The World Cup in Qatar is edging ever closer, with England playing their final game before the tournament earlier this week, taking on Germany at Wembley in a six-goal thriller.However, some worrying performances have left everyone with a range of opinions on who they’d start if they were donning the waistcoat in Qatar.Adding his name to the list of people giving their opinion is former England caretaker boss, Stuart Pearce, who gave his starting XI to talkSPORT.

Stuart Pearce’s defence

The England legend opted to go for a back four rather than five, with Jordan Pickford between the sticks, with John Stones and Harry Maguire in front of him. With plenty of full-back options, he settled on Luke Shaw and Kyle Walker.

It’s a move that will surely be met with plenty of disagreement given the season Maguire has had for club and country, especially with Serie A champion Fikayo Tomori waiting in the sidelines.

Trent Alexander-Arnold in action for England
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 05: Trent Alexander-Arnold of England during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between England and Andorra at Wembley Stadium on September 05, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 05: Trent Alexander-Arnold of England during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between England and Andorra at Wembley Stadium on September 05, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Stuart Pearce names his midfield

Again, there’s a fair few shouts for that holding midfield slot with Pearce opting for two player to play infront of the back line, selecting Declan Rice and Jude Bellngham.

The three in front of those two are a tad more controversial, with Phil Foden not earning a place in the side. Mason Mount is down the middle, with Chelsea teammate Raheem Sterling to one side and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka on the other.

Read more: World Cup 2022: Dates, Schedule, Location, Groups, Tickets, Odds And More

After having a huge impact from the bench against Germany, it’s no surprise to see him edge towards these three, but Foden’s omission is definitely eyebrow raising!

Jude bellingham in action for England

MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: Jude Bellingham of England in action during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 3 match between Italy and England at San Siro on September 23, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Stuart Pearce picks Harry Kane

England’s current captain, Harry Kane, has been chosen to lead the line by Stuart Pearce, a decision that many will agree with, although the recent struggles in front of goal has led to some opting for changes, such as Adebayo Akinfenwa starting Ivan Toney.

Video: Stuart Pearce names his England team

Notable England omissions

The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tomori and Foden are a trio that could feel very unlucky not to make that starting XI, especially when you consider the struggles of some of those ahead of them in the pecking order.

It’ll be interesting to see how close his side actually is to the team Gareth Southgate puts out in the opening game in Qatar, unless he changes formation, you’d expect a few changes from the gaffer.

Let us know your starting team for England’s first World Cup game!