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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Casey Evans

England's most likely starting XI against Iran in opening game of the Qatar 2022 World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is less than two weeks away and excitement is starting to build. England are not the favourites to win the competition but they are still one of the better teams in the tournament.

With that in mind, Gareth Southgate has named his squad. Though many of the England's manager's selections were expected, there were still some surprises such as the inclusion of Conor Gallagher.

Now Southgate will be hoping that none of his key players get injured in the final fixtures before the World Cup break and his thoughts will then turn to the final preparations. For England, the tournament opens on 21 November with a game against Carlos Quieroz's Iran.

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But what will Southgate's starting XI be? Betfair have stated who are the favourites to start for England in their opening game.

Goalkeeper - Jordan Pickford (1/50)

Pickford has been Southgate's starting goalkeeper through much of his reign as England manager and this is unlikely to change in Qatar. Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale will be backup options if needed, but injury seems like the only reason the Everton shot-stopper would lose his spot at this point.

Defenders - Kieran Trippier (1/50), John Stones (2/9), Harry Maguire (4/9), Eric Dier (8/15), Luke Shaw (2/9)

A classic Southgate back-line, bar the inclusion of Dier who has only regained his England spot recently due to his good form with Tottenham Hotspur. Trippier and Shaw will provide good creativity out wide and the back three will hopefully be a solid option against the majority of what England will face in the competition.

Midfielders - Declan Rice (1/25), Jude Bellingham (1/12),

Due to Kalvin Phillips' recent problems with injuries, it seems Bellingham will now partner Rice at the World Cup in the centre of the park. The duo look set to start against Iran as a result.

Forwards - Harry Kane (1/50), Raheem Sterling (2/9), Phil Foden (4/9)

Betfair believe that Harry Kane is the favourite to be the top scorer at the World Cup at 7/1 and as Southgate's captain he is almost nailed on to start against Iran. Who is flanking him is slightly less certain, though it seems like Sterling and Foden will be the most likely choices. Marcus Rashford could also make an appearance.

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