BBC Sport pundits choose England World Cup XIs - who would you pick?

Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon

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Who would you pick to start for England?

Published30 minutes ago

As Thomas Tuchel's side countdown to their opening game against Croatia on 17 June (21:00 BST), BBC Sport pundits have chosen their starting XI for their first World Cup game in Dallas.

Would you start Manchester City 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 shirt for the World Cup, but will he have a starting shirt in the Three Lions' opening game?

You can make your selection too and share it with friends.

Micah Richards - Former England defender

Micah Richards XI; Pickford; James, Guehi, Stones, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford, Kane

It is an easy pick, Jordan Pickford as the goalkeeper. I would start Reece James, if he is fully fit.

I would go with John Stones instead of Ezri Konsa, even though Konsa has been really reliable. I just believe on the ball at international football Stones can dictate and if we need to keep the ball in a game, he is one that can certainly do that.

Guehi starting is self-explanatory. He has been excellent for Crystal Palace and Manchester City this season. At left-back, Nico O'Reilly. I know Djed Spence started at their in the friendly against New Zealand, but if I had to pick one it would definitely be O'Reilly.

Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice - pretty much what everyone expects. I like Anderson because he can also start attacks. I know he is in there to break up play, but when he plays the ball through the lines he plays it with really 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 think there is 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 upfront.

Joe Hart - Former England goalkeeper

I hate doing stuff like this... I have picked this XI as I think it is the most well-balanced team to set the tournament up.

By no way, shape or form do I think that this squad will play every game. The squad has such an important role to play.

I think it is a balanced team. You could change seven of those because the squad is so good.

I love them all, and I want them all to do well.

Steph Houghton - Former England captain

Goalkeeper: Pickford Defenders: James , Guehi, Stones, O'Reilly Midfielders: Rice, Anderson, Bellingham Forwards: Saka, Kane, Rashford

Alan Shearer - Former England forward

Goalkeeper: Pickford Defenders: James, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly Midfielders: Anderson, Rice, Rogers Forwards: Gordon, Kane, Saka

Paul Robinson - Former England goalkeeper

Goalkeeper: Pickford Defenders: James Konsa Guehi O'Reilly Midfielders: Anderson Rice Saka Bellingham Gordon Striker: Kane

I think Jude Bellingham has shown in the past two warm-up games why he should start for England. It is so 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.

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Who would you start for England?

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