Form, formation and Foden: big issues facing Southgate before World Cup

Gareth Southgate risks running into problems if he picks players on reputation rather than form. England’s manager has argued that he is right to consider international performances when he selects a squad, yet with several key individuals struggling at club level it will be how interesting to see how far Southgate’s loyal streak goes before the World Cup.

There are problems across the board. At left-back there is concern over Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell, who has recently returned from a serious knee injury, and Luke Shaw, who has lost his place at Manchester United. In midfield Kalvin Phillips, missing from this camp with a shoulder problem, has barely played since joining Manchester City. Further forward Mason Mount is going through a dip at Chelsea and Jarrod Bowen has been underwhelming for West Ham this season. Is Bowen really a better bet than Jadon Sancho?

Then there’s Harry Maguire. The United centre-back presents Southgate with his biggest conundrum. Will he follow Erik ten Hag’s lead and drop him? United have been far more solid without Maguire and there is no justification for Southgate starting him if he is not playing for his club. Fikayo Tomori is playing every week for Milan, who won Serie A last season, and Eric Dier has excelled for Tottenham.

England’s disastrous start to their Nations League campaign could spook Southgate into becoming even more pragmatic. The memory of Hungary running riot at Molineux remains raw and it would not be a surprise if England line up in a 3-4-3 when they play Italy on Friday and Germany on Monday.

Yet much would depend on how Southgate sets up the team. Reece James and Chilwell would be progressive options as the wing-backs. A fluid front three could be exciting. An attacking