World Cup: Which CEOs make retail's fantasy team?

Goalkeeper

Sir Ian Cheshire

Chief executive, Kingfisher

Sir Ian has proven a safe pair of hands. During the downturn many shots were fired at Kingfisher but Cheshire parried them away. With businesses in France, China, Poland and Russia, he plays well away from home.

Defenders

Sebastian James

Chief executive, Dixons

James has emerged as a giant-killer, blocking Amazon and Best Buy from grabbing the UK electricals title. Some thought Best Buy’s UK entry would lead to Dixons being knocked out but it was the US team that took an early bath.

Andy Clarke

Chief executive, Asda

Clarke is the only one of the big (back) four to defend himself against the German discounters. The big man’s nifty footwork enabled him to keep possession of market share after rivals took their eyes off the ball.

Peter Cowgill

Executive chairman, JD Sports

Cowgill has put up a strong defence against Mike Ashley over the past few seasons after the Sports Direct magnate threatened to relegate JD Sports. Cowgill’s resilience has kept JD firmly in the Premier League.

James Daunt

Managing director, Waterstones

Daunt is another player putting up an impressive display to fend off Amazon. He was promoted to the Premier League when Waterstones’ Russian billionaire owner Alexander Mamut brought him on-side.

Midfielders

Mike Ashley

Founder, Sports Direct

Maverick midfielder Ashley is known for his surging runs. He’s an aggressive attacker who outmuscles the competition and is unafraid to go in for a bold challenge. You’d rather he was on your team than the opposition’s.

Mark Price

Managing director, Waitrose

Price has formed a lethal partnership with John Lewis Partnership team-mate Andy Street to bolster the midfield. Price is a great reader of the game whose fancy footwork has enabled him to surge past the discounters.

Andy Street

Managing director, John Lewis

Street has helped John Lewis stay at the top of the league with his shrewd decision-making. He offers top-level service to the frontline and strides easily past the opposition. Look out for skilful one-twos with Price.

Jacqueline Gold

Chief executive, Ann Summers

Racy winger Gold provides great support up front for the strikers and always maintains a sense of composure. Defenders are left like rabbits in the headlights when faced with her cheeky moves and audacious passes.

Strikers

Nick Robertson

Chief executive, Asos

Fans will hope out-of-form Robertson gets back to his best as he’s been missing the target lately. However, he performs well overseas and can easily change the game. Robertson is speedy in front of the net.

Roman Heini

Joint managing director, Aldi

Heini makes the starting 11 because colleague Matthew Barnes prefers rugby. Heini left the opposition standing as he weaved his way through the field to emerge as this season’s top scorer.

On the bench

• Philip Clarke, chief executive, Tesco
• Marc Bolland, chief executive, Marks & Spencer
• Dalton Philips, chief executive, Morrisons

The Gaffer

Sir Stuart Rose

Suave Sir Stuart is more José than ‘Woy’. He is hot property in retail management and at present holds top jobs at Ocado, Fat Face, Soak & Sleep and South African retailer Woolworths. Rose is cool under pressure and great value at the post-match press conference.