GIVE FODEN A FREE ROLE AND WATCH HIM SHINE

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. Grealish is ideally suited to international football. At this level, a lot of defenders are predominantly good on the ball and not so great at defending. They will hate someone like Grealish running at them. He is capable of dragging England up the pitch when under pressure and can buy vital free-kicks. There are arguments for Mason Mount, Bukayo Saka and James Maddison, but they can still have great impact from the bench without disrupting the formation. And

the bench will be important in these stifling conditions. John Stones and Harry Maguire are England’s most reliable defensive partnership. Maguire has had a tough time but there is no one better equipped than him to partner Stones. He needs pace around him and, to help him settle, it’s important to have Luke Shaw, his Manchester United team-mate, at left back. That familiar dynamic from club level will give our defence a good balance.