Roy Hodgson has already caused a bit of a stir with his selections for England’s next international bouts against Lithuania and Italy.
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England squad
Seven players unlucky not to be in Roy Hodgson’s England squad: Arsenal, QPR, Everton & Southampton stars included
Seven players unlucky not to be in Roy Hodgson’s England squad: Arsenal, QPR, Everton & Southampton stars included
Whilst there was a deserved call-up for Tottenham striker Harry Kane and the squad was littered with the usual suspects there was also some bizarre selections in the case of Andros Townsend, Ross Barkley, Luke Shaw, Theo Walcott just to name a few who haven’t exactly been on vintage for this season.
But what would the England side look like if Hodgson actually picked it based on statistically backed form, rather than any other factors?
Find out below:
GK: Rob Green – Queens Park Rangers
A selection that will send a shiver down the spine of many-an-England supporter who will still be having flashbacks to that horror World Cup in 2010.
But despite his reputation and QPR’s grave position in the league, Green has actually been a standout performer this season but has been continually hamstrung by a lacklustre defence.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne – Southampton
Impressed so much this season he is thought to be a-top the Manchester United transfer wish list, is in the form of his life as Southampton continue their top four push.
CB: Phil Jones – Manchester United
He’s been hailed as a future captain by the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson but you’d be hard pressed to find a United fan that has such rock solid confidence in Jones.
However, the defender finally seems to the settling down after being deployed in a purely central defensive role instead of a number of positions as in recent years and could yet prove Fergie right if given time.
CB: Chris Smalling – Manchester United
The partner to Jones at United and like his fellow centre-back has struggled for consistency during this campaign but insists he’s relishing the responsibility afforded to him by Louis van Gaal.
LB: Leighton Baines – Everton
One of three left-backs in the England squad, inexplicably, and just how Hodgson is planning game time for all of Baines, Gibbs and the out of form Luke Shaw is unclear.
But Baines should be the one to start given his consistent run in the Everton side over the inconsistent United and Arsenal men, and the stats certainly back that up call.
CM: Jordan Henderson – Liverpool
Captain fantastic for Liverpool in the absence of Steven Gerrard and hopefully can bring the same leadership and driving presence from the middle to England.
CM: Mark Noble – West Ham
Noble never seems to get afforded the opportunity of an England Cap but perhaps should considering his brilliant season for the Hammers so far. Especially when you consider those that are likely taking his place Fabian Delph and a completely out of form Ross Barkley.
RW: Raheem Sterling – Liverpool
The driving force of Liverpool’s charge in the second half of the season, Sterling was ridiculed in the press in the last series of international fixtures because he complained he was too tired to player in a qualifying match. He’ll want to silence those detractors this time around for the Three Lions.
LW: Ashley Young – Manchester United
A renaissance for Young at United under van Gaal who looked dead and buried following the exit of Sir Alex Ferguson and his inconsistent form.
But now has become almost undroppable on the wings for the Red Devils and will look to regain the same confidence for England.
ST: Wayne Rooney – Manchester United
Rooney’s dip in and out of forward and midfield positions this season only went to prove just how good a striker he is and the best available for United.
There’s still question marks over Rooney’s England role with some poor international performances from the squad when he has been at the helm.
ST: Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur
His incredible season goes from strength-to-strength after thrashing all expectations with 26 goals in 42 games, the 21-year-old’s has definitely earned his first England call-up from Roy Hodgson.
The only negative is Gareth Southgate’s England U-21s will now have to compete without their eight goals in ten games forward.
Stats derived from here: