England boss Gareth Southgate has been handed another World Cup blow just weeks before the tournament is set to commence. Defender Ben Chilwell pulled up with a hamstring problem in Chelsea’s Champions League victory over Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.
The left-back is just the latest Three Lions star to suffer an injury in the build-up to the trip to Qatar later this month. From the distraught reaction of the player and the pictures of him leaving Stamford Bridge on crutches, it is feared that Chilwell’s World Cup dreams have been shattered.
With Luke Shaw now the only option Southgate has to call upon to field on the left side of the defence, he will need to look at other options to either play as an understudy for the Manchester United star or tussle with him for a place in the starting lineup.
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An easy option would be for the England manager to turn to right-sided full-back Kieran Trippier, who he has been utilised on the left before, as an alternative. But to offer his squad depth, he will likely add another defender to his squad to replace Chilwell if the prognosis is as feared.
Here are a few of the possibilities for Southgate...
James Justin
Like Trippier, Justin is naturally right-footed but he has played on either flank at Leicester City under Brendan Rodgers. It was only two seasons ago when his name was being mentioned around the England picture and had he not suffered a serious injury that curtailed his campaign, he might have earned a handful of caps by now.
With the Foxes having a little bit of a resurgence in the Premier League in recent weeks, Justin has looked bright and fate might just have offered him a second chance to earn his first Three Lions call-up.
Tyrick Mitchell
The Crystal Palace defender is a natural left-footer so that in itself is a huge tick in his favour. He is a good defender who loves to tackle. The 23-year-old is an energetic hassler who swarms on attacking players, making it difficult for them to breathe.
Mitchell made his Three Lions debut earlier in the year, so he at least has some experience in the senior dressing room. And while he may not be as explosive in attack as Shaw, he offers a different dynamic and is arguably a stronger defender.
Rico Henry
Brentford’s dependable wing-back has been a consistent performer for the Bees in the top-flight. Due to the fierce competition to fill one of the spots in Southgate’s squad, Henry has gone under the radar.
Thomas Frank has predominantly utilised him as a wing-back but Southgate will be aware that he would be getting a defender who can attack as well as support his centre-backs.
Ryan Sessegnon
Also deployed as a wing-back, Sessegnon possesses the qualities to hurt teams with his attacking play having been involved in three league goals for Antonio Conte’s side. The only drawback with him is he is a converted winger and the defensive side of his game is not quite at the level needed for an international tournament.
It would take a much larger injury crisis for Southgate to turn to the Spurs defender, you would think.
Matt Targett
The Newcastle United defender was one of the January signings who helped kickstart the new era at St James’ Park last season. Targett rediscovered his form after falling out of favour at Aston Villa, but following another transfer window he has found himself a victim to squad rotation.
He has only played a full 90 minutes on four occasions in the Premier League this term, which might hinder his chances to deputise for Chilwell in the World Cup squad.
