What if the England team was picked using stats for the season? | Ben McAleer
Using thousands of statistics for hundreds of players this season, WhoScored have calculated England’s best XI
As international teams gear up for their first action this year, WhoScored have picked a team and 23-man squad of their best rated English players this season, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure.
Goalkeeper: Nick Pope, Newcastle
Nick Pope has not played since the beginning of December, but he remains the best English goalkeeper this season. The 31-year-old’s ongoing absence has proved catastrophic for Eddie Howe’s side. Since his injury against Manchester United, the team’s defensive record has plummeted from one of the very best in the league, to one of the worst. Newcastle conceded three or more goals in just one of the 14 league matches Pope has started this season; in the 14 games without him, they have allowed that to happen eight times. Rating: 6.72
