Who Would You Select to Start for England?
Published 6 hours ago
As Thomas Tuchel's squad counts down to their opening match against Croatia on 17 June (21:00 BST), BBC Sport analysts have selected their preferred starting lineup for the first World Cup game in Dallas.
Would you opt for Manchester City's defensive duo, Marc Guehi and John Stones, or would you pair one of those players with Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa?
Jude Bellingham will wear the number 10 jersey for the World Cup, but will he secure a starting spot in the Three Lions' opener?
You can also make your own selection and share it with friends.
**Micah Richards - Former England defender**
It is a straightforward choice, Jordan Pickford as the goalkeeper. I would select Reece James, provided he is fully fit.
I would go with John Stones over Ezri Konsa, even though Konsa has been very dependable. I simply believe that in international football, Stones can dictate play with the ball, and if we need to retain possession in a match, he is certainly capable of doing that.
Guehi starting is obvious. He has been outstanding for Crystal Palace and Manchester City this season. At left-back, Nico O'Reilly. I know Djed Spence started there in the friendly against New Zealand, but if I had to choose one, it would definitely be O'Reilly.
Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice - pretty much what everyone expects. I like Anderson because he can also initiate attacks. I know he is there to disrupt play, but when he passes the ball through the lines, he does so with very good quality.
Rice, we all know why he starts. Jude Bellingham, I would start him ahead of Morgan Rogers in a number 10 position because he is a big-game player. I think he is a genuine superstar. I believe there are two genuine stars in him and Harry Kane.
I would go with Marcus Rashford over Anthony Gordon, but I wouldn't mind putting Rogers there as well.
Bukayo Saka speaks for himself, and then Harry Kane is obviously up front.
**Joe Hart - Former England goalkeeper**
I hate doing things like this... I have chosen this XI because I believe it is the most balanced squad to set up the tournament.
By no means do I think that this squad will play every game. The squad has a very important role to play.
I think it is a balanced team. You could change seven of those because the squad is so strong.
I love them all, and I want them all to succeed.
**Steph Houghton - Former England captain**
**Alan Shearer - Former England forward**
**Paul Robinson - Former England goalkeeper**
I think Jude Bellingham has shown in the last two warm-up matches why he should start for England. It is very close between him and Morgan Rogers.
I fully expect John Stones to play, but I would actually go with Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi at the back, but so many of the others pick themselves.
**Who would you start for England at the World Cup?**
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