England’s starting XI now the squad has been announced

So, that’s it. Everything almost in place. Barring any injuries, Gareth Southgate has his 23 to work with and now it’s just about selecting a starting eleven for their opener against Tunisia. Oh, and a captain.

The England boss has admitted he’s already sure of that team, providing all goes smoothly in the upcoming friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica. But who will that be?

We analyse the manager’s recent teams and predict just who will Be numbers one to 11…

Goalkeeper

 If England are going to do well in the World Cup, much will depend on how goalkeeper and defence communicate and eliminate any errors.

Jordan Pickford will likely be the man barking out the orders following a decent season with Everton. News stories seem to be cementing his place by the day and we expect him to carry the Number 1 shirt in Russia.

Centre Backs

Southgate will play three at the back and it’s likely full back Kyle Walker is the firmest name on the team sheet in the centre half position.

The Manchester City man will take the right hand side of the back three, with Harry Maguire the other man perhaps favoured to start.

Southgate has put a lot of faith in John Stone, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see him complete the back three, despite just two league starts since January.

Wing Backs

 It was fantastic to see Trent Alexander-Arnold make the squad, but it’s likely if Kieran Trippier can prove his fitness, he’ll take the right flank.

Danny Rose looks to have got the nod ahead of Fabian Delph and Ashley Young, who will be waiting in the wings, with both offering pace to play on the counter.

Centre Midfield

The two holding midfielders have been the most hotly debated in recent months and with no Jack Wilshere and an injured Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, it seems destined that Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson will take the reins.

This area is going to be vital for England, purely because it’s the weakest department. On their day though, both are hard working and can take a game by the scruff of the neck.

Attacking Midfielders

It was perhaps a surprise to see Southgate leave Adam Lallana out, even if he has started just three games all season.

Sterling will of course be one of the first names on the team sheet and if you want to get the latest World Cup betting offers, we would fancy him to be in contention for England top scorer given his form.

Dele Alli will likely take the central role in an attacking midfield trio, being that familiar connection between the midfield and Harry Kane.

The other wing remains up for grabs but Lingard seems the obvious choice unless he plans on dropping Jamie Vardy or Marcus Rashford back.

Lingard certainly deserves his spot after a fine season it Manchester United, although he would prefer a more central role.

Striker

One man. One hope. Harry Kane.

The Spurs man will be central to England’s plans and if he can fire like he does for club then the Three Lions have a real chance of causing some trouble in the latter rounds.

There’s chance of a metatarsal yet though…

England’s starting XI now the squad has been announced