England are back in action this month with Euro qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine and Gareth Southgate really is spoilt for choice in several positions.
Prior to selecting his starting 11, Southgate was forced to make some big calls as the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben White didn’t make the squad itself.
We’ve gathered all of the data and selected England’s best XI based purely on form in 2023. Note: we have not included players carrying an injury and so Marcus Rashford has been left out.
GK: Aaron Ramsdale
There’s a strong argument to be made for each of England’s goalkeepers, but Ramsdale’s form in 2023 just pips him. He has kept five clean sheets during the calendar year, which is two more than Jordan Pickford. The 24-year-old is also dealing with the pressure of playing between the sticks for the Premier League league leaders.
When taking Nick Pope’s red card into consideration, Ramsdale just about comes out on top in the stats. Although we wouldn’t begrudge Southgate for sticking with Pickford.
RB: Kieran Trippier
Based on WhoScored average match ratings, Trippier has been the best right-back in Europe this season. In 2023 alone, he has created 43 chances at a rate of 3.3 chances created per game.
Along with his excellent creative output, the defender has been an integral part of Newcastle’s stellar defensive record. Eddie Howe’s side have only conceded 19 goals, which is the best record in the Premier League.
White also deserves an honourable mention in this position, despite being left out of the squad, but Trippier’s superior creative numbers give him the edge.
CB: John Stones
Despite a lack of game time compared to other defenders in the squad, Stones still ranks as one of the best. For example, Manchester City have had a far superior defensive record with Stones in the side.
The 28-year-old has featured in six games for City during 2023 and they have kept a clean sheet in five of those matches. With Stones in the side so far this calendar year, City have only conceded 0.33 goals per game.
Erling stole the show but let’s not forget about this John Stones masterclass.
When fit, he is the best defender in the world – a unicorn of a footballer. pic.twitter.com/V4K0GuuDUb
— SHEIKH 👑 (@SheikhMCI) March 16, 2023
CB: Ben Mee
The Brentford defender has always been overlooked when it comes to the England squad, but his excellent form in 2023 cannot be ignored. Mee has been at the heart of a…
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