Ex-Man Utd and France star picks five England players in combined XI including ace unlikely to start in quarter-final

FORMER Manchester United and Arsenal star Mikael Silvestre has picked his combined England-France XI.

And there are no less than FIVE of Gareth Southgate’s men in the side – including one who is unlikely to start against the world champs on Saturday.

Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe face off in a striker showdown tomorrow for a place in the World Cup semis.

There are sure to be thrilling battles all over the pitch as a host of star names look to make an impact.

And it has opened the door for fans to choose some brilliant combined team XIs, with both countries spoiled for choice in terms of talent.

One man who knows a thing or two about England AND France is Silvestre.

The 45-year-old played 361 times for Manchester United and a further 43 times for Arsenal.

Silvestre, who was a top centre-back in his day, also won 40 caps for France.

And he has delivered the low-down on his personal combined XI to bettingexpert.

Silvestre has first opted for Hugo Lloris over Jordan Pickford in goal.

BETTING SPECIAL – BEST WORLD CUP BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS

And the Spurs stopper is protected by two of his countrymen, with Raphael Varane and Dayot Upamecano in the centre of defence.

But it’s all English at full-back, with Luke Shaw on the left and Kieran Trippier on the right – even though he’s due to lose out to Kyle Walker tomorrow.

Silvestre’s midfield three is comprised of two Frenchmen and one Englishman, with Jude Bellingham joined by Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot.

However, the Three Lions dominate the attack, with Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane playing alongside Kylian Mbappe.

Ironically, Silvestre feels the best battle on the pitch tomorrow will be between two players who do NOT make his combined XI.

He said: “You have to win one-vs-ones everywhere on the pitch.

“The attacking three for England and for France have to be decisive. It’s a good match-up all over the place.

“Jules Kounde, not a natural right-back but in terms of defending, he’s pretty solid. It will be a good battle with Phil Foden, or whoever plays on the left for England.

“There will be battles within the big battle.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk