Harry Maguire remains an odds-on favourite to start England's first game of the 2022 World Cup as Gareth Southgate faces key selection decisions ahead of the winter tournament.
The Three Lions defeated Switzerland and Ivory Coast in friendlies on Saturday and Tuesday respectively to leave Southgate with six remaining fixtures to finalise his plans before flying out to Qatar in November. England return to action in June and September to face Hungary, Germany and Italy in Nations League Group C, presenting hopeful players with their last opportunities to force their way onto the plane.
Over the last fortnight, the spotlight has been fixed on Maguire, with the under-fire defender involved in a bizarre training ground incident before he was booed at Wembley by home fans. The Manchester United captain has since received wholehearted backing from Southgate as well as international teammates keen to point out his vital contributions at recent major tournaments.
Maguire played a key role in England's run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals in Russia and final of Euro 2020 last summer, so it comes as no surprise Betfair make him one of the two defenders most likely to start the Three Lions' opener in Qatar. The odds suggest Manchester City centre-back John Stones will be his partner with Liverpool playmaker Trent Alexander-Arnold and United star Luke Shaw in the full-back slots, ahead of Everton 'keeper Jordan Pickford in goal.
Further upfield, West Ham vice-captain Declan Rice is a strong favourite for a starting berth having featured in all seven of England's games at Euro 2020. He could be joined in the centre of the park by Chelsea ace Mason Mount and Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jude Bellingham, who will be just 19 years old by the time the tournament rolls around.
Who should start England's opening game at the 2022 World Cup? Pick your XI below!
In attack, Tottenham talisman Harry Kane appears a shoo-in to start at centre-forward. The England skipper scored from the penalty spot in the victory over Switzerland to take his tally for his country to 49 goals, leaving him just four behind record-scorer Wayne Rooney.
Kane could be supported by Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden, both of whom have shone for Premier League-leaders City this season. Jack Grealish provides Southgate with another option in advanced areas while the odds suggest Arsenal pair Bukayo Saka and Benjamin White are among those who could push for a starting role.
Most likely starting XI for England's first match of the 2022 World Cup (4-3-3): Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Mount Bellingham; Sterling, Kane, Foden.
