England team news: Manchester City star Phil Foden expected to start

Manchester City and England forward Phil Foden has impressed Gareth Southgate in training, according to reports.

We are now approaching the weekend which only means one thing – the final couple of days of prep for the England stars. As they are not used to such conditions, it is important they work hard to acclimatise to the blazing sun, while taking regular water breaks.

Reporters have been out in Qatar, having a much easier time of things than players in the sun, it must be said. Nevertheless, they have provided valuable insights to the eagerly awaiting England fans over the first game in the competition against Iran on Monday.

According to the Sun, Phil Foden is expected to start against Iran. The 22-year-old forward has impressed in training and will be part of a likely front three for Gareth Southgate. This is great news, in my opinion. Foden is one of the most ambitious players available in the Three Lions ranks.

Southgate is often criticised for not giving youngsters enough of a run out or sticking to the same team. Playing Foden would be a sign of better things to come from the manager – Foden played at Euro 2020 but nowhere near the minutes he would have liked to pick up.

Foden has been somewhat overshadowed by Erling Haaland in the Premier League this season. That being said, the World Cup is the perfect opportunity for him to prove to Pep Guardiola that he is capable of being a certain starter in the title-challenging team.

The two players who are expected to accompany Foden in the front line are Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling. This does not come as a surprise as they are often the first two names on the team sheet – although, all could change depending on what Southgate sees in training over the weekend.

Do you think Phil Foden will start for England against Iran?