CM: Jordan Henderson
Okay it really starts to fall apart in central midfield, but what are you going to do? Jack Wilshere should surely have gone, but Jordan Henderson is an improved player under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and should be a starter in Russia.
CM: Eric Dier
Another player who hasn’t quite moved forward as one would’ve hoped, but Eric Dier is a solid option in the middle and does his job in front of the back four well.
RAM: Raheem Sterling
Could Southgate be ballsy and play 4-4-2? We think it might be the best way to line up in attack, with this kind of front four almost a 4-2-4 with plenty to cause havoc for opposition defenders. Raheem Sterling has been superb for City in a similar free role breaking into the box from wide-right and he should be a key part of this England team.
LAM: Dele Alli
Not a winger in the traditional sense, but Dele Alli has occasionally started from the left-hand side and seems another good option to move around into dangerous areas and confuse opponents with late darts into the box when possible.