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

England World Cup Starting XI: BBC Sport Pundits' Picks

BBC Sport pundits choose England World - With England’s squad set to face Croatia in their World Cup opener on 17 June (21:00 BST), BBC Sport experts have unveiled their envisioned starting line-up. The debate over key positions continues, as fans are invited to cast their own votes and share their choices. Here’s how the pundits have structured their selections.

Goalkeeper

There is little ambiguity at goalkeeping, where Jordan Pickford is the clear choice. His consistency and leadership in recent matches make him the obvious selection for the tournament’s first game.

Defensive Line

At the back, the discussion centers on pairing Marc Guehi and John Stones. Both have excelled this season, with Guehi’s performances at Crystal Palace and Manchester City earning strong praise. Stones, meanwhile, is favored for his ability to control possession at the international level, despite some opting for Ezri Konsa as an alternative.

“Stones has the ability to control possession at the international level. If we need to keep the ball in a game, he is one that can certainly do that.”

Wingers and Full-backs

Reece James is a strong candidate, provided he is fully fit. Nico O’Reilly is also mentioned for his potential at left-back, though Djed Spence was selected in a recent friendly. The right-back position is expected to be Declan Rice’s domain, with Elliot Anderson possibly contributing as a versatile option.

“I like Anderson because he can also start attacks. When he plays the ball through the lines, he does so with really good quality.”

Midfield and Forwards

Jude Bellingham is tipped for the number 10 role, with his recent warm-up games highlighting his status as a key player. While Morgan Rogers is a close contender, Bellingham’s experience in high-pressure situations gives him the edge. For forwards, Harry Kane is a no-brainer, but the debate over Rashford versus Anthony Gordon remains.

“I think Bellingham has shown in the past two warm-up games why he should start. It is so close between him and Morgan Rogers.”

The pundits acknowledge the squad’s depth, suggesting seven players could be rotated depending on match demands. Despite the flexibility, they emphasize the importance of balancing experience with emerging talent. The squad’s potential is seen as a major asset, with all players deserving of their chance to shine.

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