| Position |
Players |
| Goalkeepers |
Paul Robinson, David James, Robert Green |
| Defenders |
Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Sol Campbell, Gary Neville, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, Wes Brown |
| Midfielders |
Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Stuart Downing, Owen Hargreaves |
| Forwards |
Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey |
The Reasoning
Goalkeepers
Paul Robinson - Currently England's No.1. He reads the game very well and has had a good time since joining Tottenham.
Robert Green - Green has the most potential of all young English goalkeepers to be the number one for a long time. Going to the World Cup will give him confidence and experience on the World stage.
David James - It will be important to have an internationally experienced goalkeeper in the squad. James has that experience.
Defenders
Gary Neville - Gary has been the best English right back for many years. He was missed in Korea and Japan in 2002 when he didn't play due to his metatarsal injury. His attacking runs and crossing and his link up play with David Beckham is second to none.
Ashley Cole - The best left back in the world. He has matured not only to be a good attacking force but also an accomplished defender which he showed against Portugal in Euro 2004, keeping Cristiano Ronaldo quiet.
Wayne Bridge - Good cover for Cole at left back if he is needed. Bridge can also play left side of midfield if England come across a team with a strong right side.
Rio Ferdinand - Rio would start in any team in the world. He has an excellent footballing brain and can read the game exceptionally well.
John Terry - Last season John Terry was one of the best players in the Premiership. Not only an excellent defender, Terry is also a good source of goals. He also showed confidence in taking a penalty during a shootout if required.
Sol Campbell - Sol will face strong competition from Terry and Ferdinand for a central defence position. He consistently plays well and reassures those around him. One of these days one of his goals will be allowed in an important game!
Glen Johnson - Has showed during his time at Chelsea that he has the potential to be an excellent defender for the future. He has benefited from the training he receives from Chelsea and playing alongside Terry.
Ledley King - Ledley showed he is confident and makes very few mistakes. Coming into the team against France he was assured and played very well. Ledley can also play as a defensive midfield player if required.
Wes Brown - Wes has shown glimpses of what he is capable of despite a few injuries. If Wes has a good season this year he should be included and could in years to come be the perfect replacement for Campbell
Midfielders
Frank Lampard - Nothing needs to be said about Lampard, excellent player, one of the best in his position in the world
Joe Cole - Has improved greatly in the past season. Proved an excellent player to play in the left hand side of midfield position, and can create goals and score himself.
Steven Gerrard - Gerrard's range of passing is equalled only by David Beckham's vision. Gerrard links up superbly with Owen and is deadly from just outside the penalty area.
David Beckham - Beckham's passing, vision, free kick ability and mentality is second to none. He is a great role model to the younger players in the side.
Shaun Wright-Phillips - An amazing young talent. His speed and dribbling skill is excellent as well as his finishing. He has showed in international matches already he is ready for that level.
Stuart Downing - An old fashioned winger. he had a great season at Middlesborough and if that continues, will be the ideal left winger for England. He could also play the left hand prong of a three way attack if England wanted to adopt the same formation Chelsea played last season.
Owen Hargreaves - Has improved over the last few years and has shown he can make an impact at international level. Would have liked to have seen more in 2002 but was injured early.
Forwards
Michael Owen - Even though Owen had a stop-start season at Madrid, his scoring record especially at international level is excellent. His speed and finishing is excellent and has formed a good partnership with Rooney.
Wayne Rooney - The best young striker in the world. enough said!
Jermain Defoe - Has displayed his talent at Spurs and already for England has shown just what he is capable of.
Emile Heskey - England need an alternate form of attack to Owen, Rooney and Defoe. Peter Crouch is an alternative but hasn't yet had enough experience at club or international level. Heskey is excellent at holding the ball up and supplying team mates if England are struggling.
So what do you think of Matt's squad? Agree? Disagree? Has he made a glaring omission? Has he justified his selections?
If you can do better, send your 23 and the reasons for it to Editor@TheFA.com and, if it's good, we'll run it over the next two weeks. One of the best selectors will win a pair of tickets to England v Poland. So get choosing! Entries accepted until Friday 1 July.
For information on how to join englandfans, the Official England Supporters Club, go to TheFA.com/englandfans.
Past Picks
Monday 20 June - Andrew Gill
Tuesday 21 June - James Pickles
Wednesday 22 June - Mike Cole
Thursday 23 June - Alex Searle