MURPHY’S STARTING XI

DEFENCE: I would go with a back four. I don’t understand the desire to switch to a back three when England have not played it since the end of last year. And the players are used to being in a four for United, City and Liverpool. I would play Kyle Walker at right-back, he’s our best defender in that position and Croatia is the game where we will do the most defending. Tyrone Mings gives us balance and I always think he’s better against better opposition. He also has a tremendous physical presence.

MIDFIELD: It’s a risk but I would play Jordan Henderson. For such a huge game, your first in a major tournament, against big opposition, you need your big players. Henderson is used to big games and he’s used to playing to the right of Fabinho for Liverpool. I would like to see one holding midfielder with two in front. If you play two, that gives the players a defensive mindset. It also tells the opposition we are worried about them.

ATTACK: England will need pace on the counterattack, which is why I am starting with Marcus Rashford. I would start Jack Grealish in the other two group games where we are more likely to come up against a low block. Croatia is not a game in which England will dominate possession. So we need a release ball and Rashford or Raheem Sterling is the answer. Phil Foden is in for his ability to make things happen.