Gareth Southgate has a tough selection to make for England at the World Cup

Tunisia v England: Gareth Southgate's most likely XI for first World Cup game

14:04 · MON June 11, 2018

England's friendly with Nigeria could give us some clues to Gareth Southgate's World Cup starting XI against Tunisia - we look at his likely options.

These two Group G opponents kick-off their campaign in Volgograd on June 18.

With a few names in Gareth Southgate’s line-up seemingly set in stone, we look at the different approaches the England boss might take when it comes to those more contested positions.

The most likely starting XI combination comprises of what looks like a back-five system that utilises two deep-lying central midfielders and two more attacking threats in behind the striker.

Billy Cundall takes a look at Sky Bet's odds on the market...

Shortest priced line up: 6/1 (via Sky Bet)

Line-up: Pickford, Trippier, Walker, Maguire, Stones, Rose, Henderson, Dier, Sterling, Alli and Kane

There is no surprise to see newly-installed captain Harry Kane start up-top, supported by two creative flair players in Raheem Sterling and Dele Alli. Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier provide a solid foundation in the midfield, allowing the two pacey wing-backs to patrol the wide areas, aiming to supply the Tottenham star up-front.

Jordan Pickford looks set to be England's number one.

Lingard for Alli: 10/1

Line-up: Pickford, Trippier, Walker, Maguire, Stones, Rose, Henderson, Dier, Sterling, Lingard and Kane

In the same formation, this line-up changes where we see Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard replace Tottenham’s Alli.

Alli’s talent and ability to flip a game on its head is undoubted, but Lingard’s ability to utilise one-touch passing to transition the game from the midfield into attack has drawn plaudits this season, with ex-England captain Rio Ferdinand recently echoing the view that the United man should be in the starting XI.

It remains to be seen which player Southgate prefers, and the two upcoming friendlies should provide a good indication of his intentions.

Could Southgate prefer Lingard to Alli?

Dier makes room for them both: 11/1

Line-up: Pickford, Trippier, Walker, Maguire, Stones, Rose, Henderson, Alli, Sterling, Lingard & Kane

If, like me, you are wishing you could include both, then maybe this line-up is for you.

Southgate could opt to trust Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson to patrol the midfield solo, meaning there would be no place for Spurs utility man Dier.

Dier’s void would be filled with the inclusion of both Alli and Lingard. A bold strategy, but one that would be sure to provide excitement when England bring the ball forward.

Tough-tackling Malta face England again on Friday

Is there room for both Alli and Lingard?

Young gets the nod: 16/1

Line-up: Pickford, Trippier, Walker, Maguire, Stones, Young, Henderson, Dier, Sterling, Alli and Kane

In a similar line-up to the first, this one sees Spurs full-back Danny Rose lose his place to a surprise performer. After emerging from what seemed like the abyss, Ashley Young’s displays for Manchester United have not gone unnoticed, and this line-up rewards the 32-year-old by granting him a starting place versus Tunisia.

Ashley Young has been banned for three games

Ashley Young has forced his way back into the England squad.

Jones replaces Trippier: 16/1

Line-up: Pickford, Walker, Maguire, Stones, Jones, Rose, Henderson, Dier, Sterling, Alli and Kane

Phil Jones finds himself amongst the starters in this 16/1 shot. Despite Kieran Trippier’s strong performances for Spurs this term, Southgate might not trust Walker at centre-back just yet, and his pace and power could be desirable at right wing-back instead. In this case, Trippier would make way for Man United’s more recognised centre-half in Jones.

Phil Jones was forced off with an injury in the first half

Can Phil Jones force his way into the side?

Attack, attack, attack!: 22/1

Line-up: Pickford, Trippier, Walker, Maguire, Stones, Rose, Henderson, Dier, Sterling, Vardy & Kane all to start

Jamie Vardy producing another Premier League haul of 20 goals must have given the Three Lions’ manager a headache. The forward proved again this season that he is cool and clinical in front of goal, and will be sure to stake a huge claim to start in Russia.

The Leicester man proved to be an influential figure in France at Euro 2016, scoring a vital goal against Wales in the group stage, and the calls for him to start in Volgograd are becoming louder and louder.

Kane and Vardy boast an impressive 50 Premier League goals between them this season, and a flourishing partnership could be England’s best chance to scare even the best of defences.

Attacking influence Alli would miss out, but perhaps Vardy’s noise is too loud for Southgate to ignore.

Could England go for two up top?

With three weeks until the World Cup kicks off, not even Southgate can be sure of his starting XI, and with twists and turns sure to be along the way, who knows who will be lining up in a Three Lions jersey for the opening game.

Odds via Sky Bet and correct as of 1438 BST on 01/06/18