The Athletic’s Rob Tanner runs the rule over England and Wales’ squads for the Qatar World Cup. Gareth Southgate will be hoping to continue his tournament-on-tournament growth with the Three Lions, having led them to a semi-final at the 2018 Russian World Cup and the final of the 2020 Euros.
Leicester City’s James Maddison looms as the wildcard in Southgate’s squad; although his sole England cap came in 2019, his start to the Premier League season has seen him preferred to Jadon Sancho and James Ward-Prowse.
Wales have reached the World Cup finals for the second time in their history, breaking a 64-year drought dating back to 1958. While they may be unfancied to progress from Group B, where they’ll meet the USA, Iran and England, Rob Page’s side features the leadership that has caused upsets at major tournaments before, spearheaded by Gareth Bale.