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Football

14th Jun 2018

Rio Ferdinand picks his England World Cup XI ahead of tournament

He's made some interesting choices

Wayne Farry

Admit it, we’re all doing it

Everyone out there with even a sliver of interest in football is at it. Going through the squad list in your head, weighing up each player’s good points and downsides, asking yourself whether he is good enough to play as a pivot in the World Cup.

Well, you’re not alone. As we’ve agreed, everyone is doing it, including former England international Rio Ferdinand. Rocket caught up with Rio at Football Escapes in Portugal who told him exactly who he believes should be in England’s starting eleven for their opening World Cup match against Tunisia on Monday.

Unlike most of us, Rio actually does have experience of playing in a World Cup – he was called up for four squads and played in two in 2002 and 2006 – giving him a position of authority on the subject.

As such he has some interesting opinions on exactly what makes up a well-rounded squad. Some may even surprise you a little bit.