Ahead of World Cup 2018, we take a look at the confirmed 23-man squads of the top teams heading to Russia and allot a classification to each player.
We divide the players into six categories – World Class, Excellent, Good, Untested, Average and Sub-par.
In this edition, we run the rule over the England squad.
WORLD CLASS – 1
Players rated among the elite of world football
Harry Kane (Striker, Tottenham) – Among the finest goal-scorers in the world. England’s great white hope.
All eyes on Harry Kane
EXCELLENT – 2
Outstanding players who don’t quite make the top tier
Dele Alli (Midfielder, Tottenham) – Can be a real match-winner, capable of the spectacular and brings the best out of Kane.
Raheem Sterling (Forward, Man City) – Has evolved into a well-rounded attacker. Intelligent with his runs and will create chances.
The cavalry: Raheem Sterling (l) and Deli Alli need to support Kane.
GOOD – 8
Formidable forces who can excel on their day
Jordan Pickford (Goalkeeper, Everton) – England’s No1 and has had a good season. Vastly inexperienced though.
Jamie Vardy (Striker, Leicester) – Such a threat in behind and an uncompromising finisher.
Jesse Lingard (Forward, Man United) – Excels with his link-up play and has a penchant for scoring big goals.
Jordan Henderson (Midfielder, Liverpool) – Best suited to anchor the midfield, nothing fancy but gets the job done.
Kyle Walker (Defender, Man City) – Suspect at times but his composure on the ball can work in England’s three-man central defence.
John Stones (Defender, Man City) -Prone to the odd mistake but reads the game well and the starting point in the build-up.
Marcus Rashford (Forward, Man United) – Can drift in and out of games but is versatile, relentless and an excellent impact player.
Phil Jones (Defender, Man United) – Arguably England’s best defender in the purest sense… if he can stay fit.
Will they deliver? Marcus Rashford (l) and Jesse Lingard.
UNTESTED – 3
Promising prospects with little experience
Nick Pope (Goalkeeper, Burnley) – An outstanding shot-stopper capable of challenging Pickford for his place.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Defender, Liverpool) – Versatile and composed for his age. Has coped well with the demand at Liverpool.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Midfielder, Chelsea) – Great touch, skill and vision although his mobility or lack thereof is a concern.
Hands on: Nick Pope can challenge Jordan Pickford.
AVERAGE – 5
Deserve to make the cut but aren’t special
Danny Rose (Wing-back, Tottenham) – Should really be at a higher level but a disruptive season at Tottenham has set him back.
Ashley Young (Wing-back, Man United) – Top marks for effort and discipline but woefully short of quality.
Fabian Delph (Defender/midfielder, Man City) – A good squad player given his versatility but will struggle to start.
Kieran Trippier (Wing-back, Tottenham) – No significant weakness but a relatively modest talent.
Eric Dier (Midfielder, Tottenham) – Shields the defence well in midfield but doesn’t offer much else.
Underwhelming: Ashley Young.
SUB-PAR – 4
Shouldn’t be going to the World Cup
Jack Butland (Goalkeeper, Stoke) – A talent no doubt but has gone off the boil.
Gary Cahill (Defender, Chelsea) – Past his best, slowing down and no longer first choice for Chelsea.
Danny Welbeck (Forward, Arsenal) – Hasn’t excelled as either a striker or a winger and habitually fluffs his lines.
Harry Maguire (Defender, Leicester) – A no-nonsense defender but seriously off the pace and unsophisticated.
Still unproven: Danny Welbeck
