England were knocked out at the quarter-final stage of the 2022 World Cup in typical fashion.
Beaten 2-1 by holders France after a missed spot kick by the usually reliable Harry Kane, their exit had a very familiar feeling. So near, but always so far.
Yet there is a sense that England have been building towards something special over the course of the past eight years, ever since their run to the World Cup semi-finals in Russia in 2018.
With two European Championship final appearances, there is real hope of success at this summer’s World Cup.
Four years on from Qatar, Kane will still be the key figure, while goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will again be between the posts, barring injury. Declan Rice is a certain starter in midfield again. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham should have a big role to play after his World Cup debut four years ago. He is vastly more experienced now.
But much of the rest of the squad has evolved a lot from the one that went to Qatar, with many of that 26-strong group now struggling to remain in the picture under Thomas Tuchel. In fact, in the case of Raheem Sterling, struggling to even get a game of club football.
The Athletic looks at some of the squad members from four years ago to assess their chances of making the cut for the trip to the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.
Nick Pope
Pope was considered the back-up keeper to Pickford in Qatar four years ago, with the potential to succeed him, but a number of injuries — particularly the shoulder problem he picked up in the 2023-24 season when he missed 28 games for club and country — have hindered him.
Pope is still likely to be named as one of the three keepers but Dean Henderson’s development at Crystal Palace means he has slipped down the pecking order.
Aaron Ramsdale
Ramsdale has gone from being behind Pope in the queue for England four years ago to playing back-up to him at Newcastle United.
Ramsdale left Arsenal in 2024 to help his chances of regular first-team football and to push for an England spot, but his decision to choose Southampton proved to be disastrous, as they were relegated in spectacular fashion.
Ramsdale moved to Newcastle but has played only seven Premier League games so far this season. His chances of making the plane may now depend on the misfortune of others.
Conor Coady
Eric Dier, left, Conor Coady, centre, and Trent Alexander-Arnold may all miss out on this summer’s World Cup (Eddie Keogh/The FA via Getty Images)
At the time, it seemed likely Qatar would be Coady’s only chance to experience being a member of a World Cup squad, even though he had been part of the England pathway and played at youth level from under-16 upwards. His decision to drop into the Championship with Leicester City ended his international career. Now he is on loan at Charlton Athletic in the Championship, on loan from Wrexham.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
His move to join the galacticos of Real Madrid has not reinforced Alexander-Arnold’s England chances. The former Liverpool full-back has featured just once under Tuchel, as a substitute in the 1-0 win in Andorra in June last year, although ankle and hamstring injuries have hindered his availability.
It would be a major surprise if Alexander-Arnold made the squad this summer.
Harry Maguire
Maguire was one of seven players to start every game in Qatar but the disruption at Manchester United over the past four years has affected his international career.
A thigh injury this season has also reduced his availability and he has not featured in an England squad since September 2024.
He has returned to fitness and has been praised for his solid displays under Michael Carrick as Manchester United have won four consecutive games to breathe new life into their campaign.
Maguire is at least giving himself a chance of a recall.
John Stones
Like Maguire, Stones was an ever-present for England in Qatar. When he has been available, Tuchel has turned to the Manchester City defender. He played in four games in October and November last year but is currently struggling with a thigh problem that has sidelined him since the start of December.
If he is available, he stands a good chance of being selected but he has his work cut out to get back to fitness and form.
Ben White
White left the England squad during the tournament in Qatar for “personal reasons” and then made himself unavailable for selection during the rest of the Gareth Southgate era.
He has stated that he has spoken to Tuchel and made himself available again but has not had a recall and a return to international football for the Arsenal defender would still be a shock at this stage.
Luke Shaw
Shaw was another who started all five games in Qatar but has not received a call-up since the Euro 2024 final against Spain. Injuries have disrupted much of his career but he has now started every league game for Manchester United this season and, like Maguire, could have an outside chance of a late call-up if he maintains his form and fitness.
Eric Dier
Dier made two substitute appearances in Qatar but he seems a long way from the England picture now. Injuries and a loss of form have also disrupted his club season with Monaco. Dier may still harbour hopes of playing for the national team again but it seems extremely unlikely.
Kyle Walker
The Burnley full-back started three games in Qatar but has not featured in a squad since the home defeat by Senegal at Wembley shortly after Tuchel’s arrival.
At 35, with a relegation battle on his hands, Walker’s international race appears to be run, with younger full-back options emerging.
Conor Gallagher
His move from Atletico Madrid to Tottenham Hotspur may put Gallagher back into the picture but, like Walker, he has not been involved in a squad since the Senegal game and Tuchel looks to have moved on to other candidates.
Kalvin Phillips
Kalvin Phillips, left, has struggled for minutes in recent seasons and is now on loan in the Championship (Richard Sellers/Getty Images)
Phillips made two substitute appearances for England in Qatar but his career has been dramatically derailed since he left Leeds United to join Manchester City in 2022. Despite several loan moves — he is currently with Sheffield United in the Championship — Phillips has never been able to regain the form that led to 31 caps.
Jack Grealish
Grealish came on in all five games in Qatar but, like Phillips, his career at Manchester City stalled. He seemed to be reborn at Everton and despite the number of attacking options at Tuchel’s disposal now, Grealish looked to be pushing himself to the fore again after his last cap in 2024 until foot surgery ended his season — and his World Cup chances.
James Maddison
A late pick for the squad four years ago, Maddison has not played for his country since a friendly win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in June 2024. An anterior cruciate ligament injury in pre-season has wiped out his campaign.
Mason Mount
Mount started two games in Qatar but is another whose career has stalled since the tournament. The quarter-final against France was his last appearance for England and his troubles at Manchester United have seen him slip out of contention.
Football quickly moves on and Tuchel has other options now, despite Mount’s improvement this season.
Callum Wilson
Wilson made two substitute appearances in Qatar as Kane’s back-up but has not played for England since 2023 and the West Ham United striker has little chance of being Kane’s understudy again.
Raheem Sterling
Where did it all go wrong? Four years ago, he was one of England’s key players. He scored in the opening win over Iran but had to fly back to England after armed intruders broke into his home while his family were home.
Now he finds himself without a club after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent and has not played a game since May.