Fantasy Football tips for the 2022 World Cup: team selection, captain choice and deadline today for matchday one

The official FIFA match opened with managers handing over $100 million to sign a 15-man squad of the world’s top stars to Qatar.

Unlimited transfers are in order until the Matchday 1 deadline of 16:00 GMT today, so start picking your squad – and here are some tips to get you started…

Harry Kane – England – $11 million

The 2018 Golden Boot winner is back to lead the line for England who, whether you’re a Gareth Southgate enthusiast or a Three Lions pessimist, are very well placed to top the group. Guaranteed holder and on penalty, Kane scores goals.

Christian Eriksen – Denmark – $8 million

The Danes are dark horses after strong performances in recent years and Eriksen remains their chief designer. Eriksen has averaged a goal every two games for his country since returning from cardiac arrest.

Diogo Costa – Portugal – $5 million

Fernando Santos’ notoriously heavy Portuguese defense may not be what it used to be, but it still has a good chance of denying Ghana on matchday one. Costa is the Selecao’s No.1 goalkeeper ahead of Wolves’ Jose Sa.

Dusan Vlahovic – Serbia – $8.5 million

A record eight goals and four assists in 16 games for Serbia is really nothing to sniff at. Brazil will be a tough test this week, but Vlahovic certainly has the potential to lift his country out of the groups. A solid and cheaper cry in the absence of Karim Benzema.

Kieran Trippier – England – $5 million

With Reece James out and Kyle Walker injured, Trippier is a good bet to beat Trent Alexander-Arnold and start at right-back for England against Iran. Set pieces and crosses in the box will come in abundance from the Newcastle star.

Lucas Hernandez – France – $5.5 million

Didier Deschamps will play four in defense in Qatar but who will be his left back? The absence of Ferland Mendy suggests a shootout between Lucas Hernandez and his brother Theo. If chosen, the Bayen Munich man will be a threat on both sides.