The Three Lions reached the semi-finals in Russia four years ago but had to succumb to Luka Modric's Croatia, before suffering a penalty shootout failure against Italy last Euro 2020. As a result, the 2022 World Cup will carry the country's expectation of winning the major silverware after 56 years of waiting. Excitement for England's upcoming World Cup campaign will ramp up as manager Gareth Southgate picks out his best players who will fly to Qatar. With less than half a Premier League season to assess players' performance for the 26 seats up for grabs, the 52-year-old manager is having many options to shape his squad. Without further ado, let's take a look at potential players who could join England's World Cup 2022 squad.

The goalkeeper for Premier League club Everton was born on March 7, 1994. Joining the Merseyside club in 2017 with a price of 25 million Euros, he has been considered one of the most valuable English goalkeepers in football history. The football star has a son with Megan Davison in 2019. During his career, the 28-year-old player has been playing for several teams and has been a member of the national team since 2012.

A very promising player that never disappoints his supporters, Jordan Pickford is bound to have a ticket to Qatar with England. Despite Everton's poor performance this season with no victory, Pickford has been the club's few bright spots (as he has always been over the years). To compensate for his weak ball control, Pickford has amazing reflection and will be the strikers' greatest obstacle.

Born on May 28, 1994, John Stones began his career when he was only 17 years old. After showing his skills in Everton, he was signed to be a center-back for Premier League giant Manchester City in 2016. Despite his young age, John has won in a myriad of different games and competitions such as the EFL Cup, FA Cup, and more.

With Stones' composure and aerial strength - which will be useful for England's tactic, Southgate is likely to take him into the final squad, even though his performance in the Hungary match was not so good. The Three Lions' fans are looking forward to his technical ability and physical presence with the ball, which has consistently been proven over the last few years.

Born on July 23, 1993, Harry Kane is expected to be on the plane to Qatar. A professional footballer who has played for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, Harry Kane has been England's leading striker for a number of years. Going to the field under the number 10, Harry always impresses people with his exceptional goalscoring skill and how to lead the game. The promising goalscorer of England is hoping to set a new record soon as the legend, Wayne Rooney, has only 3 goals more than him.

After a disappointing start at the last season, it looks as if the England hitman has finally gained his best form. From 6 Premier League games this season, Harry Kane has found the back of the net 5 times, only behind Erling Haaland and Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Born on January 14, 1999, Declan Rice plays one of the most important roles for Premier League club West Ham United. As a defensive midfielder and sometimes center-back, the 23-year-old footballer once participated in a game against Hungary with a 4-0 defeat. At that time, he was considered a more ‘experienced’ member to be in that sad game. However, with his time representing the Republic of Ireland and England, his position when it comes to playing globally has risen exponentially.

With his proven passing skill and composure with the ball, Declan Rice is believed to have a position in Gareth Southgate's starting XI. Alarmingly, however, his performance this season has been under par as West Ham has won only one game out of six so far.

Playing for the England national team, Raheem Sterling was born on December 8, 1994. He has been an important part of Premier League club Chelsea as a winger and attacking midfielder. The talented winger has dominated the field since he was only 5 years old and has been on the national team since 2009. Without a doubt, for the 2022 World Cup, he is highly recommended for playing on a plane.

Considered one of the mainstays of the England team that can help the squad reach their victory, Raheem Sterling is having an acceptable start at his new club - Chelsea. He has scored 3 goals, in addition to 1 assist this season.

An experienced player of Premier League giant Manchester City, Kyle Walker was born on May 28, 1990. The No.2 has made great achievements when playing in the summer Nations League camp. Since then, he has been cited as an important ‘standard-bearer’ in the club. No one can doubt his skill in playing on the right of a back three when he goes on the field.

The father of four also played in the 2018 World Cup, so football fans in England are hoping Walker could make it to the 2022 World Cup. His current season, however, has so far been hampered by injury. Despite this, Walker is likely to remain Southgate's No.1 right-back, overpowering younger players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold or Reece James.

Born on January 10, Mason Mount is one of the most precious players of the England national team. At Chelsea, Mount's role as a creative central midfielder is indispensable. He has been training for football since he was only 6 years old. From being an amateur, the determined player got into England U16 in 2014, then England U17 the next year, and has been attached to the national team since then. With great experience and devotion to the king sport, Mount can meet every requirement from Southgate.

With impressive long-range passing skills and shooting abilities, Mason Mount is considered one of England's deadliest weapons in the upcoming World Cup. He is bound to get a place in Southgate's starting line-up, given his link to clubmates Raheem Sterling (who also appears on this list). Mount's performance this season has been alarmingly dull, however, as he hasn't nailed any goal or assist from 6 appearances.

One of the youngest players for the England national team this year, Bukayo Saka was born on September 5, 2001. Standing at 15th place among the best young footballers in 2020, the 21-year-old sportsman has gained a lot of attention from coaches. He is a truly talented member of Premier League club Arsenal as he can go to the field as a winger, left-back, or midfielder. Because of this, Southgate coaches put great trust in him and always go to Bukayo as a game-changer. With his skills, the Arsenal player is supported greatly when playing on Wembley field, just after the legendary Grealish.

A prolific winger with incredible pace, ball control, and link-up play, Bukayo Saka is expected to be a game-changer when England faces teams with impenetrable defense. He's enjoying a flying start with Arsenal, topping the EPL table with 5 wins after 6 games played. Saka himself has amassed 2 goals and 1 assist and is ready to prove that his missed penalty in the Euro final was just a mishap.

Born on March 5, 1993, Harry Maguire has been playing football since he was a teenager in Sheffield United. The young sportsman played as a center-back for Premier League club Manchester City and he also took the leading role for the group. Turning to his role in the England national team, the 29-year-old footballer always maintains his best and is believed to be one of the best center-half players under Southgate's regime.

With Erik Ten Hag's arrival and the signing of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, Maguire has lost his starting position in United's XI. Despite often being ridiculed by fans for his silly ball control, Maguire is undoubtedly one of Southgate's most experienced and stable defenders in the past years. That being said, the United captain is likely to remain an important player in England's World Cup 2022 squad.

Born on May 28, 2000, Phil Foden has taken the football world by storm in recent years. Although he is just 22 years old, Foden is already a key player in Manchester City's undefeatable machine. Having played 5 professional EPL seasons, Foden is one of the league's best wingers at the moment.

Phil Foden is considered by many experts as the backbone of England at the moment and in the future. With 1 goal and 2 assists this season, the young journeyman is expected to be a force to be reckoned with at World Cup 2022. Foden's impressive passing ability, shooting skill at narrow angles, and incredible work rate would allow England to break any defense.