We're just two months away from the World Cup in Russia, and Gareth Southgate will have a rough idea of who he wants to take on the plane.But one of the biggest problems for Southgate is who he chooses to play in midfield.England evidently lack creativity in the area and it remains one of their biggest weaknesses.Jordan Henderson seems the favourite to start in the deep-lying playmaker role, but many fans are not convinced by his quality.Other options include Jack Wilshere, who has not played for his country in roughly two years, and Jack Livermore.Some have even called on Newcastle's Jonjo Shelvey to fill the void.

RIO FERDINAND HAS THE ANSWER

So who does Rio Ferdinand think is the answer to one of Southgate's biggest problems?

Well, Ferdinand actually think former teammate Michael Carrick is the answer, and that Southgate should take him to Russia.

"He (Carrick) would be the first one in the team now even given his age - if he was Italian he would still be playing," Ferdinand said.

"They would still be saying he's a leader, he's experienced, he can play the ball in the right way, he's one of the fundamentals we want in our team.

"Gareth Southgate would cry out for a player like Carrick."

A little strange, don't you think Rio? Carrick has only played four times for Manchester United this season, and although he has not yet retired, he is unlikely to play another game for the club.

There's no doubting that England need a player with the quality of Carrick in midfield, but given how many games he has played in recent times, it's unlikely that Southgate will call him up.

RIO THINKS CARRICK WAS UNDERAPPREACIATED

Carrick played just 34 times for England, and Ferdinand thinks that Carrick should have accumulated more caps for his country during his playing days.

"He got disgruntled with the English managers who have shown him no respect over the years," he told BT Sport.

"When we were asking for players who could pass the ball through midfield quickly through to the attackers who would then be a danger who could do it quickly in not three or four touches, he could do it in one or two touches.

"He was undervalued 100% he should have had more caps, he would have added balance to the team."

DO YOU AGREE WITH RIO? SHOULD SOUTHGATE THINK ABOUT BRINGING CARRICK TO RUSSIA? LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS SECTION DOWN BELOW