The action may have kicked off over in Russia, but England’s tournament doesn’t get going until after the weekend
Gareth Southgate’s men begin their campaign against Tunisia in Volgograd on Monday evening, four days on from the opening game between Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Despite there being plenty of time for things to change, a report by the Daily Mail names the players expected to start the Three Lions’ first game of the 2018 World Cup.
Manchester United’s Ashley Young is set to start the game at left wing-back for England ahead of Tottenham’s Danny Rose in what is described as a ‘shock selection’. The 32-year-old is said to have occupied the position during drills at England’s training base in Zelenogorsk, enough for the report to claim he’s favourite to start ahead of Rose.
The report also adds that a three-man defence of Leicester’s Harry Maguire and Manchester City duo Kyle Walker and John Stones is expected to start in front of Jordan Pickford in the England goal. Spurs’ Kieran Trippier will be the right-sided wing-back.
Eric Dier is expected to drop out of the starting line-up with Jordan Henderson given the nod to play as the defensive midfielder.
Harry Kane will spearhead England’s attack, supported by Raheem Sterling, Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli.
Marcus Rashford, despite his impressive showing in the final warm-up game against Costa Rica last week, is expected to miss out on a start after suffering with a slight knee problem during the week.
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