Following the success of England’s U20 and U21 squads, we look at who could be on the plane to Russia next summer.
England’s U20s gave football fans something to cheer about by winning the World Cup this summer, becoming the first England side to win a major tournament since 1966. The U21s promised to continue in the same vein throughout Euro 2017 but were unfortunately, and somewhat predictably, knocked out by Germany on penalties. A number of players shone throughout each tournament, so who do the bookies think might make the England World Cup squad in 2018?
U21 goalkeeper and recent £25m Everton signing, Jordan Pickford, is the most likely to make the step up in time at best price evens. His best odds suggest he’ll be England’s third choice keeper for the Russia World Cup. The 23-year-old will be guaranteed minutes on the pitch at Goodison Park, something that will be key to a number of these youngsters if they are to make the step up.
Next in line to make the squad is U21 captain James Ward-Prowse. The Southampton midfielder has amassed 31 caps at U21-level and is best price 5/2, making him more likely to be included in England’s World Cup squad than Phil Jones, Luke Shaw, Wayne Rooney and Jack Wilshere.
Despite not getting off the bench during Euro 2017, Arsenal’s Rob Holding is 3/1 to make the squad in 2018. To stand a chance, Holding will need to claim a regular first team spot at the Emirates next season. Southampton winger Nathan Redmond missed the decisive spot kick in the semi-final shootout but an impressive debut season at St Mary’s, combined with his performances this summer, means he has a sniff at 4/1. He should continue to be a mainstay in the Saints frontline next season and having made his senior debut in March, this could represent value for money.
Bournemouth midfielder and U20’s captain, Lewis Cook, is fancied at best price 9/1 to make the squad. The 20-year-old made 80 league appearances for Leeds since his debut in 2014, but failed to break into the Bournemouth side last season, playing just six times. Cook’s undoubtedly a massive talent, but he’ll need to nail down a position in the side in the upcoming season.
Elsewhere, U21s Ben Chilwell, Demarai Gray, Mason Holgate, Nathaniel Chalobah and Tammy Abraham are best price 10/1 whilst U20 stars Josh Onomah and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are 12/1. At 16/1 are impressive Swansea centre-back Alfie Mawson (as short as 9/1 elsewhere), Dominic Solanke, Matt Targett and Lewis Baker.
