Ferdinand omits Sancho and Saka from England World Cup starting XI

Rio Ferdinand has named his England starting XI for this winter's World Cup and has left out a host of Premier League stars.

Time is running out for Three Lions stars to book their place in Gareth Southgate's squad for the showpiece event in Qatar, with just six Nations League fixtures left before the tournament.

The latest international break saw England record victories in friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast at Wembley, with the latter seeing the likes of Ollie Watkins and Tyrone Mings get on the scoresheet and Jude Bellingham impressing.

They no doubt provided Southgate with yet more selection headaches ahead of the 2022 World Cup - when England will look to go one better than they did at Euro 2020 - but ex-England centre-back Ferdinand has offered up his opinion.

Speaking on his Vibe with Five podcast, Ferdinand omitted Manchester City centre-back John Stones from his defence, saying:  'I'm going to go three-at-the-back as I think that's our best chance. 

'[Harry] Maguire on the left, Kyle Walker central and Reece James on the right. Trent [Alexander-Arnold] at right wing-back and [Luke] Shaw left wing-back.'

Ferdinand however spring a surprise in midfield, firstly by splitting up the Euro 2020 partnership of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips and then by snubbing the likes of Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson by saying: 'I'm going to go Declan [Rice] and [Jude] Bellingham.'

Then in attack, the likes of Man City's £100million star Jack Grealish, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, Arsenal star Bukayo Saka and Man United forward Jadon Sancho were also snubbed, with Ferdinand adding: '[Phil] Foden in the hole and then two strikers - [Raheem] Sterling and [Harry] Kane.'

Further explaining his selections and how the