England's World Cup XI: Paul Merson picks bold side for Iran match

England will be one of the favourites for the World Cup, which starts in just over two months’ time.

The Three Lions have been getting progressively better in major tournaments under Gareth Southgate.

They finished fourth at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, before narrowly missing out to Italy on penalties in the Euro 2020 final.

England fans will be hoping 2022 is the year the nation finally gets over their hoodoo and ends their long wait for a major trophy.

The Three Lions have a number of talented players, but the XI that starts against Iran in their opening game of the 2022 World Cup is far from certain.

Should Harry Maguire play in defence? Who starts at right-back? Who occupies the two wing positions alongside Harry Kane? – those are just three of the questions that Southgate will have to answer.

Paul Merson has now shared his thoughts on who should start for England at the World Cup in a column for Sky Sports.

He’s picked an eyebrow raising XI and you can view it below…

GK: Jordan Pickford

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

CB: Kyle Walker

CB: John Stones

LB: Kieran Trippier

CM: Declan Rice

CM: Mason Mount

CM: Phil Foden

LW: Marcus Rashford

RW: Raheem Sterling

ST: Harry Kane

Here's Paul Merson's England XI for their first 2022 World Cup game…