England fans are not happy with the team Gareth Southgate has picked for the World Cup opener against Iran.
The Three Lions kick off their tournament against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar and predictably there was plenty of conversation over what the first starting XI would be.
Leaks emerged a day prior to the Group B clash, with reports claiming nine of the eleven players who started the European Championship final defeat to Italy will get the nod.
It was rumoured that Bukako Saka would get the nod over Phil Foden, with Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham slotting into the starting XI alongside Declan Rice.
Advert
Jordan Pickford remains England's No.1 goalkeeper, with Harry Maguire and Raheem Sterling still called upon by Southgate for how they've performed for their country despite both being out of form at club level this season.
Kieran Trippier, scorer of the stunning free-kick in the World Cup semi-final against Croatia in 2018, is in at right-back ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold after a fine run of form for high-flying Newcastle United.
The first game has come too soon for Kyle Walker in his recovery from a groin problem that saw him undergo surgery.
There was uncertainty as to what system Southgate would choose for the World Cup but to the surprise of many, it looks like a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system, with Maguire partnering John Stones at the heart of the backline.
Of course captain Harry Kane leads the line up the top, though the Spurs striker will not wear the 'One Love' armband after FIFA threatened players with bookings.
But unsurprisingly, there was a whole lot of negative reaction to the side selected by Southgate - particularly the absence of Foden:
Topics: England, Gareth Southgate, Football World Cup
Josh Lawless