England’s World Cup opener will feature Harry Maguire in a back four against Iran. Maguire has only made one start in the Premier League since September. Jude Bellingham makes World Cup debut and Gareth Southgate chooses the 4-3-3 formation. Bukayo Saka starts ahead of Phil Foden.
Harry Maguire started from the back four in England’s World Cup opener against Iran, while Gareth Southgate started in a 4-3-3 formation, confirming the first starting line-up for the tournament.
Southgate’s formation change means there is room for an additional midfielder in the starting line-up as Jude Bellingham makes his first World Cup start.
Bukayo Saka was also nominated for front three and right winger Phil Foden, in addition to Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.
Knowing that Iran’s national football team has refused to sing its national anthem ahead of its first World Cup match in Qatar on Monday as it faces England amid boos and jeers from fans at the Khalifa International Stadium.
All 11 starting players of the side to play remained silent, Iran has been rocked by months of protests sparked by the death of a young woman in so-called “morality police” custody, Mahsa Amini, after being arrested for improperly wearing a hijab. Hundreds were killed, more than 15,000 were arrested, violent regime crackdown on street protests, and at least one of her unnamed “rioters” was sentenced to death for involvement in protests.