The England line-up to take on Iran features two Manchester United players in Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, however, Marcus Rashford will have to settle for a place on the bench.
Maguire is expected to play on the left-hand side of a back four, and is likely to continue his partnership with fellow United defender, Luke Shaw in England colours as this season Maguire has played on the right-hand side of the United defence.
The United pair have both been excellent for England when they have played together on the left of either a back three of back four, and this theme is set to continue against Iran, with both players hoping to replicate their Euro 2020 form into this World Cup campaign as they look to get England off to a positive start.
The game against Iran will be Maguire’s 49th cap for the Three Lions [Transfermarkt.com], whereas Shaw will be making his 24th England appearance [Transfermarkt.com].
England are expected to line-up in a 4-3-3 formation with a forward line of Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, which means that there is unfortunately no starting place for United number 10, Marcus Rashford.
Your #ThreeLions to take on Iran! 🦁 pic.twitter.com/uU7SA2TAJB
— England (@England) November 21, 2022
However, if England are needing a goal to break down what is expected to be a well organised and stubborn Iranian defence, then Rashford could be an excellent option to have coming off the bench as his runs can stretch the Iran back-line.
Tyrell Malacia is the other Man United representative who will be hoping to start for the Netherlands today as they take on Senegal, which is scheduled to take place after the England game at 4pm GMT.
England line-up – Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Bellingham, Rice; Saka, Mount, Sterling; Kane.
