Sky Bet's Pete Hall weighs up the odds on who will feature for England against Italy on June 14.
After a far from convincing friendly display against Peru last week and a new-look line-up expected against Ecuador on Wednesday, more questions than answers have emerged over what England's line-up will be for their World Cup opener.
The defence virtually picks itself, but the Three Lions' front six, regardless of what system Roy Hodgson chooses to deploy, is a conundrum even
Sky Bet's most knowledgeable punters are struggling to fathom.
England managers of the past have not been as fortunate as Hodgson with the talented players at his disposal, and picking a side from the 23 available will be no easy task.
With Daniel Sturridge a near certainty to start,
Sky Bet examine the early movers in the 'To Start First England Match' market, and see who punters are tipping to earn their spot against Italy on July 14.
Jordan Henderson - 4/6
After being awarded the number seven shirt, it seemed that Jack Wilshere was the front-runner to be handed a starting berth against the Azzurri.
However, since the Arsenal midfielder was overlooked for the Peru friendly, Henderson has been cut to
4/6 to line-up alongside his Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard.
Whether in the midfield anchor role, or further forward in a five-man midfield, the former Sunderland man has shown he is more than capable of holding his own on the big stage, silencing all the doubters by playing a pivotal role in Liverpool's resurgence.
Punters were buoyed by one of the few bright sparks in the Peru match, and with England desperate for a ball-playing central midfielder, it could well be Henderson, not Wilshere who is given the nod.
Raheem Sterling - 8/11
A cameo full of energy and a fearlessness in taking the attack to the opposition on Friday epitomised what Raheem Sterling has been about this season, and as others flattered to deceive, the 19-year-old put his hat firmly in the ring for a starting spot, a fact punters have picked up on.
The tricky Liverpool youngster is now odds-on to be named for the opener in Manaus, whether in a wide role, or a number 10 position. Punters have not been deterred by the
8/11 price, with Sterling's versatility key to his popularity.
With Wayne Rooney's tired-looking showing at Wembley on Friday, talk is gathering pace that the Manchester United forward could be omitted, with Sterling pushed further forward.
Danny Welbeck - 13/8
Very much a favourite of Hodgson, Danny Welbeck has featured in a variety of roles for England, but tucked inside with Leighton Baines overlapping didn't bear fruit against Peru.
Despite being able to play in numerous positions, the Manchester United forward's showing put punters off backing him to play against Italy, with longer odds of
13/8 after the match failing to entice a serious number of bets.
With the attributes at his disposal, Welbeck could well get among the goals, and is
12/1 to finish England's top scorer, however many, or few, that may end up being.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 5/2
Somewhat of an outsider at 5/2 to be named by Hodgson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain represents an excellent option if the England boss chooses to switch things up.
It will all depend on how he comes through Wednesday's friendly with Ecuador after missing the final few weeks of the Premier League season with a groin injury. The 20-year-old Arsenal midfielder could also be the main benefactor of an England reshuffle.
Oxlade-Chamberlain excelled in the trequartista role against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League for the Gunners, and caused punters to be thrilled by the prospect of him replicating such a role for his country.
Those who believe Hodgson will be brave enough to change his selection have not been shy in putting their hard-earned cash on Oxlade-Chamberlain lining up against the Italians.
James Milner - 1/1
His selection would be contrary to the Oxlade-Chamberlain pick, but James Milner offers something that has appealed to England teams year after year - reliability.
Never one to let you down, Milner could be key on what will be a tightly-fought Group D, and will not neglect his defensive duties like many of his more attack-minded team-mates.
The 28-year-old is not short of ability, as his two Premier League winners' medals are testament to, and with Hodgson known to be a fan of the Manchester City midfielder, punters have been lumping on Milner at evens (1/1) to start in Manaus, with the England boss' conservative approach likely to be the theme of his selections in Brazil.
Odds are subject to change. See all Sky Bet's England World Cup Specials here.
