Harry Maguire is set to start for England in their World Cup opener against Iran. Because of Southgate’s adjustment in formation, Jude Bellingham is expected to start his first World Cup match. There is now room in the starting XI for another midfielder. According to reports from other sources, Bukayo Saka will start on the right side instead of Phil Foden. Maguire’s inclusion is debatable given that he has only started one Premier League game since September, but the Manchester United defender was a crucial component of England’s last two international competitions.
The 29-year-old played a crucial role in the Three Lions run to the 2018 World Cup semifinals and was later selected for the tournament team when England placed second at Euro 2020. Bellingham, 19, is having a standout season at Borussia Dortmund with nine goals in 22 appearances across all competitions this season, so starting him is less contentious.
Southgate has declared that England will kneel prior to their World Cup opener against Iran. When football resumed following the Covid-19 halt, England displayed its opposition to racism and inequality in 33 consecutive games. England did not kneel during the games in September, but they will do so in Monday’s World Cup Group B opener and all subsequent games.
“We have talked about bending down. We think we ought to. It’s what our team stands for and has done for a very long time,” Gareth Southgate said. “We are aware that clubs in the Premier League have chosen to save such behavior for important matches and events, of which we believe this to be the largest. We believe it makes a powerful statement if inclusivity is stressed throughout the world, especially among young people.”
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