England fans fume with team Gareth Southgate has picked against Iran
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England fans are not happy with the team Gareth Southgate has picked for the World Cup opener against Iran.
The Three Lions kick off their tournament against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar and predictably there was plenty of conversation over what the first starting XI would be.
Leaks emerged a day prior to the Group B clash, with reports claiming nine of the eleven players who started the European Championship final defeat to Italy will get the nod.
It was rumoured that Bukako Saka would get the nod over Phil Foden, with Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham slotting into the starting XI alongside Declan Rice.
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Jordan Pickford remains England's No.1 goalkeeper, with Harry Maguire and Raheem Sterling still called upon by Southgate for how they've performed for their country despite both being out of form at club level this season.
Kieran Trippier, scorer of the stunning free-kick in the World Cup semi-final against Croatia in 2018, is in at right-back ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold after a fine run of form for high-flying Newcastle United.
The first game has come too soon for Kyle Walker in his recovery from a groin problem that saw him undergo surgery.
There was uncertainty as to what system Southgate would choose for the World Cup but to the surprise of many, it looks like a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system, with Maguire partnering John Stones at the heart of the backline.
Your #ThreeLions to take on Iran! 🦁 pic.twitter.com/uU7SA2TAJB
— England (@England) November 21, 2022
Of course captain Harry Kane leads the line up the top, though the Spurs striker will not wear the 'One Love' armband after FIFA threatened players with bookings.
But unsurprisingly, there was a whole lot of negative reaction to the side selected by Southgate - particularly the absence of Foden:
Mount over foden is criminal
— 🏴 𝕁𝕒𝕒𝕪𓃰 🏴 (@oJaayCo) November 21, 2022
Foden should be starting over Sterling
— Jack (@JRT0809) November 21, 2022
Mount and maguire starting????? Jesus
— Matthew Brockhouse (@MBrockhouse) November 21, 2022
Mount.............................
— Pat (@Pat2THFC_) November 21, 2022
Fairly predictable. Foden needs to be playing though…I like Mount but he’s not going to be better than Foden in that 10 role
— Mase (@MaseTMT) November 21, 2022
Mount and sterling 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
— Adam Nunn ⚒🫧#Moyesout (@adamhammer7261) November 21, 2022
Have you watched ANY premier league football this season Gareth 🤦🏻♂️
— Wayne Collins (@waynedcollins) November 21, 2022
Maguire?? Sterling over Foden???
— Lewis Young's Red Army (@WillMcKctfc) November 21, 2022
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: England, Gareth Southgate, Football World Cup
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