England boss Gareth Southgate ‘recieves major double injury boost’ …

Southgate praises Bellingham after England draw with Germany

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England manager Gareth Southgate has been handed a double injury boost before naming his provisional squad for the 2022 World Cup. With less than a month to go until the showcase kicks off in Qatar, two Three Lions regulars under Southgate’s regime are closing in on a return to action.

Southgate is expected to name a 55-man squad imminently before cutting it down to the final 26-man travelling party on Thursday, 10 November. And two stalwarts of England’s memorable run to the Euro 2020 final are making strides to beat their race for fitness.

According to the Daily Star, Manchester City pair Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips expect to receive the green light to return to light training this coming week. Both Walker, groin, and Phillips, shoulder, are recovering from surgery but have made good progress and are now primed to return to the training pitch.

Walker hasn’t featured since being forced off injured in the 41st minute of Man City’s Manchester derby win at the Etihad Stadium at the start of October. But the report claims that there is a feeling the 32-year-old would still go to the World Cup, even if he isn’t fit to face Iran in England’s group-stage opener on November 21.

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Southgate could view Walker as his first-choice right-wing-back, with Reece James ruled out through injury and Trent Alexander-Arnold enduring topsy-turvy form this season. His ability to slot in as the right-sided centre-back in a back three makes him all the more enticing.

Phillips’ situation is different amid a difficult start to life at Man City since completing his £42million move from Leeds United in the summer. The 25-year-old managed just 13 minutes before going under the knife but formed a crucial midfield partnership with Declan Rice at Euro 2020 and has established himself as a regular since.

Phillips would boost Southgate’s squad in defensive midfield, an area in which the Three Lions are somewhat light of elite quality now Jordan Henderson looks past his best. But Jude Bellingham has emerged as a more-than-capable replacement, pairing with Rice in recent internationals.

The uncertainty surrounding the right-back position would likely make Walker the more welcome returnee ahead of the World Cup. But both stars would undoubtedly have a big part to play in England’s campaign if they become available for selection in the weeks ahead.

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