England's 2022 World Cup predicted starting XI vs Iran, according to odds

The 2022 World Cup is just two months away and that means Gareth's Southgate's selection dilemma for the England squad is about to hot up.

But it's just not just which players will get a spot on the plane - to be honest, that's usually a more predictable and straightforward pick.

No, the real problem is posed when it comes to selecting the best possible starting XI.

England are blessed more than most countries with a plethora of world class talent, which, although that sounds like all sunshine and rainbows, creates its own issues amongst the playing squad as well as for the manager.

Sure, Harry Kane is a banker to lead the line in the attack. And John Stones is a certainty to seize one of the centre back spots.

But who starts in the full back positions? Does Jude Bellingham or Jordan Henderson usurp Kalvin Phillips in the midfield?

Ahead of the final international break before the real thing is upon us, Betfair have released every player's odds to start England's first match vs Iran on November 21.

England manager Gareth Southgate — MUNICH, GERMANY - JUNE 07: Gareth Southgate, Manager of England looks on prior to the UEFA Nations League League A Group 3 match between Germany and England at Allianz Arena on June 07, 2022 in Munich, Germany. The German national team will play the match in the Women’s national kit in support of their upcoming UEFA Women’s European Championship campaign. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Goalkeepers:

Jordan Pickford: 1/3
Aaron Ramsdale: 5/2
Nick Pope: 5/1
Dean Henderson: 9/1
Sam Johnstone: 20/1

Southgate's trustee general between the sticks, it's probably no surprise to see Pickford as the odds-on favourite to start vs Iran.

Although it must be said, Ramsdale, Pope and Henderson have all been in exceptional form and should he have a shaky start in Qatar, it wouldn't take much for one to get an opportunity.

Defenders:

John Stones: 1/25
Harry Maguire: 4/9
Ben Chilwell: 4/7
Reece James: 5/6
Kyle Walker: 10/11
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 11/10
Kieran Trippier: 6/4
Eric Dier: 5/2
Joe Gomez: 4/1
Luke Shaw: 4/1
Ben White: 9/2
Fikayo Tomori: 5/1
Marc Guehi: 11/2
Conor Coady: 13/2
Tyrone Mings: 16/1
Tyrick Mitchell: 20/1
James Justin: 20/1

So, Stones is an obvious banker. However, Maguire seems like very short odds given he's fallen out of favour at his club in recent times.

Chilwell leads the charge at left back, whilst United's Shaw finds himself way off at 4/1. Trippier could also start from the left like he did at times in last summer's European Championship and that's reflected in his 6/4 odds.

Meanwhile James narrowly edges Walker for the right back slot. Alexander-Arnold finds himself third favourite to start in his favoured role at 11/10.

Trent and Reece James England — Soccer Football - UEFA Nations League - League A - Group 2 - England v Belgium - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 11, 2020 England's Reece James comes on as a substitute to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold Pool via REUTERS/Neil Hall

Midfielders:

Declan Rice: 2/9
Mason Mount: 2/9
Kalvin Phillips: 8/15
Jude Bellingham: 6/4
Jordan Henderson: 13/2
James Ward-Prowse: 9/1
Conor Gallagher: 9/1
Emile Smith Rowe: 20/1
Harvey Elliott: 20/1
Curtis Jones: 25/1
Jesse Lingard: 33/1

Rice and Mount are near certainties to start vs Iran in the eyes of Betfair's analysts.

Phillips leads the charge for the remaining central midfield slot, with Bellingham breathing down his neck at a price just shy of odds-on.

Liverpool captain Henderson is way out the frame at 13/2.

Declan Rice England — LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Declan Rice of England runs with the ball during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16 match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium on June 29, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Attackers:

Harry Kane: 1/14
Raheem Sterling: 4/9
Phil Foden: 5/6
Bukayo Saka: 21/20
Jack Grealish: 9/4
Jadon Sancho: 13/2
Marcus Rashford: 13/12
Jarrod Bowen: 7/1
Tammy Abraham: 10/1
Ivan Toney: 14/1
Ollie Watkins: 20/1
Callum Wilson: 33/1

Kane is sure to start so long as he stays fit. He'll be chasing down the existing England goal record at the World Cup and is just three away from matching Wayne Rooney's tally of 53 strikes.

Sterling has always been a favourite of Southgate and is expected to start on the left-hand side of an attacking three.

Whilst his teammate Foden is odds-on to start from the right-hand side.

Harry Kane celebrates for England — Soccer Football - International Friendly - England v Switzerland - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - March 26, 2022 England's Harry Kane celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

England's predicted starting XI for Iran according to the odds

And there you have it. Overall, it's probably fair to say the team is as you would expect, with Southgate known for showing especially high amounts of loyalty to his players.

Will the nation agree with his eventual selection? It's impossible to satisfy everyone.

However, if the team is winning on the pitch, then ultimately that's all that matters.