The FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar is now closer than ever. The prestigious footballing event kicks off on November 20, with the hosts taking on Ecuador.

England will play Iran in the second match of the competition, and as the event draws nearer, football pundits have begun drawing up their preferred Three Lions’ team.

One of those who have definitely given it a go is former England and Liverpool player Graeme Souness, and he went about it ‘very honestly’.

Despite his affiliations with Liverpool, not a single Reds player made it to Souness’ England starting XI for the World cup opener against Iran in Qatar, and that includes Trent Alexander-Arnold, whom he absolutely loves.

However, 3 Chelsea players make his starting XI – Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling.

Souness has also left out both Mason Mount and Jack Grealish, with the attacking midfielders really struggling for form at club level for Chelsea and Manchester City respectively this season.

Souness told talkSPORT, “I’ve gone with [Jordan] Pickford in goal, a back-three of [John] Stones, [Eric] Dier in the middle of a back-three with [Kyle] Walker.

“Wing-backs of [Ben] Chilwell on the left and Reece James on the right.

“In the middle, [Declan] Rice and [Jude] Bellingham, then up front, [Raheem] Sterling, Kane and [Phil] Foden.”

On Alexander-Arnold, Souness said, “Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool has been highlighted as not a very good defender but going forward there’s no one better. If you need to chase the game you’re getting Trent on because of his delivery.”

Souness’ England XI (3-4-3):

Jordan Pickford (Everton), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham United), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea).