IN HIS LATEST column for Paddy Power, Paul Scholes has tipped Manchester United attacker Danny Welbeck to play a pivotal role for England in their opening World Cup clash with Italy on 14th June.

Identifying Andrea Pirlo as the Azzurri’s most important ingredient, Scholes has suggested Roy Hodgson should take inspiration from Sir Alex Ferguson to try and curb the holding midfielder’s influence.

Neal Simpson / EMPICS Sport Neal Simpson / EMPICS Sport / EMPICS Sport

Scholes alluded to Manchester United’s Champions League campaign in 2010 when they faced AC Milan in the knockout stages and how Ferguson had set aside some special treatment for Pirlo.

Sir Alex gave very specific instructions on how to take care of Pirlo. Man-marking him wa s a huge part of our pre-game plan. I played against him when Milan beat us 3-0 at the San Siro in 2007. We didn’t man-mark him. He destroyed us. We learned, and it was painful. Ji-sung Park was the perfect man for Pirlo in 2010 and never gave him a kick. You could even see Pirlo getting frustrated and having little kicks out by the end.”

Scholes believes England need a similar type of system when they take on Pirlo and co. in the sweltering heat of Manaus – ‘an English Ji-sung Park’ and feels Danny Welbeck would be a smart choice.

Looking at the squad, Danny Welbeck – a good defender who can nick the ball well – could be an option and would be a bold decision, one which gives England a creative outlet and saddles Pirlo with defensive work.”

Ryan Giggs: I cried in my car after final game of the season

Rooney and Lambert score, Sterling is sent-off and England settle for draw with Ecuador