Supercomputer predicts England XI to start World Cup clash vs Iran

A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the England line-up for their opening World Cup match against Iran.

The Three Lions will kick off their Qatar World Cup campaign on November 21.

But there may not be many surprises as Gareth Southgate has players he knows and trusts after two successful major tournaments in recent years.

One dilemma he has is which formation to use, particularly against an Iran side who are likely to sit back and defend against England.

According to Betfair's supercomputer, Southgate is likely to line his team up in a 5-2-3 formation with captain Harry Kane flanked by Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling in attack.

The same front three started England's first game of Euro 2020 against Croatia with Declan Rice and Mason Mount operating behind them on that occasion.

That pair have been tipped to start again but will be the only midfielders picked to start, with five defenders set to play.

The supercomputer believes Chelsea pair Reece James and Ben Chilwell will feature at wing-back, even though the latter has not been first-choice for the Blues this season.

Harry Maguire is in the same position having been ousted from the Manchester United team by Erik ten Hag.

He is expected to start for the Three Lions alongside Manchester City pair John Stones and Kyle Walker, who is set to play on the right side of central defence.

Southgate could also have a tough decision on who to play in goal although Jordan Pickford is expected to start.

The Everton shot stopper will miss England's Nation League games against Italy and Germany through injury, and that will provide Southgate with the perfect opportunity to assess who his no2 will be.