How the Three Lions could be lining up.
In the wake of the reports from the Telegraph that England manager Roy Hodgson is going to call-up Manchester United youngster Tyler Blackett to his squad, CaughtOffside thought it would be good to pick out the statistically best Three Lions XI.
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So here it is, with stats from our friends at WhoScored.
GK – Fraser Forster, Southampton – 6.98
Despite many thinking otherwise the mass exodus from St Mary’s this summer doesn’t appear to have affected the Saints aversely and Forster is among the new signings that have impressed.
RB – Eric Dier, Tottenham Hotspur – 7.47
Another new signing now and someone who could well have solved Spurs’ problem at right-back with his defensive nous and eagerness to break forward as well.
CB – Phil Jones, Manchester United – 8.02
Although his team have been struggling, up until his injury Jones was one of the standout performers for the Red Devils and could be relied upon heavily in a shaky defence.
CB – Michael Dawson, Hull City – 7.82
Widely derided as past it at White Hart Lane last season, now having moved to Hull the 30-year-old is doing a Curtis Davies and reinventing his career at the KC Stadium.
LB – Leighton Baines, Everton – 7.17
The established first choice at left-back following Ashley Cole’s retirement and with Luke Shaw yet to make his debut for the Red Devils that doesn’t look set to change any time soon.
CM – Craig Garnder, West Bromwich Albion – 7.38
Made the move back to Birmingham this summer from Sunderland having come through the Aston Villa academy and with their great rivals Gardner is performing resolutely.
CM – James Milner, Manchester City – 7.49
Some may be surprised to see this Citizens man ahead of the likes of Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere, but Milner continues to be a manager’s dream with his tireless work rate and ethic.
RM – Stewart Downing, West Ham United – 7.46
Having flopped at Liverpool there are calls for this winger to be reinstated on the international stage having impressed with the Hammers so far in 2014/15.
CAM – Raheem Sterling, Liverpool – 7.51
It has been a disappointing campaign for the Reds as a whole, but this 19-year-old just continues to develop brilliantly and has already netted three league goals.
LM – Danny Welbeck, Arsenal – 8.22
The Gunners’ £16m deadline day signing proved what he was capable of on Saturday with a goal and an assist against Villa and the 23-year-old may well be glad to be rid of United.
ST – Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool – 7.39
Amazingly, despite their poor start the Merseysiders are the only team on this list to have two representatives and Brendan Rodgers will be hoping Sturridge is back from injury sooner rather than later.