Ray Wilkins' England World Cup squad: Who should go to Russia?

Ray Wilkins discusses what England midfielders could break their way into Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad

Premier League Daily guest Ray Wilkins has picked his England squad to go to the World Cup in Russia next year...

England clinched their spot at the 2018 tournament after winning Group F with eight victories and two draws from 10 qualifying matches.

They ended their campaign by beating Lithuania 1-0 on Sunday as Gareth Southgate handed debuts to Harry Winks and Harry Maguire.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Wilkins said there is still time for fringe players to force their way into contention but he expects Southgate to largely stick with experience.

Ray Wilkins' team to start England's first World Cup match...

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Image: Ray Wilkins' starting XI to open England's World Cup campaign

Take a look at Wilkins' full 23-man squad below...

GOALKEEPERS

Joe Hart, Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford

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"I would have Tom Heaton ahead of Jordan Pickford for the third goalkeeping spot if fit but Heaton's dislocated shoulder is a concern."

DEFENDERS

Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, Gary Cahill, John Stones, Phil Jones, Nathaniel Clyne, Chris Smalling, Ryan Bertrand

"Against Lithuania we still conceded a number of chances despite winning the game. That was a little bit scary.

"Luke Shaw has not been fit enough. When I first saw him I thought he was going to be around for years. What a talent, he can get forward and he can defend, he is strong and powerful, but he can't stay fit.

"So it's a toss of a coin between Ryan Bertrand and Danny Rose for the starting place at left-back. Bertrand's defensive qualities are a little better than Danny but Danny offers more going forward.

"It's very important to have players playing at the highest level and most of these squad members are competing in the Champions League."

England striker Harry Kane pays tribute to debutant Harry Winks and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.

MIDFIELDERS

Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana, Dele Alli, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabian Delph, Jack Wilshere

"I would stick Eric Dier in the middle of the pitch and let the rest do what they do further forward. When it then breaks down you have Dier.

"You don't always need Jordan Henderson alongside him although that depends on who you are playing against. If you think you will concede a lot of possession you might play two holding midfielders.

"Dele Alli has been a revelation at Tottenham and the way Mauricio Pochettino has handled him has been superb but he has to liven himself up now. He is taking too many touches and if you do that in international football, you let the opposition get back and regroup.

"Fabian Delph can play in numerous positions and he has energy to burn. As far as creativity is concerned, two or three years ago Jack Wilshere was being talked about as one of the finest players. I hope he can get back to that level where he is dominating games.

"There is so much time between now and when Southgate picks his final squad so of course the likes of Harry Winks could break in. I also want to see the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Dominic Solanke put these players under pressure for their places."

Jack Butland says England's World Cup qualification campaign deserves credit

FORWARDS

Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Jamie Vardy, Daniel Sturridge

"Harry Kane is doing it every game, scoring again against Lithuania on Sunday, while Marcus Rashford is another player - like Alli - taking too many touches at the moment.

"Jamie Vardy gives you the option to run beyond the defence and we all know the talent Daniel Sturridge has, he just needs to get a work ethic without the ball.

"Then you have Jermain Defoe or Andy Carroll or Peter Crouch. People may be surprised I'm mentioning Crouch but look at his goalscoring record for England. He's close to one goal every two games."

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