How the Three Lions are expected to start in their opening match.
England’s 2014 World Cup campaign starts with a tough opening match in Group D against four-time winners Italy.
There is much anticipation ahead of the game about who Roy Hodgson will pick in his starting XI and here is how CaughtOffside thinks the 66-year-old will lineup his team.
GK – Joe Hart
After Ben Foster’s shaky display against Ecuador in the warm-ups there is more confirmation than ever now that this Manchester City goalkeeper is the established No.1.
RB – Glen Johnson
In a season in 2013/14 where Liverpool looked good, Johnson was perhaps one of their weaker players, but starts for the English by virtue of the fact there are no better options.
LB – Leighton Baines
This is a big moment for the Everton left-back as the 29-year-old is now firmly established in the first team and will play his first World Cup with Ashley Cole having been dropped from the squad.
CB – Gary Cahill
In recent history central defence has always been a strong point for the Three Lions, but now only Chelsea ace Cahill could be described as a top-class centre-back in the squad.
CB – Phil Jagielka
Alongside Cahill will be the Toffees skipper, who at 31-years-old is also playing his first World Cup after another solid year at Goodison Park.
CM – Steven Gerrard
Having impressed in the role for the Reds, the captain of the side will be asked to play a deeplying playmaker role in front of the back four – similar to Italian star Andrea Pirlo.
CM – Jordan Henderson
Despite some calling for Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere to start for his improved attacking presence, having impressed alongside Gerrard at Anfield all term we expect Henderson to partner his skipper in the middle.
RM – Adam Lallana
What a rise to stardom is has been for the Southampton captain, who in 2011 was still playing League One football and is now considered one of the most exciting talents in the national team.
CAM – Raheem Sterling
This is a contentious issue, as it’s uncertain whether Hodgson will pick Sterling or Danny Welbeck, but in order to cause Pirlo problems we expect the 19-year-old to get the nod and play in a No.10 role.
LM – Wayne Rooney
With Sterling more central Rooney will have to get used to his new position on the left, with the Manchester United man running out of time to prove himself at a World Cup.
ST – Daniel Sturridge
Leading the attack has to be a striker who netted 21 Premier League goals last campaign in 29 matches and has looked sharp in the box when taking to the field for his country.
SEE ALSO: The 50 best players at the 2014 World Cup.