Picking a starting XI for England's World Cup 2014 match against Italy

Last updated : 04 April 2014 By DSG

So who should Roy field this time round in order to get his unlikely quest for success off to the best possible start? Below we'll take a look at the starting XI that would give the England team a fine chance of taking three points from the Azzuri.

Starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Gerrard, Wilshere; Sterling, Rooney, Lallana; Sturridge.

We'll be going with a 4-2-3-1 formation to complement England's most promising and influential players. This forward thinking formation also allows England to attack with pace and defend and press in numbers when needed.

For me Joe Hart is hands down the best English goalkeeper around and with growing experience in the Champions League and at the top of the Premier League he'll be ready to perform on the biggest stage in football.

A back four of Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka and Baines provides experienced and assured defending from some of the best in the English top flight. Johnson can defend and attack with equal measure and has the ability to cut in from the right and shoot if given the chance. A centre back pairing of Cahill and Jagielka has been used by Hodgson many times and the pair have developed a good understand at international level. It was a close call between Cole and Baines at right back but the Everton man got the nod due to his consistency this season under Roberto Martinez, whilst Cole has been out of favour at Chelsea meaning limited time on the pitch.

A midfield duo of Gerrard and Wilshere gives England a solid base to attack and defend from whilst both players offer slightly different qualities. Wilshere can bring the ball forward with his dribbling ability whilst Gerrard will be able to spray balls the wide to the attackers and provide quality set-pieces.

The three man attacking midield of Sterling, Rooney and Lallana gives England pace, power and precision in abundance with Rooney's world class ability and instinct, Lallana's guile and creativity whilst Sterling – a somewhat raw talent – offers a direct style of play with bags of pace to keep opposition defenders on there toes.

Last but by no means least we have Daniel Sturridge up front. Arguably England's most inform striker with lightning pace, a ferocious shot a bag of tricks bigger than Santa's sack of presents. The Liverpool front-man also has a point to prove at international level and will not get a better opportunity to prove himself.

With this somewhat experimental team England can surprise the Italians and get the win they will so vitally need.

Feel free to comment with your preferred starting XI!