Gareth Southgate’s England selection became that little bit clearer after March’s international break, despite handling a squad ravaged by injuries. With the Euros peeking over the horizon, the inevitable pre-tournament debate over the starting line-up has begun to intensify, but what would an England XI based on stats look like from performances this season?
Taking into account everything from clean sheets to passes in the final third, this article picks out 11 of the best players in each position, based purely on their performances so far this campaign.
Just a few months after being appointed in 2017, Gareth Southgate sent a stern warning to his players that he would make his selections based “on form not reputation”.
Fast forward to March 2023, where Southgate seemingly backtracked on his previous comments in response to a question over Kalvin Phillips and Harry Maguire’s inclusion. He said it was “impossible” to pick players solely on their recent form.
So, that begs the question, how different would the England line-up look if Southgate picked exclusively based on statistics?
England XI Based on Stats – 2023/24
Goalkeeper – Nick Pope
In what may come as a surprise to some, Newcastle’s Nick Pope is the optimal choice according to the data.
Pope has seemingly been cast aside by Southgate, whose preference lies with first-choice Jordan Pickford and Arsenal outcast Aaron Ramsdale.
A season plagued by injuries has not aided Pope’s cause, but Newcastle’s record with him between the sticks prior to dislocating his shoulder in December is clear for all to see.
Of the 14 games he’s played this season, he has conceded three on just one occasion – an unwanted feat that has occurred eight times in his absence.
He is superior to Pickford in pass completion percentage, clearances, and overall average match ratings on WhoScored, as well as the all-important 42% clean sheet rate, compared with Pickford’s 28%.
Right-Back – Trent Alexander-Arnold
The right-back position is one of the most contested positions in the squad, and the stats certainly reflect the healthy competition.
Kyle Walker, although undeniably effective, is trumped by both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Tripper this season, who share an identical average match rating on WhoScored.
Trent offers a more rounded profile – particularly in attack – given his superior key passes and dribbles per-game. For all his criticism over his defensive acumen, he actually averages more interceptions and less opposition dribbles allowed per-90 than his Newcastle counterpart.
Centre-Backs – Marc Guehi and Jarrad Brainthwaite
Unfortunately for John Stones, his injury-stricken season so far has limited his chances on this list – and even when he has played, his stats fail to touch either of our two selections.
Jarrad Branthwaite holds an outside chance of boarding the plane to Germany, and if his stats are anything to go by, he should already be preparing for a busy summer.
His 1.6 interceptions, 4.2 clearances and less than one foul per-game has helped Everton concede just 39 goals this term; a record only bettered by those embroiled in the three-horse title race.
Interestingly, James Tarkowski actually ranks higher than anyone in terms of average player rating, but Branthwaite’s Toffees teammate hasn’t featured for the Three Lions since 2018.
Therefore, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is next-best; he has an 86% pass completion rate, along with 1.2 tackles and 3.8 clearances per-90 this term.
Left-Back – Kieran Trippier
As mentioned, Trippier is one of England’s best performing full-backs despite Newcastle’s turbulent season.
Both Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw have once again been stifled by persistent injury problems, so shoehorning Trippier in at left-back – where he has played previously for England – makes sense.
10 assists, 2.3 tackles and a surprising 1.2 aerial duels won per-game this season are all rolled into his impressive stat pack.
Centre-Midfield – Declan Rice
Seven goal contributions in his last eight matches from midfield is testament to Declan Rice’s new-found all-encompassing role – even if he is forced further back by Gareth Southgate.
His 55 tackles and 35 interceptions make him Arsenal’s most effective ball winner, and he ranks fifth overall in the Premier League for average match ratings across the season, according to WhoScored.
Centre-Midfield – James Maddison
Despite his debut season at Tottenham being hampered by injury, James Maddison remains one of England’s most effective final-third operators.
2.7 key passes per game – the seventh-highest in the Premier League – may be his most redeeming feature, but he has backed that up by contributing to 11 goals in the process.
Interestingly, he also draws the third-highest amount of fouls of any player in the top-flight. Given England looked most threatening from set-pieces in March, this could prove an invaluable trait when breaking down low blocks.
Attacking-Midfield – Jude Bellingham
No surprises here.
At just 20, Jude Bellingham has made a mockery of the perceived pressure players face when moving to the world’s grandest institution.
He is La Liga‘s top goalscorer with 16, and ranks in the top percentile for key passes and successful dribbles. He is also performing on the biggest stages, adding a further fouls goals and four assists in the Champions League.
Right-Wing – Bukayo Saka
The 10th highest average match rating in his debut Champions League season is bettered by his Premier League displays, where WhoScored have him at the very summit.
His personal-best campaign has seen Saka rack up 13 goals and eight assists – he could be England’s most potent threat in Germany this summer.
Left-Wing – Phil Foden
Phil Foden seems to suffer whenever he is deployed out wide for England – a fact that was further compounded in March as he was largely ineffective across both fixtures.
Nevertheless, he is also enjoying a career-best season domestically with 11 goals and seven assists, earning him a spot in the top four for average Premier League match ratings.
Striker – Harry Kane
England’s captain fantastic could be on course to break Robert Lewandowski’s record for most goals in a single Bundesliga campaign; he needs just 10 more goals in eight fixtures.
He has already surpassed his best ever league total achieved at Tottenham, and he will be hopeful of an equally fruitful summer in Germany.
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