The FIFA World Cup kicks off this afternoon, with Russia against Saudi Arabia the first of 64 matches running through to July 15.
We asked five local players and managers who they think England boss Gareth Southgate should pick for the Three Lions’ first match against Tunisia on Monday...
Matt Wright, Taunton Town captain
Line-up (4-2-3-1): Jack Butland, Kyle Walker, Ashley Young, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli, Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane.
“I’ve gone for Ashley Young [at left-back] as he’s played more games than Danny Rose.
“And I’m looking for pace and creativity up front.
“I think if England go out with a negative attitude, they’ll go out in the last 16, but if they give it a go, they could make the quarter-finals or semi-finals.
“I think Brazil [will win the tournament] – I just love watching them play.”
Lloyd Irish, Taunton Town goalkeeper
Line-up (4-4-2): Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, Gary Cahill, John Stones, Raheem Sterling, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Dele Alli, Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy.
“I’ve been more impressed by [goalkeeper] Jordan Pickford this season, even though Jack Butland is more experienced.
“I think Pickford is a worth a go; he’s young, but England are planning for four years’ time.
“The way Jamie Vardy’s played in the last year... he and Harry Kane are world class players so I think you have to play both.
“I go into every World Cup optimistic and end up disappointed.
“This year there’s no pressure, so with a young squad who knows what could happen.
“I’d go with France to win, with the talent they have.”
Clive Jones, Wellington AFC manager
Line-up (3-4-3): Jack Butland, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Gary Cahill, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Jordan Henderson, Danny Rose, Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford.
“I would have Ruben Loftus-Cheek in, for his movement and power in midfield – I think games could bypass Eric Dier.
“I think England can make the quarter-finals; I just hope they don’t go into their shells.
“Brazil, Germany and Spain could all win it, Argentina have an outside chance... I’ll go for Germany.”
Brett Andrews, Bishops Lydeard manager
Line-up (4-2-3-1): Jack Butland, Kyle Walker, Ashley Young, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Dele Alli, Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane.
“I’d start solidly and go from there, with some quick support players for Harry Kane.
“Jamie Vardy and Marcus Rashford offer impact off the bench.
“I think England have a good chance of making the quarter-finals, especially if Kane is scoring.
“It’s a young side, but they can be positive.
“I don’t think you can look past Germany [to win it] – they know how to come good when it matters.”
Julie Bowker, Bishops Lydeard Ladies manager
Line-up (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, Ashley Young, Gary Cahill, John Stones, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Dele Alli, Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane.
“I’m quite a defensive manager, and England seem a bit confused without a back four.
“I’m very patriotic, and I often go with heart over head when it comes to England.
“But if they can make a good start and the young players do well, they could reach the semi-finals.
“We’ve got to believe in ourselves, and take a leaf out of the England women’s team’s book.
“I’ll go with Belgium to win it... they’ve got such depth.”
Richard Browne, County Gazette sports reporter
Line-up (3-4-3): Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Delph, Jordan Henderson, Ashley Young, Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling.
Kieran Trippier and Ashley Young are both fine crossers of the ball, so they’re out wide, while I think Fabian Delph offers more as a footballer than Eric Dier.
It was a toss-up between Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford to make my team, but Rashford has that little bit of magic in him.
England should make it out of the group behind Belgium, which would possibly mean a last-16 clash with Colombia.
Win that and they’re likely to face Germany... penalties, anyone?
I tipped Spain to win the World Cup (the best goalkeeper on the planet, a solid defence, sickeningly talented midfield), and I’ll stick to my guns, despite them just sacking boss Julen Lopetegui at the last minute.
Don't forget that you can also see what Somerset's cricketers think ahead of the big kick-off - watch our video here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here