Southgate has four big decisions for England vs Iran World Cup clash

England Training

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England boss Gareth Southgate will be satisfied with his selection dilemma of needing to pick between an abundance of quality for his first XI of the World Cup with their group stage opener against Iran. The Three Lions boss will be hoping to use his 26-man squad to ensure his key players stay fresh for the month-long tournament, but the first fixture will offer an insight into who has impressed since landing in the Middle East.

The 52-year-old already knows he will be without two players for the clash, with James Maddison and Kyle Walker not fit enough to be in contention for the game. Maddison was forced to end his training session early on two occasions this week, while Walker is still recuperating after undergoing groin surgery.

Southgate is not typically renowned for making bold tactical choices in matches with high stakes. But it is understood he could release the shackles and allow his attacking players to take a leading role in a 4-3-3 setup due to defensive injuries, moving away from his tried and trusted 3-4-3 formation. 

With several key decisions to ponder before the game, Express Sport looks at four main issues for Southgate to resolve in picking his line-up.

1. Physical demands hand Mount boost

Southgate’s men have training all week at their base in Al Wakhrah as temperatures have soared above 30C on multiple days. However, they should get some relief when they head to the Khalifa International Stadium for their early afternoon kick-off as stadiums are air-conditioned to a lower temperature.

Still, the climate may be issue, especially given their opponents Iran are more accustomed to warmer temperatures, and that could force Southgate to field players who are energetic and can demonstrate impressive levels of stamina. That could benefit players of Mason Mount’s profile, who are blessed with incredible stamina levels and still able to press even late into the game.

Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are poised to continue in their blossoming central midfield partnership with Mason Mount playing further forward in a No 8 role. Iran will make life as difficult as possible for England in the tight areas of the pitch, and having an extra midfielder should allow them to dominate and control possession as their opponents sit with a low block. 

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2. Saka gets nod

There are some players who have cemented their status in the England team since the last tournament four years ago. Barring a late injury, Jordan Pickford will start in goal as he did in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Likewise, Harry Kane will not only captain the team in Qatar but the Tottenham star is expected to lead the line too.

The conundrum he faces is which players to pick in the three-man attack. But given how they performed at Euro 2020 last year and also since then, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling are likely to slot in either side of Kane.

Phil Foden will no doubt be disappointed if he is left out of the starting XI, given his total of 11 goals and assists this season. But the Manchester City star could be saved for Friday’s clash against the USA, when England may require their technicians to come into the side and break down a stubborn American backline.

3. Trippier trumps Trent

Southgate will face tough decisions in all areas of the pitch, and he will surely remind his players that there are three games for them to impress, not just this one. And for Trent Alexander-Arnold, it is likely the Liverpool man will have to bide his time.

Injuries to Walker and Reece James have left Southgate with fewer options that he might have wanted on the right flank. But with Kieran Trippier one of the best performers in the Premier League this season and a favourite of Southgate’s, Alexander-Arnold may find himself on the bench.

That could change for the other two fixtures against the USA and Wales, with Luke Shaw’s fitness perhaps allowing Trippier to fill in at left-back, freeing up a slot for Alexander-Arnold to get a chance to prove himself.

4. Maguire the main man

The England manager’s public backing of Harry Maguire could see the Manchester United defender start alongside John Stones in a two-man centre-back partnership.

Maguire’s form for his club has left a lot to be desired over the past 12 months, but his performances at the 2018 World Cup would not have been forgotten by Southgate. He has also shown flashes of confidence in training after performing a sublime skill on Saturday and the Maguire of England may well be very different to the United player who has struggled.

leaving Eric Dier and Conor Coady on the bench as reserve options, and it remains possible they could be rotated if England qualify before their final game against Wales.

England’s predicted starting XI vs Iran (4-3-3): Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham, Mount; Saka, Kane, Sterling.

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