England will be without James Maddison and Kyle Walker for their World Cup opener against Iran.
Maddison is still struggling with a slight knee problem and Gareth Southgate has confirmed that the Leicester midfielder is not ready to play.
The 25-year-old, who was a surprise inclusion in England’s World Cup squad, has struggled since limping off in Leicester’s win over West Ham in the Premier League’s final pre-tournament weekend.
Walker is still working his way back to fitness after groin surgery.
“In terms of player availability, all but James Maddison are available,” Southgate said. “It’s a bit early for Kyle Walker, although it’s ahead of where we thought he’d be at this stage, so that’s a positive.”
Harry Maguire is expected to start in defense despite his struggles for Manchester United.
With Reec James in Qatar, Kieran Trippier is expected to start at right-back and Luke Shaw at left-back.
Jude Bellingham is expected to start alongside Declan Rice in midfield, while Southgate is likely to stick with Raheem Sterling despite his struggles at Cheslea this season.
England predicted XI 3-4-3
England’s possible lineup: Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham, Mount; Sterling, Saka; Kane.
Iran predicted xi 4-1-3- 1
:Beiranvand (GK) – 2. Moharrami, 13. Kanaani, 19. Hosseini, 3. Hajsafi – 6. Ezatolahi – 17. Gholizadeh, 21. Nourollahi, 7. Jahanbakhsh – 9. Taremi, 10. Ansarifard