The England national team wrapped up their two friendlies this past international window. The Three Lions have already booked their ticket to the FIFA World Cup later this year in Qatar.
As a result, these fixtures were to keep players in form, look at other talents, and examine who will be on the final squad heading to the international tournament.
Many pundits, journalists, and fans will have their take on who should represent England. During a segment on the “Vibe with Five” this week, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand gave his starting eleven that manager Gareth Southgate should go with at the World Cup.
Ferdinand’s starting has Tottenham Hotspur striker in a partnership with Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling.
“I’m gonna go three at the back as I think that’s our best chance,” Ferdinand. “[Harry] Maguire on the left, Kyle Walker central, and Reece James on the right. Trent [Alexander-Arnold] at right wing-back and [Luke] Shaw left wing-back.
“I’m gonna go Declan [Rice] and [Jude] Bellingham. Foden in the hole and then two strikers [Raheem] Sterling and [Harry] Kane.”
The pundit went on to defend his starting eleven when he received some pushback from his co-hosts.
“Imagine that defense. Reece James coming out with the ball coming into midfield because he can do that; he played midfield as a kid,” Ferdinand said. “Trent out on the right. Walker center, he’s covering the whole backline on his own.”
“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 Lions will be looking to win their second World Cup and hoping to build off what they did at the UEFA Euros last year, which saw them reach the tournament’s final. However, England will wish that they can win the final if they get to that stage again.
I’ll bet Harry’s rooting for Wales to make it to Qatar so he and Bale can play golf together on the off-days since there’s nothing else to do there.