Gareth Southgate Reveals England Will Be Without Two Stars in World Cup Opener vs Iran

• England have been dealt a massive blow after Gareth Southgate revealed two of his players will miss their 2022 World Cup opener
• The Three Lions go head to head against Iran in their opening game of the competition on Tuesday evening
• However, Southgate will have a strong team to choose from as England looks to start their campaign on a positive note

England will be without two stars in their opening FIFA 2022 World Cup opener against Iran on Monday, November 21.

The Three Lions are looking to start positively, considering many fans and pundits have dubbed them one of the favourites alongside Brazil and Argentina.

Coach Gareth Southgate led England to the semis in the 2018 edition, where they narrowly lost to Croatia. He then led them to the Euro 2020 final, but Italy defeated them via penalties.

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The 1966 champions are in Group B alongside Iran, Wales and the USA. Although this group seems straightforward, USA and Wales could be poised as wildcards.

Maddison and Walker out

Southgate revealed that James Maddison and Kyle Walker will miss the opener against Iran, according to the Sun.

Maddison, who's been in terrific form for Leicester City in the Premier League, went into England's camp carrying an injury and it seems he hasn't recovered yet. However, Southgate is still positive about the two.

"Kyle is a little bit short for this game, but is progressing really well. We are ahead of where we thought he might be at this point. James hasn’t been able to train since we arrived, so he will not be able to make the game tomorrow."

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The Manchester City defender is still recovering from groin surgery he underwent in early October, according to the Guardian.

Valencia scores World Cup's first

Sports Brief earlier reported on Ecuador captain Enner Valencia scoring the first 2022 World Cup goal.

Valencia took his international tally to 36 goals, when he sent the Qatari goalkeeper the wrong way to draw first blood for La Tri. He added his second with a stunning header.

The 33-year-old striker made his international debut in 2012 and played a starring role in the 2014 World Cup, scoring three goals.