Gareth Southgate dealt major injury blow with Kyle Walker a doubt after undergoing  groin surgery

Gareth Southgate has taken a major injury hit with Kyle Walker in doubt after undergoing groin surgery… with Harry Maguire facing another two weeks out, what other defensive options do England have?

  • England have been plagued by injury problems in defense ahead of the World Cup
  • Right back Kyle Walker is doubtful after undergoing groin surgery
  • Center back Harry Maguire is also expected to be out for another two weeks.
  • With the tournament drawing near, sports mail explore the remaining options

England boss Gareth Southgate’s defensive plans for the World Cup have taken a hit, with Kyle Walker a major doubt after undergoing groin surgery and Harry Maguire facing another two weeks out.

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sports mail revealed Thursday that Walker underwent the procedure this week. It was also confirmed that Kalvin Phillips underwent surgery on a shoulder injury, making him a doubt for Qatar as well.

Walker hopes to prove his fitness, but with the minimum recovery period from the operation being six weeks, he finds himself in a race against time. England’s tournament begins against Iran on November 21.

The England and Man City defender posted this photo from his hospital bed on Thursday.

Kyle Walker is a doubt for England’s World Cup campaign after he underwent surgery for a groin problem after walking off the pitch during Manchester City’s win over Man United on Sunday.

Maguire will be out for another 10-14 days after sustaining a hamstring injury in England’s draw with Germany. But Walker’s possible absence in Qatar should solidify the United man’s place.

Walker is one of Southgate’s guaranteed starters, regardless of the system. In a back three, he plays on the right side of the defence, where his breakneck pace of recovery is important to England’s ability to advance further down the pitch. In a four-man defense, he plays right back.

So if Walker goes missing, what options does Southgate have?

On the right side…

Reece James is the heir to the Walker throne at the right side of the England defense and is ready for the international stage.

In a back three, James will most likely play right back. In a four-man defence, he looks like the perfect replacement at right back. He could even play on the right side of a back three and it will be interesting to see if Southgate explores that option.

Maguire and John Stones appear to be the favorites to start at center back, but neither is lucky enough to have pace. That’s why Walker was so vital. James is also very fast and has played in the defense of three with Chelsea.

Walker’s possible omission fuels the Trent Alexander-Arnold debate. But Southgate is not convinced by the Liverpool man’s defensive skills. Just last week, Southgate put Kieran Trippier ahead of him in the pecking order, meaning that even if James plays in a back three, Alexander-Arnold is likely to miss out.

In the center of the back…

Eric Dier could take Walker’s place if Southgate uses a three-point defense. He has a lot of experience and is in the shape of his life at Spurs. But a defense of three from Stones, Maguire and Dier is not the fastest. Conor Coady is playing well at Everton but, like Dier, is struggling to keep up.

Marc Guehi is fast and highly rated by Southgate, but he did not play against Italy and Germany. Also Fikayo Tomori.

Tyrone Mings is the logic call. He has big game experience with England at Euro 2020 and being left-footed adds poise. Having lost his place in the team after a loss of form, Mings’ performances have improved of late.

But don’t rule out Arsenal’s Ben White. He has been outstanding this season, albeit playing right back. His versatility and tournament experience make him an option.

Marc Guehi (left) is a player who could replace Gareth Southgate in central defense

Marc Guehi (left) is a player who could replace Gareth Southgate in central defense

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