sport news Sportsmail's Bryan Robson and Chris Sutton pick their England teams for group ... trends now
England kick off their World Cup campaign against Iran on Monday, before further group fixtures with the USA and Wales.
There has been much discussion over who Gareth Southgate will pick and what formation he will go with heading into the tournament.
In light of that, Sportsmail experts Bryan Robson and Chris Sutton select their England teams for the Three Lions' tournament opener.
Gareth Southgate has plenty of decisions to make regarding who he picks in his XI to face Iran
Sportsmail experts Bryan Robson (L) and Chris Sutton (R) both picked what they would do
Don't lose the first game of a tournament: that’s the mantra. England can’t always score after 27 seconds — as I did against France at Spain ’82 — so it’s important we pick a side that has composure, balance and familiarity with each other.
Iran will be difficult opponents. They are more accustomed to the conditions than England and will be well drilled by Carlos Queiroz, who knows the England players’ strengths and weaknesses. That’s why I’d go with Phil Foden in a free role in a 4-2-3-1, Jack Grealish on one flank and Raheem Sterling on the other, with Harry Kane up front.
Foden is a terrific worker, constantly looking to find pockets of space, and he causes chaos in tight areas. He creates, he scores, he’s a real livewire, so he’s perfect behind the striker.
Foden can also tire teams out mentally and physically. Then we have quality, pace and skill to come off the bench and take advantage.
Robson called for Phil Foden to be given a free role and kept faith with Harry Maguire
Grealish is ideally suited to international football. At this
