Everyone has an opinion when it comes to who should start in England’s World Cup Finals opener against Iran on Monday week.
Some say Kieran Trippier’s fine form for Newcastle United should see his see off challenges from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker to secure the right-back spot. Others want John Stones and Conor Coady partnered at the heart of the back-four and James Maddison to claim a shock start in midfield. There are those who insist Raheem Sterling’s underwhelming start to life at Chelsea should see him excluded.
Whether opinion or stats-based, the arguements are aplenty. So we thought we would take another route by using the world’s great management simulation to help Gareth Southgate select an England side capable of getting the tournament off to a winning start in a historic first meeting with Iran.
3 Added Minutes delves into our wardrobe to dig out our virtual waistcoat, fires up the laptop and steps into the imaginary team meeting room to deliver the good and bad news to a squad made up of figments of our imagination - all with the aid of Football Manager 2023.

1. GK: Aaron Ramsdale - 6.94
There is only 0.24 between the average ratings of England’s three goalkeepers for the tournament. But Ramsdale gets the nod after posting an impressive seven clean sheets in 16 appearances to help Arsenal sit just two points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City and make progress in the Carabao Cup and Europa League. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images

2. RB: Kieran Trippier - 7.35
Much like in the real world, the virtual Trippier is inspiring Newcastle United with six assists and a highly consistent level of performance as the Magpies sit in the Champions League places. That means he gets a starting place by edging out Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Photo: Alex Grimm

3. LB: Luke Shaw - 7.15
England’s only natural left-back, but Shaw is more than worthy of a starting place after posting the second highest average score in the Manchester United squad. Only Bruno Fernandes ranks higher than the defender as the Red Devils sit in ninth place after a poor start to the season. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images

4. CB: Ben White - 7.09
The Gunners defender gets the nod alongside Stones after leaving William Saliba sat on the bench with some eye-catching displays for Mikel Arteta’s side. White has also shown an eye for goal with strikes in wins against Manchester United, Leeds United and Fulham as his side challenge on a number of fronts in the virtual world. Photo: Pool