Robbie Fowler has said that he would like to see new Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert start for England in their opening match of the World Cup against Italy.

Roy Hodgson is expected to start with Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge for the Three Lions' Group D opener in Manaus on Saturday.

However, former Liverpool and England forward Fowler believes that Lambert should also play alongside the pair.

"I'm old school. I want to win games playing exciting football and getting people off their feet. Roy as a manager in the past has not been like that and I can't see him changing," he told talkSPORT.

"It looks like he is going to play Rooney down the middle. I would have Lambert as the focal point and Rooney and Sturridge playing off him. That is the way I would go.

"Lambert gives England other options. Everyone wants to drop off and get the ball and there is no one behind the defenders. At least Rickie Lambert would stay up and the ball will stick - and that will give other players a chance to get forward."

Lambert has scored three goals in six England appearances.