Chelsea ace and Manchester united star also makes team, but no room for Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere…
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According to football statistics aggregator WhoScored, this is the side England boss Roy Hodgson should select at the World Cup, based solely on Premier League performances last season.
The XI includes three players who haven’t even made the squad!
GK) Joe Hart – 6.70
Like he will almost certainly do at the World Cup, Manchester City’s talented stopper starts in this statistically best XI. He actually had a shaky time at the start of the season, but rediscovered his form and helped his side to a Premier League title win.
DR) Joel Ward – 7.28
The surprise name on this list, Ward excelled under Tony Pulis last term on the right of the back four. He’s physically strong, and prides himself on his nonsense style – but was nowhere near getting the call-up for Hodgson’s squad.
DC) Gary Cahill – 7.29
England’s best defender also makes the statistically best XI after helping Chelsea end the season with the best defensive record in the top flight.
DC) Curtis Davies – 7.40
Hull’s skipper was heroic at the back for the Tigers, and was rated statistically higher than Phil Jagielka, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, who all were selected ahead of him in the England squad.
DL) Leighton Baines – 7.26
The Everton man provided a consistently strong attacking force up the left flank while being solid defensively as well.
MC) Steven Gerrard – 7.74
The highest rated Englishman in the Premier League statistically, Gerrard excelled in his anchoring midfield role at Anfield last season – and was desperately unlucky to miss out on his maiden title victory.
MC) Gareth Barry – 7.31
Barry is no longer in England’s plans, but he enjoyed an excellent season with Everton on loan from Manchester City last season – dictating tempo deep in the midfield under Roberto Martinez.
AMR) Raheem Sterling – 7.39
Liverpool’s wonderkid played extremely well in the second half of last season, and it didn’t go unnoticed. He’s in line for a World Cup starting spot, despite being a teenager still.
AML) Adam Lallana – 7.21
Southampton’s skipper established himself as on the Premier League’s most exciting players last term, and he could be set for a blockbuster move to Liverpool after the World Cup as a result.
FC) Daniel Sturridge – 7.43
The highest scoring Englishman in the Premier League, Sturridge finished the season with 21 top flight strikes.
FC) Wayne Rooney – 7.61
Rooney reached double figures for both goals and assists for United, although rumours are circulating that the talisman might be used out on the left to accommodate Sterling centrally.
