Roy Hodgson will put under the Wembley spotlight the central defensive partnership I expect, and hope, will dance to a samba beat all the way to Brazil next summer.
With John Terry out of the squad and Rio Ferdinand no longer an option, the England boss will give Phil Jagielka and Phil Jones the chance to make their mark.
Jagielka has been a model of consistency for Everton and deserves the chance to cement his place in Hodgson’s World Cup plans.
Jones, meanwhile, has a golden opportunity to play in his favoured centre half position having been employed as Manchester United’s utility man during their title-winning campaign.
The former Blackburn player has proved himself equally adept at full back or in a holding midfield role, but I’ve always felt centre back is his best position.
That’s where I expect Jones to start under David Moyes next season, and where I believe Hodgson will allow his many qualities to come to the fore on the international stage.
Jagielka and Jones can become a dominant force in much the same way John Terry and Rio Ferdinand served their country until recently. They are the way forward.
With Kyle Walker pulling out of the England squad to face the Republic of Ireland and Brazil this week, the number two slot will logically go to Glen Johnson, with Leighton Baines making up the back four in front of Joe Hart.
Frank Lampard, who finished the domestic season on such a high, will lead the side and make up a midfield four of Michael Carrick, Jack Rodwell and Theo Walcott.
I’d go for Daniel Sturridge to lead the attack after an excellent second half to Liverpool’s season, and I believe he would be the perfect foil for Jermain Defoe.
The Spurs striker should be fresh after being sparingly used by AVB after recovering from injury, and he could figure at the expense of Wayne Rooney.
Here’s my starting XI for tomorrow’s Wembley showdown...
Hart, Johnson, Baines, Jagielka, Jones, Walcott, Carrick, Lampard (capt), Rodwell, Defoe, Sturridge.
Let us know your thoughts on Dave Smith’s suggestions and send us your preferred XI for tomorrow’s friendly against the Irish.
Source: DSG
