How England Should Lineup v Slovenia Based On Statistics With Arsenal Starlet And Downing Both Starting

This is what Hodgson should be playing.

It’s yet another international break this week and for England that means a Euro 2016 qualifier with Slovenia followed up by a friendly with rivals Scotland.

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Manager Roy Hodgson has already named his 26-man squad for the matches and using the statistics of WhoScored here is the starting XI the 66-year-old should field from that party.

GK – Joe Hart – 6.87 rating

The Manchester City goalkeeper is the established No.1 under Hodgson and according to the stats that should remain the case on Saturday, despite the impressive form of Southampton’s Fraser Forster.

RB – Nathaniel Clyne – 7.36

Forster’s club teammate now and although called up to the last squad is yet to earn his first senior cap despite being widely considered the best option at right-back.

CB – Calum Chambers – 7.08

Has been even better than many imagined since making his £16m summer switch to Arsenal and has developed into a promising centre-back with stats better even than Chelsea’s Gary Cahill.

CB – Phil Jagielka – 7.11

Alongside Chambers is a much more established figure and despite Everton’s apparent drop in form the Toffees captain has looked solid.

LB – Leighton Baines – 7.45

It’s been another fine showing from the left-back this term with two goals and six assists already and with Luke Shaw struggling at Manchester United the 29-year-old is the established first choice for the Three Lions.

CM – James Milner – 7.33

Has become more of a regular figure in Manuel Pellegrini’s City team this season and according to this his workmanlike endeavour should see Milner starting against the Slovenians.

CM – Jordan Henderson – 7.09

Joining the 28-year-old in midfield is a Liverpool star seen as the future skipper for both club and country in the mould of his club teammate Steven Gerrard.

RM – Raheem Sterling – 7.32

May not have had as explosive a start to the campaign as last time out, but with three goals and three assists to his name this 19-year-old remains one of the most exciting English talents.

CAM – Wayne Rooney – 7.20

Newly appointed captain and someone who is often criticised, but his stats generally show that to be unfounded and Rooney has three goals and two assists this term.

LM – Stewart Downing – 7.39

Recalled to the national setup following a two-year absence due to his fine performances for in-form West Ham United, Downing should be starting in attacking midfield for Hodgson.

ST – Danny Welbeck – 7.45

Left Old Trafford for the Emirates Stadium on transfer deadline day and although since then has returned a relatively modest two goals and two assists, Welbeck’s displays have shown great promise.