Jack Grealish and Mason Mount left out of Rio Ferdinand's England XI for Qatar

dailystar.co.uk:

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has named the England starting eleven that he would like Gareth Southgate to name at the Qatar World Cup, and he has left out some big names.The Three Lions beat Switzerland and Ivory Coast over the international break and Southgate’s options with the World Cup on the horizon are immense.

Even those who were handed their international debuts of late, like Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell, performed with credit and the England boss has an almighty task on his hands in finding his best side.

But Ferdinand has offered his advice, highlighting his desire to move back to a formation that has seen the Three Lions perform well in previously. “I'm going to go three at the back as I think that's our best chance,” the 43-year-old said on his Vibe with Five podcast.“[Harry] Maguire on the left, Kyle Walker central and Reece James on the right.

Trent [Alexander-Arnold] at right wing-back and [Luke] Shaw left wing-back.”But rather than sticking with the tried and tested midfield duo of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips that formed a great partnership at the Euros last summer, Ferdinand decided to drop the latter – and not for Chelsea’s Mason Mount. “I'm going to go Declan [Rice] and [Jude] Bellingham.”“'[Phil] Foden in the hole and then two strikers - [Raheem] Sterling and [Harry] Kane.'” Given the demand for £100million Manchester City star Jack Grealish to play over the summer, his absence is somewhat surprising – though Foden has been in flying form in the no.10/false nine roles for City this season.A five-man defence made up of four fullbacks certainly raises eyebrows, but Ferdinand explained: “Reece James coming out with the ball coming into midfield because he can do that; he played.