Ahead of England’s World Cup opener against Iran our writers thought they’d have a go at predicting Gareth Southgate’s starting eleven....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Given England’s poor form over the past few months that’s no easy task. The likes of Harry Kane and Declan Rice might be shoo-ins but there are plenty of other first team slots up for grabs, and plenty of unanswered questions.
What system will Southgate play? Who’s getting the nod at centre back? What will the front three look like? Well, nine of our writers reckon they’ve got the answers – read on to see who they’ve picked and why.
Jeremy Cross
(3-4-3): Pickford; Stones, Dier, Maguire; Trippier, Rice, Bellingham, Shaw; Saka, Kane, Foden.
Gareth Southgate will go back to the formation that served him so well at the last World Cup, albeit with some different personnel in it.
He wants pace and width going forward and both wingbacks Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier can provide it.
And Phil Foden deserves to start ahead of Raheem Sterling in attack. Foden has the world at his talented feet and this is now his big chance to take his career to a whole new level.
Chris McKenna
(3-4-2-1): Pickford; Stones, Dier, Maguire; Trippier, Rice, Bellingham, Shaw; Foden, Sterling; Kane,
I reckon Gareth Southgate will go as expected pretty much in the way most expect him to play despite Bukayo Saka and Mason Mount pushing for selection.
Maguire, Dier and Sterling should consider themselves lucky to start given their form but Southgate will most likely back them.
Will Schofield
(3-4-3): Pickford; White, Maguire, Stones; Alexander-Arnold, Bellingham, Rice, Trippier; Foden, Kane, Saka
Gareth Southgate will stick to what he knows as England make their 2022 World Cup bow. Despite his woes at Manchester United, Harry Maguire has been crucial to the Three Lions in recent tournaments – so I expect him to start.
Southgate’s been a big believer in Kalvin Phillips, but after an injury-riddled season, the Manchester City man should be left on the bench for the in-form Jude Bellingham.
Harry Brent
(3-4-3): Pickford; Stones, Dier, Maguire; Trippier, Bellingham, Rice, Shaw; Saka, Kane, Sterling
It was a toss up between Maguire and White at the back but I expect Southgate to remain loyal to the Manchester United man, who to be fair is tried and tested in major tournaments.
In this system the midfield two picks itself, while I expect Trippier to get the nod ahead of Alexander-Arnold at right wing-back. Kane and Sterling will probably start every game, and I think Saka will partner them against Iran, as England will need penetrative runners to get in behind what will no doubt be a very deep-lying backline.
Ciaran Wiseman
(4-2-3-1): Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Dier, Trippier; Bellingham, Rice; Saka, Mount, Foden; Kane
I expect Gareth Southgate to opt for an attacking line-up during the group stage. The likes of Ben White and James Maddison will miss out on the starting line-up despite their form, as Southgate calls on those with previous tournament experience.
Bukayo Saka edges out Raheem Sterling thanks to his performances this season, meanwhile, while Eric Dier sneaks in ahead of Harry Maguire to partner John Stones.
(3-4-3): Pickford; Stones, Dier, Maguire; Trippier, Rice, Bellingham, Shaw; Saka, Kane, Sterling.
I expect Gareth Southgate to play it relatively safe in England’s opener, with plenty of his tried-and-trusted favourites in the starting XI.
Raheem Sterling might not be a hugely popular choice in the front three, but he has always delivered for the Three Lions and has the tournament experience to warrant his place in the side.
Likewise, Eric Dier and Harry Maguire aren’t obvious form picks but have proven themselves on this stage in the past.
Rhys Daly
(3-4-3): Pickford; Stones, Dier, Maguire; Trippier, Rice, Bellingham, Shaw; Saka, Kane, Foden.
I think Gareth Southgate will resist bowing to pressure and stick with his tried and tested back five – but he’ll make an unexpected change up front.
Despite his faith in Raheem Sterling, I can see both Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden getting the nod ahead of him – either side of Harry Kane.
Although yet to create a formidable partnership, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham should be the men in midfield to hold and give – but do it at the right time.
Joshua Peck
(3-4-2-1): Pickford; Stones, Maguire, Dier; Trippier, Rice, Bellingham, Shaw; Mount, Foden; Kane
Mason Mount could be Southgate’s surprise pick that will help unlock the Iran defence. The Chelsea ace will support Phil Foden behind Harry Kane, and allow the option to bring pace on from the bench.
Harry Maguire has the trust of the England boss and will start. And it should be a relatively comfortable afternoon for the Three Lions backline.
Dan Burnham
(3-4-3): Pickford; Stones, Dier, Maguire; Trippier, Rice, Bellingham, Shaw; Saka, Kane, Sterling
I expect Gareth Southgate to change his formation on a game-by-game basis, just as he did last summer in the Euros.
While five defenders will elicit moans and groans from England fans, this should look more like a 3-4-3 with Trippier and Shaw bombing forward. The toughest choice for the Three Lions boss is who starts in the front three, and I think his favourite Sterling will get the nod over Foden for the opener.
