England manager Gareth Southgate has sprung no surprises with his team selection for this evening’s World Cup opener against Tunisia.
As expected, Southgate has opted for a three-man defence with Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire lining up either side of John Stones. Jordan Pickford has been handed the No 1 jersey ahead of Jack Butland and Nick Pope.
Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli make up England’s midfield, with Kieran Trippier and Ashley Young flanking the trio as wing-backs.
Raheem Sterling starts higher up the pitch and is expected to be deployed off the shoulder of captain Harry Kane who leads the England line in Volgograd.
Southgate told the squad his starting XI 48 hours in advance of today’s match in a bid to ease anxiety within the England camp.
“The players know the team for the first game already,” said Southgate on Sunday. “We have been working on a system of play we think suits the players we have available and the style of play we want to implement as well.
“From our fans’ point of view, they’re enjoying seeing young players come into the squad. Everyone at home wants England to win but they want to see them play well and enjoy their football and that’s what I want as a coach. So if we can marry those things and the environment is right, then we think results become part of that process.”
