Foden’s key role for Iran clash
GARETH SOUTHGATE is ready to hand Phil Foden his World Cup debut against Iran on Monday. The England manager has a wealth of forward talent at his disposal, but with Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling virtually guaranteed to start, there are no more than two attacking positions to fill. Bukayo Saka and Mason Mount are also pushing to start England’s opener at the Khalifa Stadium.
But the form of Foden (left) for Manchester City this season has impressed Southgate and
assistant coach Steve Holland, so the 22-year-old is expected to get the nod.
Foden has already scored eight goals and supplied three assists this season, and is seen as a key player in the England set-up. There is a sense in the camp
that had Foden been available for last year’s Euro 2020 final against Italy, they would have had a better opportunity to lift a first trophy since 1966. Foden missed out with a foot injury. Now he is set to play a key role for England here in Qatar — although the England boss won’t finalise his starting XI for Iran until Sunday night. Indeed, Southgate faces a puzzle over which system to use.
He has told his players the 3-4-3 system that has served them so well remains a likely option for his third tournament in charge. However, selecting three centre backs against Iran would mean Southgate needing to sacrifice an attacking player. That could prohibit England’s ability to break down Iran, who are expected to set up defensively. If Southgate does play three at the back, it appears likely he would select just one more attacking player alongside Kane and Sterling — a decision that would draw criticism from supporters.