‘Joke’ - Arsenal reaction to what Gareth Southgate did during England v Iran

Arsenal fans have been reacting to Gareth Southgate’s decision to omit Ben White for England’s 2022 FIFA World Cup opener with Iran.
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Arsenal fans have been reacting to Gareth Southgate’s team selection for England’s 2022 FIFA World Cup opener.

The Three Lions begin their World Cup campaign on Monday afternoon, when they take on Iran in Doha. England find themselves in a group with USA and Wales, and they will be desperate to get off to a winning start on Monday, with tricker games - on paper - still to come.

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Gareth Southgate’s men will be targeting winning this group, but they need to establish momentum early on having come into this tournament on the back of a dire Nations League campaign.

Ahead of the opener with Iran, there were selection decisions aplenty facing Southgate, and the biggest one related to formation, with Southgate often going with three at the back in the past. But he has gone for a 4-3-3 against Iran, with Harry Maguire holding off Ben White for a starting spot at the back.

In better news for Arsenal, Bukayo Saka has won his race to start ahead of Phil Foden, while Aaron Ramsdale is on the bench, as expected. Elsewhere, Luke Shaw, Johm Stones and Kieran Trippier start at the back, along with Maguire, ahead of Jordan Pickford. Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount are in midfield, behind the aforementioned Saka, as well as Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.

Here is how some Arsenal fans have reacted to those selection decisions on Reddit.

Bedeeki - “Maguire in a back 4 😂”

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Spud_1997 - “Should be white stones in a back 4, my god Maguire. I get it’s the one game to get him to any sort of fitness but cmon.”

NiallMitch1 - “Honestly surprised it’s a back 4. Still a joke White isn’t in that starting team even as a CB.”

Tiptopmain - “Mason Mount also another one of Southgates adopted sons lmao. At least with Sterling he’s been great for England, not sure how Mount has his place so nailed on. Anyway, hope our star boy Saka smashes it. Also hope both Rice and Bellingham put on a show.”

Sangoals22 - “Back 4. I reckon once Walker is back though mount will lose his place and it’ll be a back 5.”

Kindaforgoit - “Maguire & sterling instead of white & foden 💀.”

Newinvestor0908 - “Maguire and Shaw in back 4 lolll.”

Freethewoo - “Maguire in a back 4 get some money on both teams to score.”