Harry Maguire is in line to start in England’s opener against Iran later today as Gareth Southgate prepares to get the ball rolling with three points.
The Daily Mail claim Southgate is going to utilise a back four against Iran and they are expecting an attacking line-up, with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka likely to get the nod over Manchester City’s Phil Foden. This, of course, means Marcus Rashford is set to make the bench despite impressing in the Premier League this season.
At least Maguire is expected to start alongside John Stones in the heart of defence behind first-choice goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Luke Shaw is believed to be hopeful of getting the nod at left-back, while Kieran Trippier could operate from the opposite flank.
The news won’t come as a surprise given Maguire has been one of Southgate’s most trusted lieutenants in major tournaments since he got the job in 2016 following a three-year spell as England U21 boss. Conor Coady has been singing the United skipper’s praises ahead of the game by saying he is a fantastic player and person.
Maguire, who has lots of critics, will have to overcome criticism about his form for Manchester United after losing his place in Erik ten Hag’s starting line-up, however, the World Cup can give him a chance to build on confidence.
Likely England line-up via the Mail (4-2-1-3): Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham; Mount; Sterling, Kane, Saka.
The Three Lions are likely to rotate throughout the group stages, but let us know in the comments section if you think Rashford belongs in England’s strongest starting line-up? Ten Hag won’t want to see him get burnt out in Qatar and that’s a fact.
