Jamie Carragher Unveils Controversial England World Cup Squad Picks
With England's World Cup campaign set to commence in less than five months, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has stirred significant debate by revealing his proposed 26-man squad for manager Thomas Tuchel to consider. The Sky Sports pundit made several bold selections during a discussion with ex-Chelsea striker Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink, offering his perspective ahead of England's Group L opener against Croatia in Texas.
Controversial Omissions and Surprise Inclusions
Carragher's squad selection has generated particular attention for his treatment of Arsenal's attacking talents. The pundit opted to exclude both Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke from his squad, instead selecting Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, and Anthony Gordon as his wide options.
"Cole Palmer is not a certainty, but he is a wonderful footballer," Carragher explained. "It is not going well for him at Chelsea with injuries, but remember his performance against PSG in the Club World Cup final. He was out of this world. He has scored in a final [for England, Euro 2024]. He goes."
Regarding his decision to include Anthony Gordon over Madueke, Carragher added: "I think Rashford, and I had a decision... I don't think the outsiders have done enough. I decided to go with Anthony Gordon - he has been the go-to guy. He needs to add more goals, but him ahead of [Noni] Madueke, who I don't think will play enough football."
Midfield Selections Raise Eyebrows
Carragher's midfield choices have also sparked discussion, with the inclusion of Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo despite the player's difficult season at club level. The pundit justified this selection by highlighting Mainoo's previous England performances.
"It is on his [last] two performances, but [also] what he has done for England," Carragher stated. "He has played in a final. He has to have a good run, but what we saw him do for England, the Netherlands game [Euro 2024 semi-final], his performance that night at such a young age... it was like he was playing with his mates. I couldn't believe it."
Perhaps even more controversially, Carragher included former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson in his squad, despite the midfielder not being a regular starter for Brentford.
"Henderson isn't in the Brentford team, but, when you talk about 26 players, I think you can [select him]," Carragher argued. "He's not just in there for the football - he has had an amazing England career - he may be taken as a wildcard, be a bridge between the coaching and playing staff."
Carragher's Complete Squad Selection
The former England international named ten players as certainties for the tournament, while his full 26-man squad includes:
- Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
- Defenders: Reece James, Lewis Hall, Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tino Livramento, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Trevoh Chalobah, Harry Maguire
- Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Adam Wharton, Kobbie Mainoo
- Number 10s and wingers: Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon
- Forwards: Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins
Carragher's certainties included: Jordan Pickford, Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane.
Selection Philosophy and Tournament Preparation
Carragher's squad selection reflects a particular philosophy about tournament football, balancing current form with tournament experience and squad dynamics. His emphasis on players who have performed in high-pressure situations for England suggests he values proven international performers alongside in-form club players.
The exclusion of Arsenal's attacking talents will undoubtedly disappoint Gunners fans, while the inclusion of players like Henderson and Mainoo demonstrates Carragher's willingness to consider factors beyond simple club form. As England prepare for their World Cup campaign under Thomas Tuchel, these selection debates will only intensify in the coming months.
With the tournament approaching rapidly, Carragher's suggestions provide an intriguing perspective on how England might approach their squad selection, balancing youth and experience while making difficult decisions about talented players who may miss out on the final selection.
