England Midfielder Specials: Outsiders to Make the 2022 WC Squad

James Maddison has been on the periphery of the England squad for the last few seasons, with different issues keeping him out when he has shown he’s more than capable of securing a place in the team.

Maddison has been a key performer for Leicester City since he arrived from Norwich and has operated as one of the main creators in the side. The playmaker has even been linked with moves to some of the ‘Big Six’ sides in the Premier League but a move has never materialised for the Englishman, which may just benefit him.

Maddison is an excellent passer of the ball and is a superb set-piece taker which would offer England a different dimension in the way they play and at Leicester, he can flourish more than he may do with a bigger club.

Mason Mount and Jack Grealish are ahead of him as it seems, however, if he were to rediscover the form that put him in the conversation to be in the squad, he has every chance of making it to the World Cup.

England World Cup 2022 World Cup odds for Maddison are now priced at 7/2, much higher than his previous odds ahead of Euro 2020.

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is one of the brightest talents to emerge from their academy in recent years. Jones has already appeared 35 times under Jurgen Klopp and has impressed with his composure and technical ability on the ball.

His physicality allows him to glide with the ball through the pitch and pick out intelligent passes. Jones’ profile is different to the midfielders already in the England squad as he is more comfortable progressing the ball into attacking areas, whereas, the likes of Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Jude Bellingham, etc., are more combative box-to-box players.

As long Jones continues to develop under Klopp and be successful at Liverpool, he will no doubt be in contention for one of the central midfield spots under Gareth Southgate, but right now, he needs to get back in the Reds' side.

England World Cup 2022 World Cup odds for Jones are priced at 16/1.

ICYMI: Read the England defender specials for the England World Cup squad odds here.

The Leicester City wide man is one of the players who may count himself unlucky not to represent England at Euro 2020. The winger was in great form last season before his injury as he contributed to 17 goals for the foxes in all competitions. Barnes provides versatility as he can operate across all four attacking positions comfortably.

However, Barnes predominantly plays off the left-hand side under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester, where he can cut in off the wing and lay off chances for his teammates or fire a shot at goal. England are blessed with multiple options for Southgate to choose from in wide areas, making this one tough for him to crack.

The likes of Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and others are already in his mind for selection which will make it hard for Barnes to muscle his way into regular contention for the three lions. However, if Barnes continues his progression and elevates his game to another level, a place on the plane to Qatar could be on the plate for the Leicester winger.

To make the England World Cup 2022 World Cup squad for Barnes is priced at 7/2.

Emile Smith-Rowe appeared in 31 games for Arsenal last season as one of their bright sparks in what was a disappointing campaign, as they finished eigth place in the Premier League. He, alongside Bukayo Saka, were just about all the Gunners fans could shout about.

Smith-Rowe is another talented attacking midfielder that Gareth Southgate will have the option of choosing from in future squad selections. The attacking midfielder is an excellent dribbler with an eye for a pass who is fearless on the pitch, and if he continues to impress with Arsenal, he will be on the radar.

However, as previously mentioned, Smith-Rowe will have to compete with the plethora of talent England already has in those areas. Similarly to Harvey Barnes, the young Arsenal player will need to step up his game and start performing at a higher level to stake his claim for a place at the World Cup in 2022.

Odds to make the England World Cup 2022 World Cup squad for him, the odds are 3/1.