Ferdinand snubs Arsenal, Man Utd stars as he picks England’s WC team

Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand has picked his preferred England starting team for this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.

The Three Lions have fared well during this international break. They have picked up victories against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast.

England head into this year’s tournament after reaching the final of the delayed European Championships in 2021.

‘Sarcastic’ Harry Maguire to miss out on World Cup?

The draw for the group stages at the World Cup take place in Qatar this Friday.

During the latest Vibe with Five podcast, Ferdinand revealed who he thinks Gareth Southgate should start at the World Cup.

The 43-year-old did not select a goalkeeper, but he believes England should go with a three-man defence.

Ferdinand thinks Harry Maguire needs to be played alongside Kyle Walker and Reece James:

“I’m going to go three-at-the-back as I think that’s our best chance,” Ferdinand said.

“[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.”

The United legend then moved onto his selections for midfield and up front. He left out the likes of Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips:

“I’m going to go Declan [Rice] and [Jude] Bellingham. Foden in the hole and then two strikers – [Raheem] Sterling and [Harry] Kane.”

Ferdinand later looked to justify his selections, starting with Chelsea defender James:

“Reece James coming out with the ball coming into midfield because he can do that; he played midfield as a kid,” Ferdinand continued.

“Trent out on the right. Walker centre, he’s covering the whole backline on his own. My midfield, Declan, Jude and Foden dropping in as a number 10 and coming back into