Everyone has an opinion when it comes to who should start in England’s World Cup Finals opener against Iran on Monday week.
Some say Kieran Trippier’s fine form for Newcastle United should see his see off challenges from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker to secure the right-back spot. Others want John Stones and Conor Coady partnered at the heart of the back-four and James Maddison to claim a shock start in midfield. There are those who insist Raheem Sterling’s underwhelming start to life at Chelsea should see him excluded.
Whether opinion or stats-based, the arguements are aplenty. So we thought we would take another route by using the world’s great management simulation to help Gareth Southgate select an England side capable of getting the tournament off to a winning start in a historic first meeting with Iran.
3 Added Minutes delves into our wardrobe to dig out our virtual waistcoat, fires up the laptop and steps into the imaginary team meeting room to deliver the good and bad news to a squad made up of figments of our imagination - all with the aid of Football Manager 2023.
5. CB: John Stones - 7.17
Manchester City remain unbeaten on the game and the consistent form of Stones is a key reason. The talented defender has posted a higher average rating than any of his competitors for a place at centre-back and even grabbed a last-minute winner in the Manchester derby. Photo: Shaun Botterill
6. CM: Declan Rice - 7.12
Rice is simply West Ham United’s only bright spot in a poor season as the Hammers sit just above the Premier League relegation zone. The dreaded ‘Wnt’ has appeared alongside his name as Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain consider a move for his services after an impressive start to the season. Photo: Julian Finney
7. CM: Jude Bellingham - 7.78
A real gem in real life and perhaps even better on Football Manager. Bellingham has led Borussia Dortmund to the top of the Bundesliga and even scored in a 2-1 win at Bayern Munich. His form sees him walk into this England side as he blows away his competitors with a stunning average rating. Photo: Shaun Botterill
8. CM: James Maddison - 7.12
Maddison is the surprise selection for the opening game after scoring six goals and providing ten assists as Leicester showed a complete contrast to their form in the real world. In this virtual environment, Brendan Rodgers' side are battling for a top six place and Maddison is their inspiration | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images