Sam Allardyce Named England XI he Would Have Won 2022 World Cup With

Would England have won the 2022 World Cup if they had Sam Allardyce, rather than Gareth Southgate, in the dugout during the showpiece international tournament? Well, the man himself still believes so.

Prior to the most-recent World Cup, which was, of course, won by Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates, Southgate’s predecessor named the Three Lions’ XI that he felt would go all the way in Qatar. Finalists at Euro 2020, Southgate and co. were among the pre-World Cup favourites but eventually fell at the quarter-final stage, losing 2-1 to France.

A late goal from Olivier Giroud resulted in another dose of major tournament heartbreak for England, who have experienced more than their fair share of bitter disappointments since the last time they were crowned world champions in 1966. Southgate remained head coach for Euro 2024 and reached another final, but stepped down after losing to Spain and has been replaced (temporarily, at least) by Lee Carsley.

It’s important to note that Allardyce – best known for his long career as a Premier League manager with the likes of Bolton Wanderers and West Ham – had his chance of managing England, only for his contract to be terminated by mutual consent following allegations of malpractice. He won the only game of his ill-fated 67-day reign: a 1-0 victory over Slovakia thanks to a late Adam Lallana goal. Southgate then replaced Allardyce and the rest is history.

We’ll never know for certain whether things would have been better or worse for England if the former Bolton man had remained in charge of the national team. But speaking on William Hill’s and Footy Accumulators’ No Tippy Tappy Football podcast alongside his former assistant Sammy Lee, per The Sun, Big Sam was asked if he could win the World Cup as England manager. His answer to that question was emphatic:

Allardyce then went on to name his ideal starting XI for the tournament. And while some players have been incredible servants to England in recent years, other selections made by him are, ahem… interesting to say the least.

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

England caps – 68

No real surprise here as Allardyce confirmed: “We’d go for Jordan Pickford in goal.” The Everton goalkeeper has never let England down, particularly at major tournaments, and remained Southgate’s No. 1 for Euro 2024 in Germany.

Pickford does have his fair share of critics, but for the most part, he is a reliable presence between the sticks, and has also been a good servant to the Toffees since arriving at Goodison Park in 2017. Now 30-years-old, has Pickford’s best opportunity to win a major trophy with England now passed him by? Expect him to still be England’s first-choice ‘keeper for the 2026 World Cup finals.

Right-Back: Reece James

England caps – 16

On his day, there aren’t many right-backs in world football better than Reece James, who excels at all facets of the game. Strong, defensively sound, and dangerous going forward – the Chelsea man has shown what he is capable of time and time again.

However, injuries have plagued the 24-year-old’s career since he lifted the Champions League trophy with the Blues in 2021. James has played little football in recent seasons, despite being the club captain, and considering the performances of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker, he might struggle to get back into the fold under Carsley. Seeing as Allardyce made his selections before James’ injury problems really became an issue, we’ll spare our criticism for this pick.

Centre-Back: Harry Maguire

England caps – 63

Maguire, like Pickford, has his fair share of critics who believe that he shouldn’t be near the England starting XI. The Manchester United defender has endured his fair share of troubles at Old Trafford, making costly mistakes which at times have cost his side games.

Nevertheless, it’s rare to see the former Leicester City man ever put a foot wrong for his country, and Southgate stood by him through thick and thin. Maguire’s performances for England are likely the reason why Allardyce also opted for him in the 2022 World Cup XI, and seeing as the 31-year-old is still playing fairly regularly for the Red Devils, you can be sure that he will continue to be a stalwart in the Three Lions’ defence.

Centre-Back: Conor Coady

England caps – 10

A controversial pick, perhaps. Allardyce chose not to play John Stones, Maguire’s regular defensive partner and one of the best defenders in world football, selecting former Wolves skipper Conor Coady instead. The defender was picked by Southgate for the 2022 World Cup, but proved to be more of an off-field leader during the tournament.

Coady would bring valuable experience to the side, having been an incredible servant to the Old Gold during his time at Molineux. Would England have won the World Cup with him playing instead of Stones, though? It seems unlikely. Now at Leicester City, fans might have also seen the last of the 31-year-old in the famous white shirt.

