With the possibility of Reece James and Kyle Walker missing the World Cup, we assess who the bookies think could replace these two key figures.
Following a knee injury in Chelsea’s 2-0 win against AC Milan, Reece James is now a major doubt for the World Cup squad, which has drastically changed the market in the right-back department.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has also had his injury problems as of late but should make the squad, while it remains to be seen whether Kyle Walker will be fit enough to go.
Kieran Trippier is likely to go with the Newcastle man being a member of Gareth Southgate’s squads since the previous World Cup in 2018.
With James now very likely to miss the World Cup, who are some of the replacements that Southgate could take with him to Qatar?
Ben White
The ever-present Arsenal man was unlucky to miss out on the England squad for the final two Nations League games back in September. With James now looking like an absentee, he could make the squad, just as he did with Southgate’s last major tournament, despite not being used.
He has mainly featured at right-back for Arsenal this season, with William Saliba and Gabriel forming a decent partnership for the Gunners, and Southgate may take that into consideration when selecting his final squad. White is currently best priced at 8/11 to make the squad (worst 4/9).
James Justin
Whilst Leicester have been a struggling side as of late, only having one clean sheet this season and four points from a possible 27, James Justin has been an ever present for Brendan Rodgers.
Justin has played in every Leicester game this season, following an injury-hit two seasons after a cruciate ligament rupture in early 2021. He is currently best priced at 6/1 (worst priced 7/2).
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Tyrone Mings
Tyrone Mings has played 17 times for his country, as well as being a playing member of the England Euro 2020 squad. Since being stripped of the captaincy at Aston Villa, his stock has fallen and he wasn't a guaranteed starter before a long-term injury to new centre-back signing Diego Carlos.
He has featured in seven games this season for Steven Gerrard’s side, despite them slumping in 16th position. Mings is currently best priced at 10/1 to make the cut, with worst-priced odds of 7/4.
Joe Gomez
After Alexander-Arnold came off at halftime against Arsenal, Joe Gomez came into the right-back position for Liverpool and was solid in the 45-minute cameo at the Emirates. He also started against Rangers in midweek in their 7-1 win at Ibrox.
He was most recently pairing Virgil Van Dijk at centre-back for the Reds, but his flexibility and versatility give Southgate every reason to consider him, especially as he gets more game time for Jurgen Klopp’s side. Gomez is currently best priced at 14/1 to make the squad (worst 4/1).
Kyle Walker-Peters
A bit of a wildcard shout and the longest odds of the list, Kyle Walker-Peters has been a solid full-back for Southampton over the last two seasons, following his permanent move from Tottenham to the Saints.
He picked up his first two caps for England in March 2022 in friendlies against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast, so may be a long shot to make the squad. Walker-Peters is currently best priced at 25/1.
| Player | Best Price | Worst Price |
|---|---|---|
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | 4/7 | 1/7 |
| Ben White | 8/11 | 4/9 |
| James Justin | 6/1 | 7/2 |
| Tyrone Mings | 10/1 | 7/4 |
| Joe Gomez | 14/1 | 4/1 |
| Kyle Walker-Peter | 25/1 | 25/1 |
| Ezri Konsa | 33/1 | 20/1 |
