John Barnes fears Gareth Southgate will leave England vulnerable in defence if he picks Jude Bellingham to start in front of his favoured three-at-the-back system.
The Three Lions have had great success using three centre-halves in recent major tournaments, reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the Euro 2020 final with Kyle Walker, John Stones and Harry Maguire in the side. Southgate is set to continue with his tried-and-tested system in Qatar as England take on Iran, United States and Wales in the group stage.
Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips forged a rock-solid partnership in front of the defence during last year's Euros, but the latter comes into the World Cup short of match fitness after an injury-struck first half of the season. Many fans are hoping to see Jude Bellingham come into the line-up as he goes from strength to strength with Borussia Dortmund, but Barnes insists England need two natural holding midfielders for Southgate's preferred formation to be effective.
