Jamie Carragher has selected his England XI to start at the World Cup in Russia this summer.
England have been drawn in a group alongside Belgium, Tunisia and Panama, and will get their campaign underway against Tunisia on June 18th in Volgograd. Gareth Southgate’s team will then meet Panama on June 24th, before playing their final group game against Belgium on June 28th.
Some players, such as Harry Kane and John Stones, are guaranteed to start all three group games if they’re fit when the tournament begins, but other positions in the England team appear to be up for grabs. There is some doubt about who will be the starting goalkeeper, as regular number one Joe Hart has lost his place at West Ham, and has seen his form collapse over the past season or two. Jack Wilshere’s return to form for Arsenal could also see him earn a starting spot in midfield, while a third central defensive position could be available.
Carragher selected his England World Cup XI on Sky Sports show The Debate on Thursday night, and it looks to be a decent side. Here’s Carragher’s England XI:
The former Liverpool defender selected Jordan Pickford to start in goal ahead of Hart, because of his impressive form for Everton, and Hart’s lack of playing time for West Ham. Carragher opted for a back three of Stones, Gary Cahill and Harry Maguire, who has had a very good season for Leicester.
Kyle Walker and Danny Rose start at wing-back, with Wilshere and Jordan Henderson in midfield. Carragher opted for Henderson ahead of Eric Dier because the Liverpool captain can bring more “energy” to the side, and that otherwise you could “flip a coin” to make your choice, because there’s nothing between the two. Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling start behind Kane.
You could maybe make one or two changes to the side, possibly start Dier in the back-three or in midfield, but otherwise it’s hard to argue with this team. Adam Lallana has been a key player for England in recent years, but he is only returning to first-team action for Liverpool following a lengthy spell out injured. Marcus Rashford has impressed for England, but it’s difficult to argue for him to start when he’s not currently starting for Manchester United.
