2022 World Cup: Southgate’s England lineup vs Iran clash

In England’s opening World Cup match against Iran on Monday, Gareth Southgate is anticipated to use some unexpected tactical moves.

The Three Lions enter the match with a terrible record, having lost each of their last six games as England was demoted from the UEFA Nations League’s top division.

The English media has reported that Southgate will switch from his preferred three-at-the-back formation to a 4-3-3 formation in an effort to reverse the team’s recent slump in form, but the big predictions don’t stop there.

According to The Telegraph, Bukayo Saka will start for England’s offensive line in place of Phil Foden of Manchester City on the right side of the forward line, with Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling occupying the usual positions in the middle and outside on the left.

Then, it’s anticipated that Southgate will choose a midfield trio of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Mason Mount.

Despite losing his spot at club level under Erik ten Hag, Harry Maguire, a center back for Manchester United, is expected to start at the back alongside Luke Shaw, John Stones, and Kieran Trippier.

In recent press statements about Maguire, Southgate said: “Loyalty comes from performances over time and knowing that to play for England is a different experience to any other. Players have to be able to handle that.

“The ones that have been here longer, we know they can do that. You also have to balance that with what the alternatives are.”

England leaked lineup vs Iran

England (4-3-3): Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham, Mount; Saka, Kane, Foden.