England kick off their World Cup campaign with what could be an early stumbling block from Iran. See Last Word on Football’s England predicted lineup for the opener in Group B.
England Predicted Lineup vs Iran
25 players are out training in Qatar, with @Madders10 continuing to work indoors.@HKane will be joining Gareth Southgate for our pre-match press conference later today. pic.twitter.com/uFAfCNamrM
— England (@England) November 20, 2022
How England Have Lined-up Recently
Gareth Southgate’s side has a tendency to line up in a 3-4-3 formation. Jordan Pickford tends to start behind Eric Dier, Harry Maguire and John Stones, with Luke Shaw as the left wing-back and Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold or Kieran Trippier on the right.
A midfield duo of Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice sit in front of the defence, enabling a front line of Phil Foden, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling to exert their attacking influence over the opposing defence.
England Recent Form and Tactics
The Three Lions currently play a brand of football specifically devised for tournament football. Defensive security is at the very heart of the way the side plays, having conceded no goals from open play in the entirety of Euro 2020. Kalvin Phillips provided a lot of this solidity but has been injured for a lot of his time at Manchester City.
England’s recent form has been nothing but dire. The previous solidity has been replaced with weak defending, getting relegated from the Nations League with only three points from six matches. Gareth Southgate’s side need to turn this around immediately.
England Injuries to Consider
There are two injuries that England need to account for. James Maddison hasn’t yet trained with the squad after suffering an injury with Leicester City before the international break. This will be disappointing, as the Blues’ player offers a direct attacking style that is unique in the current England squad.
Kyle Walker is also not expected to play. Whilst he is closer to a return than Maddison, including spending time in training, Iran is a little too soon for the Manchester City defender.
England Predicted Lineup
- Jordan Pickford
- Eric Dier
- Harry Maguire
- John Stones
- Luke Shaw
- Kieran Trippier
- Jude Bellingham
- Declan Rice
- Mason Mount
- Raheem Sterling
- Harry Kane
Current Odds: England vs Iran
England are favourites to win at 7/20, followed by the draw at 4/1. Iran are outsiders at 12/1.
Last Word on Football recognise Qatar’s human rights abuses and instances of corruption taking place throughout the nation and in the background of the World Cup. Learn more about some of the issues surrounding the World Cup here.
