Harry Maguire Start England's World Cup Opener In A Back Four Against Iran And Gareth Southgate Is Set To Play 4-3-3
Despite questions of doubt surrounding Harry Maguire, manager Gareth Southgate will let the Manchester United center-back start in a four-man form against Iran in England's opener.
Jude Bellingham will likely play as Gareth Southgate opts for a 4-4-3 formation.
And, Bukayo Saka will reportedly start ahead of Phil Foden.
The 29-year-old was key in the Three Lion’s 2018 World Cup semi-final run and was then called up to the team of the tournament as England ended runners-up at Euro 2020.
Still, the case of Bellingham is less controversial with the 19-year-old having and great season at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 9 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions this campaign. The formation change from Southgate means there’s space for an extra midfielder in the starting XI. As a result, Jude Bellingham will make his first World Cup start against Iran.
Coach Gareth Southgate will also let Saka play against Carlos Queiroz’s side, according to The Telegraph. The 21-year-old will take the nod ahead of Manchester City’s Foden following a great start to the season which has seen him archive 5 goals and 6 assists for the table-topping Gunners.
"Kyle Walker is a little bit short for this game but is progressing really well. We are ahead of where we thought he might be at this point," Southgate said in his news conference on Sunday.
"James hasn't been able to train since we arrived so he will not be able to make the game tomorrow."
Southgate added: "Our challenge is to give our supporters a tournament that's memorable. We have taken them on fantastic journeys in our lives to tournaments.
"Our country is also going through a difficult spell - not the same as some of the other countries around the world.
"But we're in an economic recession and life has been difficult for a lot of our people so we want them to enjoy their football and have a journey with our team that brings some real happiness."
"We have discussed taking the knee," Southgate said. "We feel we should. It's what we stand for as a team and have done for a long period of time.
"Of course, we understand in the Premier League that clubs have decided to only do that for certain games, big occasions, we feel this is the biggest.
"We think it is a strong statement to go around the world for young people, in particular, to see that inclusivity is very important."
Premier League captains determined ahead of the beginning of this season to have specific moments to take a knee rather than creating the gesture at every match.
The Three Lions agreed to perform the act ahead of the opening round, dedicated 'No Room For Racism' matches in October and March, on Boxing Day and the final round; the same to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals.
Jude Bellingham will likely play as Gareth Southgate opts for a 4-4-3 formation.
And, Bukayo Saka will reportedly start ahead of Phil Foden.
Maguire will start England's World Cup opener in a back four against Iran and Gareth Southgate is set to play 4-3-3
Source: gettyimages
The 29-year-old was key in the Three Lion’s 2018 World Cup semi-final run and was then called up to the team of the tournament as England ended runners-up at Euro 2020.
Still, the case of Bellingham is less controversial with the 19-year-old having and great season at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 9 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions this campaign. The formation change from Southgate means there’s space for an extra midfielder in the starting XI. As a result, Jude Bellingham will make his first World Cup start against Iran.
Coach Gareth Southgate will also let Saka play against Carlos Queiroz’s side, according to The Telegraph. The 21-year-old will take the nod ahead of Manchester City’s Foden following a great start to the season which has seen him archive 5 goals and 6 assists for the table-topping Gunners.
Maddison, Walker is out of the Iran match
Source: skysports
"Kyle Walker is a little bit short for this game but is progressing really well. We are ahead of where we thought he might be at this point," Southgate said in his news conference on Sunday.
"James hasn't been able to train since we arrived so he will not be able to make the game tomorrow."
Southgate added: "Our challenge is to give our supporters a tournament that's memorable. We have taken them on fantastic journeys in our lives to tournaments.
"Our country is also going through a difficult spell - not the same as some of the other countries around the world.
"But we're in an economic recession and life has been difficult for a lot of our people so we want them to enjoy their football and have a journey with our team that brings some real happiness."
England is to take a knee before the Iran opener
Source: gettyimages
"We have discussed taking the knee," Southgate said. "We feel we should. It's what we stand for as a team and have done for a long period of time.
"Of course, we understand in the Premier League that clubs have decided to only do that for certain games, big occasions, we feel this is the biggest.
"We think it is a strong statement to go around the world for young people, in particular, to see that inclusivity is very important."
Premier League captains determined ahead of the beginning of this season to have specific moments to take a knee rather than creating the gesture at every match.
The Three Lions agreed to perform the act ahead of the opening round, dedicated 'No Room For Racism' matches in October and March, on Boxing Day and the final round; the same to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals.
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