Photo gallery: England ‘leaked’ XI to face Iran at World Cup 2022 - Boost as Newcastle & Everton stars get nod
England face Iran at the World Cup today – and the starting XI named by Gareth Southgate has been ‘leaked’.
Meanwhile, Jordan Pickford hailed “brilliant” Gareth Southgate ahead of the World Cup and insisted England are ready to go all the way in Qatar.
Having reached the semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, England then lost the European Championship final on penalties to Italy last summer.
Form then they dropped off as three defeats and no wins from their Nations League campaign saw England relegated and pressure on Southgate build for the first time.
The Three Lions open their World Cup campaign against Iran on Monday as Southgate again looks to lead England deep into a major competition, with goalkeeper Pickford insisting the manager is still taking the team forward.
“I think Gareth is brilliant,” he said.
“He has been brilliant with all the lads and there’s a pathway for the young lads and he’s been brilliant with that as well. I’ve come up through the (Under) 21s and so many of the lads have come up through the system.”
Here is the leaked England XI.
Form then they dropped off as three defeats and no wins from their Nations League campaign saw England relegated and pressure on Southgate build for the first time.
5. Luke Shaw. Left back.
Luke Shaw during the England Training session at Al Wakrah Stadium. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images).
Photo: Michael Steele
6. Jude Bellingham. Midfield.
Jude Bellingham reacts during the England Training Session at at Al Wakrah Stadium. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images).
Photo: Alex Pantling
7. Declan Rice. Midfield.
Declan Rice during the England Training session at Al Wakrah Stadium. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images).
Photo: Michael Steele
8. Mason Mount. Midfield.
Mason Mount of Chelsea. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Photo: George Wood