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.
9. RW: Bukayo Saka - 7.41
Saka is a key driver behind an impressive start to the season for Arsenal. Eight goals and six assists in 16 appearances marks a stunning start to the season for the virtual Gunners. Only Bellingham has posted a higher average rating in this squad. Photo: Getty Images
10. LW: Phil Foden - 7.33
Foden has seen off competition from the likes of club team-mate Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling to claim a place in this starting eleven. Four goals and eight assists have helped City ease clear at the top of the table and a deadly partnership with Erling Haaland has been forged. Photo: Michael Regan
11. ST: Harry Kane - 7.15
Kane is comfortably clear of number nine competitors Callum Wilson and Marcus Rashford. Spurs are languishing in mid-table in the virtual Premier League but the England captain is leading the way as they look to improve with nine goals in 13 games. Photo: Shaun Botterill