Qatar World Cup: Arsenal's Saka To Start Ahead Of Foden In England-Iran Game

Arsenal's winger Bukayo Saka may reportedly edge out Manchester City's Phil Foden in England's World Cup opener against Iran.

England, the semi-finalists of the last edition, will open their FIFA World Cup campaign on Monday against Iran at Khalifa International Stadium. The Three Lions' head coach, Gareth Southgate, has a variety of attacking options at his disposal, with Saka expected to feature in the starting XI against Iran, reported The Telegraph.

The 21-year-old winger has been in fine form for Premier League leaders Arsenal this season, contributing to 10 league goals: six assists and four goals. Overall, Saka has netted five goals and six assists in 20 appearances for Arsenal in the ongoing season in all competitions.

Earlier this year, Saka came off the bench, along with Mason Mount, and had helped England draw 3-3 against Germany after being 2-0 down in the Nations League.

Meanwhile, Foden is also not far behind, having scored seven goals and three assists in 14 outings for City in the Premier League.

Southgate will likely go with a back four and hand out-of-form Harry Maguire a start against Iran. Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw are believed to be England's two full-backs, while Jude Bellingham will start in the midfield, alongside Declan Rice. Saka will be part of an attack that will also feature Mount, Raheem Sterling and captain Harry Kane.

Midfielder James Maddison and defender Kyle Walker have already been ruled out for the match against Iran due to injury. Speaking about Maddison's fitness on Sunday, Southgate said, "He hasn't been able to train, so that is a slight concern. The longer that continues, the longer it will take him to be available for the matches. But we're not expecting him to miss training for much longer and we'll just have to assess it from there."

The England head coach has also confirmed his players will take a knee before their match against Iran.

After the Iran fixture, England will take on the United States on Nov. 25 before facing off against Wales on Nov. 29.