Townsend’s 11 to start against Iran

KEEPER: Jordan Pickford

He’s probably been England’s best player during my 18 months at Everton. His reading of the game and his ability to pull off top saves at crucial points was vital in helping them to get to within touching distance of the final in 2018, then within a penalty kick of winning the Euros last year.

RIGHT WING-BACK: Trent Alexander-Arnold

In an ideal world Reece James would be there. But with him being injured and Kyle Walker doubtful, especially in the group stage, I’d go for Trent. With the added protection of the back three, the asset of him going forward would be massive in helping England to be more creative.

LEFT WING-BACK: Luke Shaw

He excelled in the Euros when his inclusion was questioned and I’m sure that both he and Gareth will be full of confidence going into this tournament. Erik ten Hag has helped with that with Manchester United’s improved form and now it’s there for Luke.

RIGHT CENTRE-BACK: Ben White

“He’d have been out of the side if Kyle Walker was fit because Kyle has the speed and the experience to cope with any opponent. But with City star out he deserves his chance. He’s been terrific for Arsenal this season at right-back but I’d have Trent there. Ben has already shown, though, that he is versatile enough to do a good job on the right of a three.”

MIDDLE CENTRE-BACK: John Stones

This is a tight one. I’d probably go for John. But having watched Eric Dier for the last two games, I’d say he’s close – really close. But I’d go with John Stones based on previous experience at major tournaments.

LEFT CENTRE-BACK: Harry Maguire

It’s got to be. He’s a player that’s had a load of stick but people talk about game time – going into the last Euros he was out for six weeks. He didn’t play any of the warm-up games and didn’t play the first two group games.

So we know he can do it without being match fit. Hopefully, once the tournament starts, if he is backed again, he can show everyone what he can do.

MIDFIELD: Jude Bellingham

Initially I was worried that Jude and Declan could be too attacking when you need out-and-out holders, either Henderson or Phillips. But Bellingham can do it all. He can defend if he needs to, he can attack if he needs to. He can press, he can tackle, he’s got it all. He might be just 19 but I’d have no problems going into a major tournament with him in the starting line-up.

MIDFIELD: Declan Rice

He is an automatic pick, no doubt about it. He has grown as a player over the last few years and he is one of the first names on the team sheet for England.

RIGHT-WNG: Bukayo Saka

Saka on the right, coming in onto his left foot, is just lethal. When you play with Arsenal, you play with pressure every week and he just relishes it. He makes goals, he scores goals and he’d be in for me ahead of Raheem Sterling on current form. Raheem has just dipped at the wrong time while the others have been unbelievable.

LEFT-WING: Phil Foden

I like him on the right but I’d probably go with Foden off the left because he can come into pockets. He scores goals, creates space for himself superbly well and knows how to win tournaments and titles.

STRIKER: Harry Kane

England need to work much harder on a way to get the best out of Harry Kane. That means bodies closer to him who can supply him or pull defenders out of position. They need Foden closer to him, they need Saka closer to him. If England are going to win the World Cup, they need runners off Harry when he drops deep. They can’t have him getting to the second round, like they did in the Euros, without scoring.