England line-up vs Iran: Maguire in, Foden out & more revealed

Here is the latest England team news ahead of their match with Iran.

Updated: July 05, 2023 at 9:13 am GMT+1

England get their 2022 World Cup campaign underway on Monday the 21st of November.

The Three Lions are set to face Iran, Wales and USA in their World Cup group and are favourites to top it.

England’s first match this winter will see them face off with Iran, a match they are expected to win.

Ahead of the game, Gareth Southgate confirmed that everyone barring James Maddison will be available for Iran, though Kyle Walker is unlikely to be risked: “In terms of player availability, everyone is available bar James Maddison. It’s a little early for Kyle Walker but he’s training with the team. He’s ahead of where we thought he might be at this stage.”

Elsewhere, an insight into the XI that will face Iran has been provided.

It has been reported that England will deploy a back-four with Jordan Pickford covered by Kieran Trippier, John Stones, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.

Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice will then be the holding midfielders, with Mason Mount slightly further forward.

As for England’s front-three, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling maintain their regular starting berths, with Bukayo Saka set to pip Phil Foden to the final spot in the eleven.