Paul Merson, a legendary member of the Arsenal team, has given England coach Gareth Southgate his starting lineup for the 2022 FIFA World Cup opener against Iran later this year.

In Group B of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, England will compete against Iran, the United States, and Wales.

The World Cup for this year will begin in Qatar on Sunday, November 20.

Merson, however, urges Southgate to start Jordan Pickford in goal and players like Harry Kane of Tottenham, Marcus Rashford of Manchester United, and Raheem Sterling of Chelsea to spearhead England's attack line in his most recent Sky Sports column.

It will be challenging because Iran is our opponent in the opening game, he said.

"Jordan Pickford will start in goal, and Trippier will play left back because a set play could be the difference in the game. Walker would then need to start at center back because of his speed if Alexander-Arnold were to be asked to charge forward. He and I would probably perform John Stones together.

Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips are not necessary against Iran because you don't need two holding midfielders, he continued. So I would play Rice in there, Mason Mount to the side of him, with Phil Foden on the other side, as we have to get him in the team. The front three will be Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford – if he keeps on firing. "