The Manchester United legend suggests the Three Lions must play with a back three in the upcoming tournament.
England secured automatic qualification to the 2022 World Cup as they look to end their 56-year major trophy drought. A defeat against Italy in the Euro 2020 final prevented Gareth Southgate’s side to lift the continental trophy at Wembley.
However, the Three Lions are undoubtedly among the top favourites to claim the World Cup in Qatar. Southgate’s team are well-equipped in almost every position, with a few new faces showing convincing performance for the national team in recent months.
Once again, the England manager must face the pressure of selecting 11 men for his starting lineup. After England’s 3-0 win over Ivory Coast on Tuesday, Rio Ferdinand revealed his favourite England XI to play in World Cup.
“I’m gonna go three at the back as I think that’s our best chance. [Harry] Maguire on the left, Kyle Walker central and Reece James on the right,” he said on his Vibe with Five podcast.
“Trent [Alexander-Arnold] at right wing-back and [Luke] Shaw left wing-back. I’m gonna go Declan [Rice] and [Jude] Bellingham (in midfield). Foden in the hole and then two strikers [Raheem] Sterling and [Harry] Kane.”
He added: “My midfield, Declan, Jude and Foden dropping in as a No10 and coming back into midfield. Free role for Sterling, he can go where he wants, Kane holding the ball up and running behind.”
The three biggest names missing in Ferdinand’s lineup are Jadon Sancho, Bukayo Saka, and Mason Mount. All three players seem to have a place in Southgate’s plans for the upcoming tournament.
However, the England boss will most likely choose his lineup based on the players’ form and his tactical preferences. Sancho, in particular, could become a serious choice for the starting XI as he has displayed much-improved performances in United’s recent games.
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