Wayne Rooney picks surprise name in his starting England XI for the World Cup - this could be controversial

Wayne Rooney has named a surprising player in his preferred starting XI for England at the World Cup in Qatar.

The tournament is now just days away, with the host nation taking on Ecuador in the opening game on December 20.

England begin their tournament the following day, with their opening group game coming against Iran.

Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has already named his 26-man squad for the World Cup.

One of the biggest talking points over the squad was the omission of Chelsea defender Reece James, who failed to make the cut due to doubts over his availability to play following a knee injury.

Speaking after Southgate had announced his squad, England's record goalscorer Rooney named his starting XI for the opening game against Iran.

Alexander-Arnold makes Rooney's team

Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold was a surprise inclusion in Rooney's team.

While the 24-year-old has excelled for his club, he has struggled to make a mark in international football and was believed to be Southgate's fourth-choice right-back behind James, Manchester City's Kyle Walker and Newcastle's Kieran Trippier.

However, following the recent injury to James, Alexander-Arnold was assured of his place in England's World Cup squad.

"I'd go with [a back four of] Trent [Alexander-Arnold], John Stones, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw," Rooney told talkSPORT.

He went on to name his full starting XI as: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Phillips, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane.

Rooney named Alexander-Arnold in his preferred England XI (Image: Alamy)

Who else do England play?

As previously mentioned, England open their World Cup campaign against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium on November 21.

They will then face the United States at the Al Bayt Stadium on November 25, before playing rivals Wales in their final group at the Al Rayyan Stadium on November 29.

Despite struggling for results in the run-up to the tournament, Southgate's side are currently the bookmakers' fourth-favourites to win the tournament behind Brazil, Argentina and France.