World Cup: Bellingham and Saka start for attack-minded England vs Iran

In an attack-oriented starting XI for England’s World Cup opener against Iran on Monday, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka were selected.

Gareth Southgate, the manager of England, has frequently drawn criticism for his propensity to play practical football; in particular, his unimaginative midfield pairings are frequently a source of irritation.

However, as the Three Lions try to get off to a fast start in Group B at the Khalifa International Stadium, Southgate seems to be partially disregarding caution.

Bellingham, a talented Borussia Dortmund midfielder, gets the chance to stake his claim for the remainder of the tournament alongside Declan Rice and Mason Mount in a forward-thinking engine room. Over the past year, fans have been especially eager to see Bellingham in the starting XI more frequently.

There was some uncertainty about who Southgate would start on the wings, but Arsenal’s Saka, who has had a strong domestic start, is given the nod there. Raheem Sterling starts on the left wing in support of Harry Kane.

Southgate’s choice to use what appears to be a back four after frequently using three centre-backs and two wing-backs is another relative surprise.

Despite Harry Maguire’s underwhelming play and limited playing time for Manchester United at the club level, Southgate had vowed to keep using him at center-back. By selecting him alongside John Stones, he kept his word.

England lineup vs Iran

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