Scholes calls it right in Liverpool-led England team to face Peru

It’s not too often you get Manchester United legends complementing Liverpool in any way, but one of the finest players to have ever pulled on a Red Devils shirt has called it right ahead of England’s first World Cup preparation game versus Peru at Wembley.

No, not David Bellion, but Paul Scholes, who has been uncharacteristically outspoken during the build-up to Brazil.

“It would be refreshing for England to adopt Liverpool’s attacking mentality,” said Scholes.

“That means four – and possibly five – Liverpool players in the starting XI.”

And we tend to agree with the flame-haired pass-master. Ahead of England’s last game on home shores before the World Cup – where the Three Lions are strong 3/10 favourites to wave goodbye with a win over Peru – we’ve gone for a Liverpool-heavy line-up featuring five Reds.

Did you know? The most players to start an England game from one club was seven, all from Arsenal against Italy back in 1934.

It makes sense for Roy Hodgson to start with his strongest possible line-up in the hope that they can begin to gel over at least 45 minutes before switching things up and giving the fringe players a chance.

In goal, Joe Hart is the shoo-e-ist of shoo-ins, while the absence of John Terry makes the decision to pair Phil Jagielka alongside Gary Cahill a simple one.

Leighton Baines waited a long time to get his chance at left-back, and although it’s tempting to throw Luke Shaw into the mix, the Everton man deserves his place.

It’s at right-back where the Liverpool-domination begins. With 50 caps to his name, Glen Johnson is a no-brainer, though Kyle Walker’s absence as the most viable alternative is a concern ahead of Brazil.

Meanwhile, it’s in the engine room where eyebrows may be raised highest, but given his outstanding club form for the Reds this season Jordan Henderson deserves a chance to play alongside skipper Steven Gerrard.

Henderson’s main rivals for that central midfield field berth (Frank Lampard and Jack Wilshere) are more glamorous options, but neither has played anything like the amount of Premier League football the former Sunderland protégé has this season.

Then, nestled behind Liverpool’s 21-goal hot-shot Daniel Sturridge at the tip of a front three is Wayne Rooney, while club-mate Danny Welbeck is rewarded with the left-sided slot after always impressing when donning an England shirt.

That leaves teenager Raheem Sterling to complete the rout for Liverpool on the right-hand side of attack.

Do you agree? Tweet your comments to @ChristianCrowth!

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