England fans are excited as Gareth Southgate’s team sheet has been announced ahead of their World Cup clash against Wales on Tuesday evening.
Going into the final match of Group B, England know that a point will secure them a place in the last 16. Whilst Wales need to beat the Three Lions by four goals or more to have any chance of getting through to the next round.
As kick-off approaches, England’s official starting eleven has been announced.
It was reported that the likes of Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and Jordan Henderson were all in line to be named in Southgate’s team.
And the reports were correct, England’s starting lineup is as follows: Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford.
The news that Foden is starting has gone down well with England fans, who reacted positively to the team news on social media.
One fan said: “That’s better from Southgate.”
Another tweeted: “Finally Foden is starting.”
A third fan added: “EEEEKKKK, FINALLY PHIL FODEN IS STARTING FOR ENGLAND!! We have won.”
Someone else commented: “Not actually a bad squad. Foden FINALLY starting.”
There has been a lot of talk over the past few days regarding Southgate’s decision not to bring Foden on during the 0-0 draw against the USA.
Many fans felt the Manchester City midfielder was the obvious choice to inject some urgency and creativity into an England side that looked slow and lethargic.
However, Foden was left on the bench as the likes of Henderson, Jack Grealish and Rashford were put on instead.
Southgate insisted that Foden will play a key role in the World Cup for England, he told ITV: “We love Phil, he is a super player.
“He was into the first game, we decided not to put him into the second. But he is going to play an important part in this tournament for us, there is no question about that.”
A victory against Wales will ensure England finish top of Group B and waiting in the last 16 will be Senegal, who finished second in Group A behind the Netherlands.