**BBC Sport pundits choose England World Cup XIs - who would you pick?**

A BBC Sport analyst has unveiled their preferred England starting XI for the upcoming World Cup, sparking immediate debate among supporters and football commentators. As the tournament draws nearer, speculation surrounding Gareth Southgate's final squad and tactical preferences intensifies. Every pundit's selection becomes a talking point for fans eager to see their nation lift the trophy, and this particular lineup blends seasoned campaigners with rising stars, highlighting a focus on both defensive solidity and creative flair.

In goal, the pundit made an "easy pick" with Jordan Pickford, a consistent presence for the national side. The defensive line sees some key decisions. Reece James is earmarked for right-back, albeit with the crucial caveat of being "fully fit." At centre-back, John Stones is preferred over the "reliable" Ezri Konsa, with the justification rooted in Stones' superior ability "on the ball at international football" to dictate play and maintain possession. Marc Guéhi's inclusion alongside Stones is described as "self-explanatory" given his "excellent" form for both Crystal Palace and Manchester City this season. Nico O'Reilly gets the nod at left-back, despite Djed Spence having started in a recent friendly against New Zealand, indicating a strong preference for O'Reilly's attributes.

The midfield selection presents a blend of industry and creativity. Declan Rice is an expected choice, universally acknowledged for his pivotal role. Alongside him, Elliot Anderson is included for his dual ability to "break up play" and "start attacks," playing the ball "through the lines with really good quality." The coveted number 10 role is given to Jude Bellingham, who is hailed as a "big game player" and a "genuine superstar." Bellingham's selection here comes at the expense of Morgan Rogers, underscoring the pundit's belief in his unique impact.

Upfront, the attacking trio features a mix of pace and proven goalscoring. Bukayo Saka's place on the wing "speaks for himself," a testament to his consistent performances. Marcus Rashford is chosen over Anthony Gordon, though the pundit also noted Morgan Rogers as another potential option for the wide position. Leading the line, as expected, is captain Harry Kane, described as one of England's "two genuine stars" alongside Bellingham.

These expert analyses are more than just hypothetical lineups; they serve as critical barometers of public and professional opinion regarding England's strengths and weaknesses. The choices made by pundits like this one often highlight ongoing tactical dilemmas for Southgate, such as balancing experience with emerging talent, or prioritizing defensive steel versus attacking potency. By singling out players like John Stones for his ball-playing ability or Jude Bellingham for his "superstar" quality, the pundit underscores specific attributes deemed vital for success on the world stage.

Such XIs also act as conversation starters, prompting fans to consider their own preferred lineups and debate the merits of various player combinations. As the World Cup looms, every decision, from the starting goalkeeper to the tactical setup, will be scrutinised, and expert opinions like these provide valuable insight into the complex challenges facing the England manager. The question for supporters now becomes: which players would make your ideal England XI?