My friend Nick Mabey and I have been having various boring discussions lately on who we think, realistically, will be the 11 starting the first game of the world cup in 2010. We are both agreed that the majority of places are filled, but right midfield, centre forward (partner for Rooney) and Goalkeeper remain debatable. I am going to stick my neck out and go for this starting 11. See Nick’s views here

GK Green
RB Johnson
CB Terry
CB Ferdinand
LB Cole
HM Barry
CM Lampard
RM Lennon
LM Gerrard
CF Rooney
CF Heskey

That is pretty predictable, but on right midfield there is Young, Beckham, Downing, Milner, and Wallcott all hoping, plus what about the returning Joe Cole on the left? In goal Green would seem the best at the moment, but he is far from secure, and up front Heskey is under threat from several wannabe’s who as yet, don’t appear to be up to the task of supporting Rooney.

As always there will be the obligatory Metatarsal injury to a key player in April plus other injuries, and as Nick suspects Gerrard (groin) is a concern and Lampard after an injury free career, is suddenly spending more time on the sidelines. It will be interesting to see how many of my choices start, their will be some surprises that’s for sure. My outsider for tournament Superstar is Theo Wallcott, with James Milner the ideal substitute all rounder also being a key figure.

I think that team, can, with a bit of luck make a semi final before coming undone against a Spain or a Brazil, we lack something in a few areas, there is no depth. If only we were a GB team rather than just England, what a salivating prospect that would be!

My GB team would be:

GK Green
RB Johnson
CB Terry
CB Ferdinand
LB Cole
HM Barry
CM Lampard
RM Lennon
LM Gerard
CF Heskey
CF Rooney

The draw for the group stages takes place on Friday, England could well face France, the question is……………….would ex pat Irish fans support the hand that feeds them, or the team that cheated them out of a place in the finals?