‘It’s just ludicrous’ – England fans left scratching their heads with Southgate set to leave Man City star on bench

England fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is set to start in their opening World Cup game ahead of Phil Foden.

With England facing Iran in their opening game of the World Cup, fans across the country will be debating their starting elevens with each other. Of course, the decision ultimately lies with Gareth Southgate, and a report on Sunday has given us some early team news.

According to the Telegraph, Arsenal winger Saka is set to start for England, with Manchester City youngster Foden set to miss out.

Without showing any disrespect to Iran, England should have enough firepower to win their opening game, regardless of who Southgate picks in the positions which are up for debate.

Foden will undoubtedly be immensely disappointed to not start for his country. The Manchester City wizard has been in excellent form for his club this season and is one of England’s most technically gifted players.

The report was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. The news come as a surprise for many fans given Foden’s form this season.

“Can’t wait to see England lose tomorrow so they learn a lesson”
Credit: @FodenCTID

“Foden miles clear in terms of ability but it’s pretty simple, Saka plays better at RW. Foden should be starting ahead of Sterling on the left or in the middle ahead of the likes of Mount/Gallagher”
Credit: @bernardooooV3

“No one hates Saka we’d all want him to start especially as a RW. He’s also been better than foden in an England shirt and as a winger. But mount and sterling shouldn’t be starting ahead of Foden”
Credit: @lytol12

“Saka should start, that’s a fact. But so should Foden. Sterling shouldn’t be imo”
Credit: @H_Rusherrr

“It’s just ludicrous. People genuinely think Saka is better than him. They have no idea about what Phil does for us. Phil is rapidly becoming one of the most underrated players in the league. He’s in our top 3 (one of best clubs itw) and cant even get in a bang average England XI!”
Credit: @jakeherringmcfc

“Saka deserves to start just as much as Foden does. But Southgate is too cowardly to play both so with that in mind, this makes sense”
Credit: @Dayo_28

“the correct decision. Foden is the second name on the team sheet for me, but only as a midfielder”
Credit: @Ethan4707

“As mad as it is that we go into this World Cup without having found a starting spot for Foden, it might not be a bad thing for whichever wide option is benched. If history has taught us anything it’s to expect a clamour for whoever isn’t in the side once we struggle early on”
Credit: @city_tactics