Phil Foden set to start World Cup opener for England?

Manchester City's Phil Foden is reportedly set to start against Iran in England's opening group game of the World Cup.

The Three Lions face off against the Middle Eastern side in Group B, where they will also face Wales and the United States of America.

The 22-year-old has 18 caps for his country since making his senior debut under Gareth Southgate in 2020, but he was only involved in three out of the seven games at the European Championships last summer.

However, that may change according to a report from Daily Mail, who claim Southgate is set to give Foden his World Cup debut in England's opening game.

The report also says that Chelsea's Mason Mount and Arsenal's Bukayo Saka are also pushing for a start against Iran.

Out of his 18 England appearances so far, Foden has started 13 of them and he faces stiff competition for a starting place from the depth of attacking talent that England have at their disposal.

Foden has been a regular fixture in the City team so far this season, scoring eight and assisting three in 20 appearances across all competitions.