England’s players have been told the starting line-up for their World Cup opener against Tunisia.
Midfielder Fabian Delph confirmed at a news conference on Saturday that manager Gareth Southgate had revealed his XI for Monday’s clash in Volgograd.
“We know the team,” he said. “The preparation remains the same, we’re a team, all about the team. Everyone sticks together. The manager chooses the best team.”
Delph was asked about the influence club manager Pep Guardiola has had on the England squad, with Manchester City providing four players for Southgate.
“Obviously the players at Manchester City, the influence on us, you can see the changes some of the players have made this season, he’s helped us improve.
Coming in to the set-up, the lads are confident and these are exciting times,” he said.
Delph was also asked about team-mate Danny Rose, who recently opened up on what had been a secret battle with depression.
“I wasn’t aware. He’s my best mate, I’ve known him since we were 10 and we’re very close,” he added. “We’ve spoken since and he’s a strong guy mentally
with great people around. He’ll be fine going into the World Cup.”
