IN THE ENGLAND TEAM'S GAME AGAINST IRAN, KYLE WALKER WILL TAKE THE FIELD

The England captain said a couple of days ago that he will most likely not be able to play in his country's opening 2022 World Cup match against Iran on Monday. Having undergone groin surgery at the beginning of October, the 32-year-old right-back for Manchester City was a serious doubt for the tournament in Qatar after undergoing groin surgery at the beginning of October. Southgate has selected Walker on his 26-man squad, and the seasoned defender trained with the first team on Wednesday at Al Wakrah Sports Complex. It is anticipated that Walker will be ready before the end of the group stage.

However, Kyle Walker is set to start for England in their first World Cup game against Iran on Monday. The Manchester City defender has been an integral part of England's recent international tournaments, playing at both right back as well as in a back three during the 2018 World Cup as well as at Euro 2020. It is no secret that Gareth Southgate included him in his squad for Qatar despite the fact that he had struggled with fitness in the weeks leading up to the tournament. For the first time in his career, the 32-year-old is racing against time to be in top shape for the start of the World Cup, having last played in City's 6-3 win over Manchester United at the beginning of October.

In spite of this, he was chosen to be part of England's 26-man squad and he is likely to start the match against Iran. The coaching staff of the Three Lions did not think Walker would be ready in time for the start of the season, which surprised them. It is likely that his return to fitness will have an impact on Southgate's formation selection. It looks like Walker will be able to play at right-back for England against an Iran team that England is expected to defeat, though he will face competition from Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who are both in fine form.

There is no doubt that Stones will pair up with Maguire in central defense with Luke Shaw on the left, though there is still some question over Southgate's choice of attackers. It is undoubtedly that the captain Harry Kane will lead his team at the beginning of the match, and Raheem Sterling will also try to replicate his form from Euro 2020 after a disappointing start to his Chelsea career. A number of players are competing for a place in the starting XI, including Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount, and Phil Foden.

By Rashmi Goel