Sportsmail predicts England’s starting lineup for the Three Lions’ opening game against Iran

After Gareth Southgate has named his 26-man squad for the World Cup, thoughts may begin to turn to what could be England’s starting squad for their opening game in Qatar.

The Three Lions kick off their World Cup campaign on November 21 when they take on Iran – and fans and pundits are already starting to put together their strongest lineups that they believe will give the Three Lions the best start.

Here, Sportsmail takes a look at who can play for England in that match.

Sportsmail has predicted the starting XI that Gareth Southgate can play against Iran

Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford

Despite Nick Pope’s recent acclaim for his performance for Newcastle, it seems likely that Jordan Pickford will start in goal.

Southgate is very confident in the Everton goalkeeper, who appeared at both the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020.

With 45 caps in England, Pickford has a lot of experience in the tournament.

Jordan Pickford looks set to start as England kick off their World Cup campaign

Defense – Kieran Trippier, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Eric Dier, Luke Shaw

Southgate has a preference for a five-man defense and it seems likely he will stick to that system for most matches in Qatar.

Kyle Walker has been named in the roster but is unlikely to be available to take on Iran, so Kieran Trippier could be brought in as a right-back with Luke Shaw on the other side of the defence.

Harry Maguire has been heavily criticized in recent years and is no longer a fixture at Manchester United, but Southgate still seem to have faith in the 29-year-old.

John Stones has been part of the England squad in the last three tournaments and Eric Dier has worked his way back to the national squad after being successful in a back-three at Tottenham under Antonio Conte’s management.

Harry Maguire can still start for England despite not being a regular at Manchester United

Midfield – Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham

If fit, Declan Rice is a certainty to start and the West Ham midfielder could be one of England’s key players in Qatar.

Jude Bellingham hopes to be deployed alongside him, with the 19-year-old ready to step up and help this England side in their quest for glory.

Kalvin Phillips will hope to play a part when he comes back from injury, while the veteran Jordan Henderson is another option.

Jude Bellingham could start against Iran as he looks set to make a big impact on the tournament

Attacking Midfield – Phil Foden, Mason Mount

This is the area of ​​the field where Southgate will probably have to make his most difficult selection decisions.

The likes of Jack Grealish and James Maddison will be in the fray, and Raheem Sterling played a key role in England’s lead up to the Euro 2020 final.

However, it is possible that Southgate will call on Phil Foden and Mason Mount to provide the creativity behind Harry Kane.

Mason Mount will try to start against Iran, although there is a lot of competition for places

Forward – Harry Kane

Kane will be involved in his second World Cup and the striker hopes to make a scoring start against Iran.

As the winner of the golden boot at the last World Cup in Russia, Kane will have a lot of responsibility as England strive to enjoy a successful tournament.

Harry Kane to win the Golden Shoe for the second time in a row