Arsenal
Predicting England’s Starting Lineup For The World Cup – 4 From Liverpool, 1 Each From Chelsea & Arsenal
Every four years a wave of expectations grab England in a bear hug which engulfs almost every other person from the bylanes of London to the deserted streets of Tyneside. The World Cup 2014 which is just over a fortnight away is expected to churn out similar thoughts, feelings and raise great expectations for the eleven playing on the glittering Sambaland, one wonders if the cycle of ‘failings’ continues all over again.
Dumped out of the World Cup in 2010 by Germany after a legitimate Frank Lampard goal not given, it was perhaps rubbing salt in the wounds after the dreaded penalty shootout against Portugal in 2006 in Germany when almost the entire World ridiculed the protagonists of the game. If you wonder England always under performs or rather I should say loses every time they take the World Cup read the following extract from the wonderful book every football fan must have in their hands, Soccernomics the gem of a piece scripted by Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski. Like the cover says it’s well worth a read if any English football fan; essentially, you overvalue your football heritage and undervalue the benefits of innovation.
- The English Premiere League doesn’t employ enough English players, thereby allowing too many foreigners to gain high-level experience at the expense of native lads.
- The English players in the EPL are too exhausted after the long season (although foreign EPL players are apparently exempt from such exhaustion).
- English technique is simply inferior to other squads’, whether the Germans’ hyper-organization or the South Americans’ run-and-gun; but, having invented the game, England still thinks its technique is supreme.
- English fans and media expect too much and thereby create too much pressure. (That might explain why Wayne Rooney and all the rest seemed scared to even take a shot in the Algeria draw in 2010.)
More on Soccernomics later. Today we take a look at England’s best possible starting eleven for the World Cup, this time in Brazil.
Goalkeeping:
Joe Hart remains the first choice and will definitely take his place under the bar against Italy in the Three Lions’ opening encounter against European runners up and one of the major title contenders Italy. Cesare Prandelli has instilled a new belief on the Azzurri’s who are willing to shed their history suggesting ‘boring’ football to an attacking brand of style and substance. A tricky group for England might well see them crashing out in the group stages, one in which Joe Hart will have a busy time in the Latin America heat.
Defense:
Glen Johnson should be deployed at right back by Uncle Roy, who seems to revel his players in a 4-4-2 setup. Leighton Baines should be given the nod ahead of Luke Shaw for the left back slot. Phil Jagielka should certainly take his place alongside Gary Cahill in the heart of the defense even if Manchester United’s Phil Jones is deemed fit. Cahill has been a revelation under Jose Mourinho this season for Chelsea, and Hodgson should be hoping he could replicate his league form with the three lions. The heart of the defense will come severe scrutiny especially against Uruguay who have a devastating top three up front in attacking boasting the likes of Forlan, Suarez and Cavani.
Midfield:
This is where the game would be won or lost by England. A lot of tactical variations have bee talked about over the past few weeks relating Hodgson to tweak his tactics and experiment in the tournament to adapt themselves according to the opposition. However, I believe rather than adjusting to their opponents, England need to be proactive right throughout the tournament. A 4-4-2 diamond suits England the best and given the options they have in their squad. Steven Gerrard should play in his familiar quarter back role he has taken up for Liverpool this season while wither of Jordan Henderson or Jack Wilshere wide right alongside Adam Lallana on the other flank.
I would however prefer Henderson given his immense work rate and valuable covering up and driving abilities. Raheem Sterling plays a key role in my setup, at the top of the diamond, constantly harassing the opposition with his trickery, intelligence and raw pace.
Strikeforce:
Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney should lead the attack but the Liverpool-United pair need to make sure they complement the other up front. Rooney will continuously drop deep to be the bridge between midfield and attack and also aid Sterling to run directly at the opposition defense by dragging defenders out of position. If however the system doesn’t work, Hodgson can be expected to go for a single striker in an attempt to overload the midfield in a 4-5-1 system.
Talks on tactics, fables and history would continue but can England finally bust the quarter final myth?
Arsenal and the Rwanda Development Board have mutually agreed to terminate their controversial sleeve sponsorship when the current season concludes in June 2026. The partnership, which made Visit Rwanda Arsenal’s first-ever sleeve partner in 2018, will end after eight seasons amid ongoing criticism about Rwanda spending millions on Premier League advertising while facing poverty challenges domestically.
Financial Success Justifies Rwandan Investment
Rwanda’s tourism revenues increased 47% since the partnership began, reaching $650 million in 2024 with visitor arrivals hitting 1.3 million. These figures vindicate the Rwanda Development Board’s decision to invest heavily in Arsenal’s global platform despite fierce backlash when the deal was initially announced.
Jean-Guy Afrika, Rwanda Development Board CEO, acknowledged the partnership’s groundbreaking impact. “It broke new ground for tourism boards around the world, driving awareness and visitation for Rwandan tourism at a pace traditional campaigns could never match.”
The collaboration included Arsenal Heritage Day at Emirates Stadium and visits from club legends including Alex Scott, Mathieu Flamini, and Bacary Sagna, alongside current players Jurrien Timber, Caitlin Foord, and Katie McCabe. They experienced Rwanda’s mountain gorilla trekking, Big Five safaris in Akagera, and participated in the annual Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony.
