, which is where you’re up against stronger teams. Toney’s influence off the bench in these games could be huge too. He’s capable of holding the ball up to relieve pressure if England are clinging on but his ability to bully and harass defenders could be used if Southgate’s men need to chase a game that’s getting away.
Don’t get us wrong, Toney won’t single-handedly win England the World Cup but he could play a vital role in them doing so.
There you have it, our brief look at who England’s biggest weapons will be at Qatar.
