THE FIFA World Cup kicks off this afternoon, with Russia versus Saudi Arabia the first of 64 matches.
We asked four Bridgwater football managers who they would pick for England’s first World Cup match on Monday if they were in Gareth Southgate’s shoes...
Karl Baggaley, Bridgwater Town co-manager
Line-up (4-3-3): Jack Butland, Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, Gary Cahill, Harry Maguire, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Dele Alli, Raheem Sterling, Jamie Vardy, Harry Kane.
“I think England will make it out of the group stage, but if they don’t win the group, the last 16 might be it for them.
“I’d go with Brazil to win the tournament, but France have such a strong squad too.”
Dave Pearse, Bridgwater Town co-manager
Line-up (4-3-3): Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, John Stones, Gary Cahill, Jordan Henderson, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard, Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford.
“England have got to go for it in their first two games [against Tunisia and Panama].
“We then face Belgium, so we’ve got to utilise the best players we’ve got and not be too cautious.
“I think England will get through the group stage, maybe to the last eight.
“But it’s a young squad, so I think we’re looking to plan for the Euros and World Cup after this one, so let’s get to the last 16 and see.
“I was going to go Germany [to win the tournament] but then I looked at the Brazil squad!
“Belgium could certainly cause a surprise, but I’ll go with Brazil.”
Craig Berry, Middlezoy Rovers manager
Line-up (4-4-2 diamond): Jack Butland, Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, Gary Cahill, John Stones, Eric Dier, Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli, Marcus Rashford, Jamie Vardy, Harry Kane.
“I’m just looking for us to score more goals than them, with Eric Dier giving us a defensive platform.
“I’ve gone with Vardy as he gives us legs to run in behind, especially against better teams.
“And if we’re under pressure I hope that our wingers could give us something on the counter-attack.
“You look at the squad and yes, it’s inexperienced, but I think it has a good balance.
“My gut instinct is that we’ll reach the quarter-finals and then go out.
“I’d love them to exceed expectations, but with no players of the quality of David Beckham or Paul Scholes, I think they’ll come up short.
“[To win the competition], you look at Brazil and they have so much ability, but Germany just get the job done.”
Ben Norman, Middlezoy Rovers Ladies manager
Line-up (3-5-2): Jack Butland, Gary Cahill, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker, Jordan Henderson, Eric Dier, Dele Alli, Danny Rose, Jamie Vardy, Harry Kane.
“I’ve not picked Raheem Sterling or Marcus Rashford as I think they’re impact subs who could come on and change the game.
“Our full-backs are our best assets I think; we lack creativity, so width could be key.
“Jamie Vardy is the kind of forward who can get in behind, and with Harry Kane there you’ve got a top goalscorer.
“I think reaching the quarter-finals would be a success.
“England should get out of the group, and then it depends who they face in the last 16.
“This tournament is a bit of a free hit for the youngsters.
“I think it’s difficult to look past Germany [as tournament winners].
“They have so much depth, and it’s in Europe which should help them as well.
“France and Belgium also have a chance if they can click.”
Richard Browne, Mercury sports reporter
Line-up (3-4-3): Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Delph, Jordan Henderson, Ashley Young, Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling.
I’ve been very impressed with Kyle Walker as part of a back three for England, and he can charge forward/cover John Stones, his Manchester City team-mate.
Kieran Trippier and Ashley Young are both fine crossers of the ball, so they’re out wide, while I think Fabian Delph offers more as a footballer than Eric Dier.
It was a toss-up between Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford to make my team, but I’ve gone with Rashford as he has that little bit of magic in him.
England should make it out of the group behind Belgium, which would possibly mean a last-16 clash with Colombia.
Win that and they’re likely to face Germany.
If that happens, I think Southgate would snap your hand off for the lottery of a penalty shootout.
Oh wait...
Anyway, I’ve got a feeling Spain might win the World Cup this year.
The best goalkeeper on the planet, a solid defence, sickeningly talented midfield, and Diego Costa off the bench if the false nine ploy doesn’t work.
PS. I made this tip before they sacked their manager yesterday. I'm sticking by it. Spain are, after all, holding for a Hierro.
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