Roy Hodgson picks his England side to play Montenegro in their FIFA World Cup 2014 qualification match. Here’s the fanatix predicted starting XI.
England take on Montenegro this evening with all the talk that Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere will be dropped from the starting XI.
The Gunners star has been in the firing line all week due to comments made about the naturalisation of Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj, and it is not known whether Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson is withdrawing him for that reason or for tactical purposes.
Wilshere did not play particularly well against Ukraine in England’s last outing, but nor did many in the side, and it would be a strange decision to drop arguably his best player.
Here’s our predicted line-up for tonight’s match against Montenegro.
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
Hodgson has already said he does not plan to switch up his goalkeepers for a crucial World Cup qualification match.
Right back: Phil Jones
Jones is in danger of being labelled a jack of all trades, master of none, as he is yet to confirm his true position.
The Manchester United defender claims his best place is at centre back, but with no Glen Johnson, he could get the nod over Tottenham Hotspur’s Kyle Walker.
Centre back: Phil Jagielka
Jagielka is a solid performer for Everton, but in comparison to the Sol Campbell / Rio Ferdinand and John Terry era, the Toffees man can’t help but feel a little underwhelming.
Centre back: Gary Cahill
Though not necessarily first choice centre back for his club Chelsea, Cahill is first choice for England. Still ought to do enough against Montenegro.
Left back: Leighton Baines
If England possessed the same strength in depth as they do at left back, they would be one of the best teams in the world. No Ashley Cole? Play Leighton Baines. No Leighton Baines? What about Kieran Gibbs, or Luke Shaw. A real strength in the team.
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