John stones was named in England’s World Cup squad and is expected to start at centre-back against Iran on Monday, November 21. Harry Maguire and Eric Dier could be his defensive partners.
England v Iran: What will the outcome be?
England to win
Draw
Iran to win
The 28-year-old will be desperate to impress in the middle as he’s having to play a makeshift role at right-back for Manchester City. Stones has endured a stop-start season due to injury making just 11 appearances in all competitions from a possible 22, having suffered a hamstring problem in October.
Pep Guardiola has preferred Manuel Akanji as his first choice right-sided centre-back and has Ruben Dias waiting in the wings, so there’s stiff competition for places. Kyle Walker is expected to recover from injury during the World Cup too, so Stones may not have a place in City’s starting eleven next month.
The 28-year-old needs to deliver for England to stand a chance of reclaiming a starting place at centre back for City, but time will tell if he can impress on the grand stage.
Akanji will be hoping to shine for Switzerland and Dias for Portugal, so three fully-fit City defenders will be battling for one spot when the World Cup is over.
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