Gareth Southgate's World Cup sticking points ahead of Qatar 2022

It is a World Cup year like no other. But with Russia 2018 in mind there is expectation rather than hope that England can finally lift their first trophy since 1966. 

As we enter the first internationals of 2022, Sportsmail looks at the key issues facing Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate.

For Southgate, the form of the Manchester United central defender is not as profound a problem as it might seem. Southgate is loyal to players who have performed well for him. 

There was similar conjecture about Raheem Sterling’s place in the team ahead of the Euros and we all know how that turned out. 

But as much as Southgate backs the under-fire Maguire, he must have concerns about his form. England’s strength during last summer’s run to the Euros final was their defence.

If they are to have any chance at the World Cup, their defence will have to be the platform again. That’s a worrying prospect considering how poorly Maguire is playing for United. 

Perhaps some time away with England, away from the glare of the Old Trafford spotlight, is what he needs in order to recalibrate. Whatever he requires, Southgate will be desperate for it to happen sooner rather than later.

Southgate’s plan to sort issues out over the next few days has been ruined by a long list of drop-outs, with Bukayo Saka the latest to pull out after testing positive for Covid. 

In goal, Jordan Pickford will almost certainly start the World Cup but the form of Aaron Ramsdale has not gone unnoticed by Southgate and England’s goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson. 

The Arsenal man has had an excellent season and before he suffered a hip injury last week the plan was to give him a start, either against Switzerland or Ivory Coast on Tuesday. A positive display would have,