England vs Iran: How the Three Lions Could Line Up in First Group B Match of the 2022 World Cup

• England will lock horns with Iran in their 2022 World Cup opener on Monday, November 21, at the Khalifa International Stadium
• Gareth Southgate is expected to opt for a 4-3-3 formation, with Harry Maguire partnering with John Stones at the heart of defence
• The Three Lions are in Group B of the global showpiece alongside the United States of America, Wales and the Middle East state

England are scheduled to face Iran in their first Group B match of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Gareth Southgate is expected to ditch five at the back for his side's World Cup opener.

The Three Lions' head coach could opt for a 4-3-3 formation, with The Sun reporting nine of the 11 players who started against Italy in last year's Euro final could start.

Jordan Pickford is projected to start in between the sticks, with out-of-favour Man United centre-back Harry Maguire partnering John Stones at the heart of the defence.

Black Stars defender Tariq Lamptey reacts after cruising win against Switzerland

Football

Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw could be started on either flank at the back, with Declan Rice acting as the anchorman in midfield.

Rice is expected to partner his pal Mason Mount, with Dortmund teenage sensation Jude Bellingham sitting ahead of the Chelsea star.

After his heroics at Euro 2020, Raheem Sterling is expected to start on the left-flank upfront, while in-form Bukayo Saka is a frontrunner to start on the right at the expense of Phil Foden.

Meanwhile, England skipper Harry Kane will no doubt lead the attack line.

Possible England XI vs Iran:

Goalkeeper: Pickford

Defenders: Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw

Midfielders: Mount, Bellingham, Rice

Forwards: Kane, Sterling, Saka

World Cup: Qatar bribery allegations

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Netflix has officially released its explosive docu-series that reportedly lifts the lid on widespread and systemic corruption within FIFA.

Former Ghana midfielder vows to shave his hair on live TV if Black Stars fail to progress from Group H

Football

Titled FIFA Uncovered, the four-part documentary series sought opinions of whistleblowers, experts, and former and current officials of the world football governing body.

It touches on a variety of subjects, the key among them being how Qatar and Russia were unfairly awarded World Cup hosting rights in 2022 and 2018 respectively.