The endless pre-tournament conversations over who Gareth Southgate could, and should play in the World Cup opener are almost over as the Three Lions take on Iran this afternoon.
Best England vs Iran Betting Sites
Despite no changes to the 26-man squad who have travelled to Qatar, England still have several injury concerns weighing heavy with this fixture coming to soon for Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips and James Maddison.
Taking into account who we know is fully fit, as well as which players have long been Southgate’s most loyal generals, we have outlined our predicted line-up against Iran below.
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England Predicted Line-Up vs Iran
GK – Jordan Pickford
No surprises here. Although both Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope have performed with aplomb for their respective clubs this season, Pickford has been a mainstay for the Three Lions since Southgate took charge, and has consistently performed at a high level.
The England manager is in line to start with a back four according to several reports emerging this morning, which goes against the grain after the majority of fans and experts predicted a typically cautious five-at-the-back.
Harry Maguire is expected to keep his place despite featuring sporadically under Erik Ten Hag at United this season, while Kieran Trippier will feature at right-back ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
RB – Kieran Tripper
CB – Harry Maguire
CB – John Stones
LB – Luke Shaw
The most recent international break was nothing short of a disaster for the Three Lions, and a notable drawback that seemed to halt attacking passages of play was the absence of an attacking midfielder.
Mason Mount changed the game when coming on a substitute in the final game prior to the World Cup, dragging England to a 3-3 draw with Germany. He looks set to start in a midfield three with Declan Rice and 19-year-old maestro Jude Bellingham.
CM – Declan Rice
CM – Jude Bellingham
CAM – Mason Mount
With a packed schedule and very little rest in-between the domestic season cut-off and the opening game, Southgate has stressed plans to freshen up the team and rotate in the group stage.
Bukayo Saka poised to start for England v Iran in attacking line uphttps://t.co/nCRPqMWiyv
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) November 20, 2022
Bukayo Saka looks set to start his first ever World Cup game in a forward line alongside Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, but the likes of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford may feature in upcoming matches against the USA and Wales.
RW – Bukayo Saka
ST – Harry Kane
LW – Raheem Sterling
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