England vs Iran starting XI CONFIRMED as Gareth Southgate selects Harry Maguire

England’s first World Cup starting squad in Qatar has been revealed with Gareth Southgate opting for an attacking side against Iran.

The Three Lions begin their World Cup campaign against their Group B rivals this afternoon, and the Southgate side are looking to start strong with tough games against Wales and the USA to follow.

Southgate have opted for a 4-3-3 formation for the clash, with Bukayo Saka taking charge of Phil Foden in an attacking trident led by Harry Kane and also supported by Raheem Sterling.

Pickford starts, as expected, in goal, while Southgate continues to have faith in Harry Maguire despite his struggles for Manchester United this season. Maguire is supported by John Stones in central defence, with Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw at fullbacks.

Jude Bellingham was widely expected to partner West Ham star Declan Rice in the center of the park, which has proved to be the case, while Mason Mount will be the creative outlet in midfield three.

Confirmed England XI: Jordan Pickford, Kieran Trippier, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Luke Shaw, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane

Confirmed Iran IX: Beyranvand, Rouzbeh Cheshmi, Ali Karimi, Sadeq Moharrami, Ehsan Hajisafi (center), Milad Mohammadi, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mehdi Taremi, Majid Hosseini, Ahmad Nourollahi, Morteza Pouraliganji

Harry Maguire (centre) and Kieran Trippier (right) named in Gareth Southgate’s starting squad for England’s World Cup opener against Iran

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was also named in the starting eleven as he beat Phil Foden to a place

England captain Harry Kane will take the lead, but he will not be wearing a ‘OneLove’ armband

Southgate emphasized on Sunday that he intends to rotate his team through the group stage, giving those who do not start the chance to play regularly throughout the tournament.

Kyle Walker was not fit enough to play against Iran as he remains fully fit after groin surgery, although the Manchester City defender is expected to be ready for Friday’s game against the US.

James Maddison was ruled out of the opener after missing practice again on Sunday due to a knee problem.

The meeting between England and Iran comes a day after hosts Qatar kicked off the World Cup, with a one-sided 2-0 defeat to Group A rivals Ecuador.

The action will now come thick and fast, with four games a day to play for the remainder of the group stage.

Senegal and the Netherlands take on each other later this afternoon, before England’s Group B rivals USA and Wales take on tonight.

More to follow…