England face Iran in their opening World Cup group game on Monday, November 21, locking horns at the Khalifa International Stadium, and John Stones should start at the heart of the defence.
The 28-year-old has only recently returned from injury to play in Manchester City’s last three Premier League games while operating as a makeshift right-back, but Stones is usually a regular for England.
England v Iran: What will the outcome be?
England to win
Draw
Iran to win
Not only has the former Everton centre-back featured in six of England’s last seven World Cup qualifiers while playing in four of their last six Nations League outings, Stones started every Euro 2020 game last year, amassing 679 minutes from a possible 690.
Southgate is a big fan of the centre-back and could use him as one of three defenders alongside Harry Maguire and Eric Dier. There’s also the possibility that he plays with Maguire as a two. Stones has made 11 appearances in all competitions for City this season, scoring one goal with two assists.
Ben White and Conor Coady make up the other centre-backs in the squad, but Southgate is known for being loyal to those who have represented the national team before. Stones hasn’t played a lot of football in recent weeks and isn’t in his preferred position at club level, but he’s unlikely to be left out for England.
In other news, Alex Goncalves says Joao Cancelo could start World Cup opener in makeshift role
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