Left-Back: Luke Shaw

England caps – 34

No surprises from Allardyce with his final defensive pick, though, as he opted for regular defender Luke Shaw at left-back. Ben Chilwell might have been another possible option, but the Man United man’s imperious displays for club and country have made him Southgate’s preferred option, and indeed his predecessor’s.

Just as capable going forward as he is at defending, proven by his goal against Italy at Euro 2020, Shaw can do it all. One of the finest left-backs in the English top-flight today, his only issue is fitness, as he has missed many games for both United and England because of various issues. He did, however, play every game while in Qatar.

Centre-Midfielder: Declan Rice

England caps – 58

Moving into midfield, Declan Rice would have been one of the first names on Allardyce’s teamsheet were he in charge for the 2022 World Cup. The former West Ham captain brings leadership and technical brilliance to England’s engine room, having done so ever since his debut in 2019.

The Arsenal man’s defensive intelligence makes him invaluable to his national side, something which is recognised by both Southgate and Allardyce. A good tackler, strong, combative in the air – he is a Big Sam player all over. Fans might not have seen him popping up further forward under the Bolton icon’s watch, though.

Centre-Midfielder: Jude Bellingham

England caps – 36

There was no chance of Allardyce leaving Bellingham out of his starting XI for the World Cup. No manager with any sense would leave out such a gifted footballer. The Real Madrid superstar is a generational talent, who at the time was integral to Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga title charge.

Southgate also turned to Bellingham in Qatar, and the 21-year-old repaid the faith shown to him in spades. A goal against Iran and an assist against Senegal were just the cherry on top, as the marauding midfielder performed at the highest level during England’s five games. Those outings ended up catching the eye of Real Madrid – we all know what happened next…

Centre-Midfielder: Mason Mount

England caps – 36

Having won Chelsea’s Player of the Season award twice while at Stamford Bridge, it’s hard to be too outraged by Allardyce picking Mason Mount over all the other options. The midfielder had played a key role in the Blues’ run to the Champions League final after all, and was considered to be one of the brightest sparks in the English setup by many.

The run-up to Qatar, however, was not as fruitful. Mount struggled for Chelsea in 2022-23, although he was a part of a much bigger problem at Stamford Bridge. The dynamic midfielder only started in the Three Lions’ opening two games of the tournament, before dropping to the bench and being utilised as a substitute. Now at Manchester United, we’re yet to see the midfielder shine at Old Trafford.

Right-Wing: Bukayo Saka

England caps – 40

Arsenal’s starboy was a shoo-in for Allardyce, and with good reason too. Having initially been deployed in a left-back role, Bukayo Saka has flourished under Mikel Arteta, going from strength to strength and becoming a vital part of the England setup too.

Getting the Gunners off to a fast start in 2022-23, one which nearly saw them capture the Premier League crown at the end of the season, Saka was just as impressive for England in Qatar. The winger bagged three goals and an assist against France too, looking like a seasoned pro despite only being 21 years of age.

Striker: Harry Kane

England caps – 98

Obviously the England captain wasn’t going to miss out here. Kane is arguably the most important member of the Three Lions setup, bringing leadership but more importantly, goals. No player has scored more than the former Tottenham man, whose record now stands at 66 – that will take some beating.

While Kane is a certainty to play whenever England step foot onto the pitch, provided he is fit, he did have a World Cup to forget in 2022. Not only did he miss a decisive penalty against France in the quarter-finals which led to his country’s elimination, but he only managed to find the back of the net twice – a tally bettered by both Saka and Marcus Rashford.

Left-Wing: Phil Foden

England caps – 41

Foden completes the front three of this hypothetical team, which looked very similar to Southgate’s first-choice attack at times too. While the Man City man’s best position is up for debate, there is no denying that the Stockport-born ace is a terrific talent all across the pitch. Possessing lightning-fast feet and a decent shooting touch too, Foden would get into just about anybody’s England first XI.

He was one of the Three Lions’ standout performers in Qatar and also caught the eye, at times, during Euro 2024. Will the 2026 World Cup by the tournament where Foden really shines, though? It won’t be long before we find out.