The World Cup fast approaches. In a few days, the tidal wave of previews, tactical analysis and guessing games will be over & Roy Hodgson will field his first World Cup side as England Manager.

But I have to admit, that what I have seen since England so impressively qualified, is that England are still a, and I use the word loosely, team of 11 individuals. Like most of the modern era managers that went before him, Roy Hodgson has no clear plan on who he feels is his best 11 or what system is best to produce results.

For too long now, England sides have been picked based on the perceived best players available and a side and system have been formed around them. This has often shown us up at the major tournaments as we have lacked any kind of game plan or direction, trying to win games on talent alone. The most recent time being the defeat to Italy, who’s game plan was clear and beautifully orchestrated by Italian Maestro Andrea Pirlo and with a bit more luck, Italy would not have needed Penalties to end the England misery.

The last manager who appeared to buck this trend, with probably our best campaign post 1966 was Terry Venables at Euro 96. El Tel set out with his ‘Christmas Tree’ formation from Day One and picked the best players for that system. If you look at the players from that era, there were better players available, but Venables stuck to his system and what was best for the team. The best example being the steam rolling victory over a talented Dutch team, during that competition.

Countless managers have gone since and spent season after season, tournament after tournament trying figure out how to fit all of England’s so called Golden Generation into the side. The biggest dilemma over the past decade being how to fit Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard into the same midfield, with every manager afraid to make the big decision and drop one of the best midfielders in the world. From my bias view point the answer was easy. Frank Lampard should have been dropped, as he could only play one role and wasn't a good enough defensive midfielder. Steven Gerrard on the other hand is the best all round midfielder of his generation.

But in most recent times and the dilemma facing Roy Hodgson is Wayne Rooney. When he first burst on the scene at Everton, he was hailed as England’s most important player for generations and would lead us into the glory years. But his talent and influence is slowly waning. Injuries and poor club form has taken its toll and he now looks a shadow of that robust, magical 17 year old. Another case of peaked too early perhaps.

England are now constantly trying to find a hole for this misshaped peg and over the past season of International fixtures, Rooney has been played in every forward role available by Hodgson, trying to fit him in, as his talent is seen as too great to leave out and a new crop of talented players emerge.

But by doing this and still experimenting heading into another major tournament. England are once again playing with one eyed closed. It is my belief that by leaving Rooney out of the the side and using the players to fit a system, would give this group of talented England players a focus and direction previously lacking.

Roy Hodgson has already been brave enough to pick what must be one of the most inexperienced, but potentially talented squads in the tournament. Players who all season have played with flair, determination and a complete lack of fear. Players like Raheem Stirling, Adam Lallana and Ross Barkley and if you include Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson, it could be fearsome attacking force.

I believe that if Hodgson was brave enough, he could play Lallana, Barkley and Sterling behind ‘Lone Striker’ Daniel Sturridge in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Each player has played those positions, in that system all year, all have great engines, all creative and importantly all fearless. Factor in the energetic and purposeful midfield play of Henderson and it’s an England side full of direction, but with that hint of flair and style needed at the world’s greatest tournament.

At the spearhead of this youthful attack would be Daniel Sturridge. The striker had the season of his life at Liverpool & not many Strikers in world football would get 20+ goals for their club side and not finish top scorer. His progression and growth under Brendan Rodgers has been phenomenal and the confidence shows in every performance.

In contrast, England's other striking options are Rooney, Rickie Lambert and the much maligned and criticised Danny Welbeck.

Rickie Lambert, like Saints team-mate Lallana has had a great season, but his style is not quite right for the system, but gives Hodgson a valuable other option.

As for Both United players, they both look shot of confidence. Both players bare the scars of a disastrous club season for Manchester United. Rooney, plagued by injury and fighting for form all season, seems to have gone backwards, just when he’s expected to finally show his class on the world stage.

As for Danny Welbeck, he barely got a kick all season and it is the opinion of many outside the Manchester ring road he does not merit a place in squad, of which I am one. Surely had Jay Rodriguez not been cruelly injured, Welbeck would not have made the flight.

I believe it is should be noted that a frustrated Rooney is a volatile prospect, one that needs monitoring should he play. Especially against the shrewd and tricky gamesmen of Italy and Uruguay.

Finally, as Italy and Andrea Pirlo showed against England at the last tournament, a system needs the right person to pull it all together and marshal the troops. In Steven Gerrard, England have a captain who under Brendan Rodgers tuition, has mastered that very role this season. In his new ‘Quarterback’ role, Gerrard as showed he serves as great protection for the back four and can also open up defences with his passing for this young exciting forward line.

My England side going into that first game would be HART, JOHNSON, CAHILL, JAGIELKA and BAINES. Which gives an experienced and tough defence and base to work from. GERRARD and HENDERSON would form the basis of the midfield, allowing STERLING, BARKLEY and LALLANA to attack the defence and create chances for STURRIDGE as the trio can play both wide and narrow, giving the defence and tactical problem.

So if Hodgson was willing to be brave that would be my starting eleven. Leaving Rooney to make an impact from the bench. Not a bad substitute to have in a World Cup and a motivated Rooney is always dangerous.

Although Uruguay and Italy are tough prospects, there defences are not the best and England's energy and pace can definitely cause the problems. Should they get through the group stages, then anything possible.