Strategic Pivot to LA Rams and SoFi Stadium
Rwanda’s decision reflects broader strategy to diversify sports partnerships beyond football. The nation recently partnered with LA Rams and SoFi Stadium through the Kroenke Sports & Entertainment Group, signaling expansion into American markets.
Arsenal CEO Richard Garlick emphasized the partnership’s financial importance. “The commitment and support of Visit Rwanda throughout our partnership has played an important role in driving forward our ambitions – helping us invest in our long-term vision to win major trophies, in a financially sustainable way.”
Rwanda remains committed through the remainder of the 2025-26 season, with Visit Rwanda continuing as sleeve sponsor for Arsenal’s men’s and women’s teams until June 2026.
Read More: Bukayo Saka Names Former Arsenal Star as Best Player He’s Played With Despite Kane and Rice Options
Arsenal Dragon
Double Injury Blow: Arsenal Attacker Suffers Setback as Gabriel Magalhaes Faces Potential Two-Month Absence
Arsenal have been dealt a devastating double injury blow during the international break, with Kai Havertz suffering a minor relapse and Gabriel Magalhaes potentially sidelined for two months with a thigh injury sustained representing Brazil.
Havertz’s Return Delayed Until Year’s End
Julian Nagelsmann confirmed Havertz has experienced complications in his recovery from August’s knee surgery. “Kai had a minor relapse on his injury, but overall, he’s doing well. He is expected to return towards the end of the year,” the Germany manager stated after his side’s 6-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Slovakia.
The setback eliminates any possibility of Havertz featuring in Sunday’s North London derby against Tottenham. The 26-year-old has been restricted to just one appearance this season, playing 30 minutes in Arsenal’s opening-day victory over Manchester United before undergoing a “minor surgical procedure” on his knee.
Havertz initially targeted mid-November for his comeback after spending three months on the treatment table. This latest relapse extends his absence through December, forcing Arsenal to continue relying on Mikel Merino as an auxiliary striker option.
Gabriel’s Thigh Injury Compounds Crisis
Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a thigh injury during Brazil’s friendly against Senegal, with early indications suggesting a one-to-two month absence. The Brazilian defender has arguably been Arsenal’s most important performer this season, making his potential absence devastating for Mikel Arteta’s title ambitions.
Arsenal face a congested fixture schedule through the festive period without two crucial first-team players. Viktor Gyokeres remains doubtful for the derby with his own hamstring problem, while Riccardo Calafiori has been ruled out of Italy’s World Cup qualifier against Norway with a thigh issue.
The injury crisis leaves Arsenal dangerously thin across multiple positions heading into the busiest period of the season. Arteta must navigate crucial matches against Tottenham, Manchester City, and Liverpool while managing an increasingly depleted squad.
Read More: (Video and Photos) Watch Mikel Merino’s Impressive Choices as he Goes Jersey Shopping
Arsenal Women will be looking to end a three-game winless run when they welcome Real Madrid Women to Meadow Park for Wednesday’s Women’s Champions League contest. As for Las Blancas, they will be desperate to bounce back from Saturday’s heavy defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico.
Arsenal Women vs. Real Madrid Women: Predicted Lineups
Arsenal Women (4-2-3-1): Van Domselaar; Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley, Hinds; Pelova, Cooney-Cross; Mead, Caldentey, Foord; Russo
Real Madrid Femenino (4-2-3-1): Misa; Navarro, Mendez, Lakrar, Holmgaard; Angeldal, Dabritz; Feller, Weir, Caicedo; Redondo
Also read: Ailing Katie Reid Receives Words of Consolation From Arsenal Loanee Suffering From Same Injury
Match Preview
Arsenal have struggled for consistency this season, recording five wins, four draws and three defeats in 12 competitive matches. The Gunners have gone three games without a win since their 4-1 victory over Leicester City at the start of the month.
They played out draws against Chelsea and Tottenham, either side of a disappointing 3-2 defeat against Bayern Munich on matchday three. Renee Slegers’s side gave up a two-goal lead in Germany, representing their second European defeat after losing 2-1 to Lyon in their first outing.
The reigning European champions sit in 11th place and just a point ahead of teams outside the top 12. Arsenal can take confidence from already beating Real Madrid on home soil this year, claiming a 3-0 victory to overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit in March’s quarter-final clash.
Fifth-placed Real Madrid are comfortably inside the top 12 and eyeing a top-four spot. Las Blancas started with a 6-2 victory over Roma, before edging out PSG 2-1 in France. Pau Quesada’s side looked set to fall to their first European defeat against Paris FC, before Caroline Weir rescued her side with a 98th-minute equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw.
Weir saw her penalty saved in Saturday’s El Clasico against Barcelona. The Blaugrana went on to score two late goals to wrap up a 4-0 victory, dropping Real Madrid to fourth position in the Liga F table.
Team News
Arsenal remain without Manuela Zinsberger, Katie Reid, Leah Williamson and Kim Little. Victoria Pelova could earn a recall after dropping to the bench against Tottenham.
Real Madrid travel without Merle Frohms, Antonia, Sandie Toletti and Signe Bruun. Sara Holmgaard could return at left-back, while Alba Redondo is pushing for a recall.
Kick-off: 8:00 PM Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Venue: Meadow Park, Borehamwood
TV: Disney+ (UK) | Paramount+ (USA)
Also read: 3 Things We Learned From Arsenal Women’s Frustrating 0-0 Draw Against Tottenham Women
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