England manager, Gareth Southgate, will start Arsenal’s in-form winger Bukayo Saka ahead of Phil Foden for their World Cup opener against Iran on Monday.
The Three Lions begin their World Cup campaign in Qatar on Monday against Iran in Group B.
Southgate is set to start the in-form Saka against Carlos Queiroz’s side, according to The Telegraph.
The 21-year-old will get the nod ahead of Manchester City’s Foden following a strong start to the season which has seen him deliver five goals and six assists for the table-topping Gunners.
Saka’s inclusion in the starting XI will be a deserved reward for his impressive start to the campaign with Arsenal. The youngster also made an impact off the bench last time out for England. Saka arrived along with Mason Mount and helped the Three Lions rescue a 3-3 draw against Germany after being 2-0 down in the Nations League in September.
Southgate is expected to revert to a back four against Iran and hand Harry Maguire a start in central defence alongside John Stones. Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw will reportedly be England’s two full-backs. Southgate will likely also start Jude Bellingham in midfield alongside Declan Rice, with Saka part of an attack that will also feature Mount, Raheem Sterling and captain Harry Kane.