David Beckham singles out two England stars key to World Cup success

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David Beckham believes the strength in depth of the England squad will be key to their success at the World Cup in Qatar. The former Three Lions skipper has singled out Phil Foden and Jack Grealish as key components for Gareth Southgate.

England brushed aside Iran 6-2 in their opener on Monday. The USA are next up on Friday evening and victory would secure qualification to the knockout stage.

Southgate is widely expected to name the same starting XI as he did against Iran, barring any late changes. Foden and Grealish will therefore have to settle for appearances off the substitutes bench, if they get on at all.

They both came on in the second half on Monday, with Grealish scoring England’s sixth goal. Beckham believes Southgate’s side have a good chance to go far in the competition.

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And he points to the likes of Foden and Grealish as the reason for that. Beckham told talkSPORT: “The England team are in good shape.

“We had a great start to the tournament and the lads are feeling good, they are looking good. The atmosphere is great between them all and the fans are feeling that so fans are reacting to that.

“The excitement will now be building towards this game tonight. It is a great opportunity for many of the players.

“You saw the other night, we have a strong starting eleven but it is not just about the starting eleven, we have a strong bench. When you see Jack and when you see Phil come off the bench, those things are important in a tournament like this and I am excited about tonight.”

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England are not set to take the USA lightly at all. They have never beaten them at a World Cup, something Southgate reminded the media at his press conference on Thursday.

Southgate said: “Have we ever beaten the States in a major tournament? No, I didn’t think so. So tomorrow we have to try to make history.”

James Maddison remains the only player not available to Southgate. The Leicester star could be back in the squad for Tuesday’s final group game against Wales.

Harry Kane is fit despite an injury scare, while Harry Maguire will win his 50th cap after overcoming illness. Kyle Walker will again be among the substitutes as he continues his full recovery after groin surgery.

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