Agree that France have been totally unconvincing since 2018. I think it's a slightly different scenario than Germany in 2018 (or the likes of Brazil in 2006 or France in 2002) where the squad was no longer as strong, or certainly strong enough to overcome said shite coaching.
Day 2: England vs Iran | Senegal vs Netherlands | USA vs Wales
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Nope you’re spot on. Iran don’t concede much. Queiroz is a seasoned defensive specialist coach.
Any leaked line ups?
Englands no surprises. Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Mount, Sterling; Kane
This is how I'd play:
Pickford
Walker - Stones - Maguire - White - Shaw
Rice - Bellingham
Grealish
Rashford - Kane
Grealish to roam free and do his creative thing and Kane/Rashford to make runs in behind. The likes of Sterling and Henderson won't cut.
Pickford
Walker - Stones - Maguire - White - Shaw
Rice - Bellingham
Grealish
Rashford - Kane
Grealish to roam free and do his creative thing and Kane/Rashford to make runs in behind. The likes of Sterling and Henderson won't cut.
Problem is that France have so may injuries that the squad is not that strong now.
Mount over Foden
Thanks man
When do we find out the boring lineup
England will definitely advance from the group stage.
I’m expecting Saka to have a great tournament.
Hope Rashford can come on from the bench and do the business
Reading through the Iran players interviews before the game they seem to be quite unfazed by the events back home. Could be a tight game if they are up for it and have crowd support going.
Their results are pretty impressive leading into the games, win against Uruguay and a draw with Senegal.
Their results are pretty impressive leading into the games, win against Uruguay and a draw with Senegal.
It's England, there's more chance of defenders and DM's being brought on.
It's Saka over Foden isn't it?Mount over Foden
Sterling over FodenMount over Foden
Sterling and Mount 
Foden is literally England's best player and he's on the bench.
Thought it was interesting that Iran beat a pretty much full-strength Uruguay in a friendly 3 months ago despite being outmatched in other stats like possession, shots on target and so on.. Still think England have too much in their locker but I'd love to see an upset or 2 in the 1st week of matches.
That Shaw-Maguire axis is there for the taking...
It's like if Argentina put Messi on the bench. The kid is absolutely mint and to be benched for Mount/Sterling etc must be depressing.
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Southgate just plays favourites at this point. It was refreshing when he started because he gave some younger lads a chance, now he just plays the same XI in spite of club form.
I'd still have him over Saka personally, but I rate them both highly.
Over Sterling is probably a better shout to be fair!
Mount over the other available midfielders is a good call in my eyes. I like Phillips but he's barely played.
Isn't it a joint bid of Egypt, Greece and Saudi Arabia?
That said, 2030 is the centennial, it should be awarded to Uruguay. Include Argentina in it as well if Uruguay alone won't suffice.
Shit team 
What's your XI then?Shit team
Probably wouldn't have had Mount or Maguire starting but not surprised or that annoyed by the line up.
4 at the back ?
shouldn’t need three CMs against Iran, shouldn’t need Mount in general
It's not horrendous but just Foden instead of Sterling and Ramsdale instead of Pickford would be markedly better.
Well, it's not a back five so that's a small bit of progress.
Mount over Foden
Anyone over Foden is completely insane.Sterling over Foden
Looks like a 4-3-3?
Sterling will soon become a sub in this WC. I really don't see him being good enough anymore. The better options are clear as daylight.
Oh boo hoo, it's not fair for the players Alan. Try being gay in Qatar.
Pickford has always been really good for England. He's probably 2nd name on the team sheet for me.
Pickford for the majority of this season has been really good. Ramsdale has looked shocking for England whereas Pickford has been one of their best players.
Agreed on Foden but not sure about Ramsdale - he has been really dodgy for England.