England go into their eye-catching friendly with Spain on Saturday with a number of players knowing that this coming week's fixtures may be key in proving they have what it takes against the very best on the international scene. With the likes of Rooney, Young and Gerrard all absent, a number of players will be vying for the attacking positions in the line-up.
With this in mind WhoScored takes an in-depth look into a place in Capello's starting XI that remains relatively unclaimed. The Italian boss has ditched the somewhat rudimentary 4-4-2 that saw him fiercely criticised after the last World Cup, opting for a more fluid formation in behind a lone striker. We look at the options the England boss has at his disposal from wide, with Spain's full-backs pin-pointed as a potential weak link in an otherwise supreme unit.
If Capello does opt to play three in attack, with two playing wide of a main focal point to the side, he will need to consider a number of facets to his players' games. In facing Spain, an under-strengthed England side couldn't pick a tougher opponent, and therefore any wide forward will need to do his fair share of tracking back. In turn WhoScored analyses the form of England's wingers going forward and in retaining and winning possession to ascertain who may be the right men to pick.
Wide Forward Attacking Stats
Theo Walcott and Stewart Downing are perhaps the two attacking wingers who are best versed at international level, though their respective form suggests that one of their less experienced colleagues may deserve a call-up. Of the 6 players analysed, none of Theo Walcott's attacking stats lead the way, with his ability to create chances perhaps his main downfall, ranking joint last with Daniel Sturridge with 0.9 key passes per game.
Although Liverpool's new signing Stewart Downing has laid on 2.1 key passes per game, he is the only player to have been analysed yet to pick up an assist this season. Downing is also the only player of the 6 yet to have opened his account for the season, all despite attempting the most shots per game with 2.5, proving he has been wasteful in front of goal.
Manchester City duo James Milner and Adam Johnson will be hoping to take advantage of the upcoming fixtures, with the former beginning this season in particularly fine form. Milner has 5 assists already in just 6 league starts as well as 2 goals. His weakest figure here is undoubtedly his dribbling, with 0.5 per game the worst of the 6, however, the midfielder's versatility and all-round skill set is perhaps more likely to see him start in a central role come Saturday.
Adam Johnson, on the other hand, is an out-and-out winger, striking 3 goals from just 1.6 shots per game this season. The former Middlesbrough-man's downfall may be a lack of playing time at club level, starting just 4 league goals this term, which makes his tally of 3 goals all the more impressive.
If Capello was selecting a side on form alone, he could arguably look no further than the recalled Gabby Agbonlahor. The Villa forward’s performances and link-up with Darren Bent may be key to any eventual inclusion. Of the front man's 4 assists, 3 have been for his Villa and England teammate, including 2 last time out against Norwich. It is, however, Agbonlahor's form in front of goal right now that may see him get the nod, having netted more than any of his competitors in the league with 5.
Daniel Sturridge has received what many would feel is a long-awaited senior call-up from Capello for the first time having impressed on the right side of Chelsea's front three this season. A familiarity with the system will therefore do the young striker good, as will an impressive 4 goals from just 7 league starts, though he, like Walcott, has been less effective at picking out teammates with 0.9 key passes per game.
Retaining Possession & Defensive Contribution
In any game, a wide man is rarely afforded the luxury of being able to avoid tracking back by his manager, but against the likes of Spain, it is imperative. A look at Theo Walcott's stats in this regard, as well as his tendency to concede possession, proves that he may not be the man for the job. He has been dispossessed 1.9 times per game and lost possession due to a poor touch etc. (turnover) 1.7 times per game - joint worst with Sturridge once again.
Stewart Downing's downfalls in an attacking sense may have come at the expense of an increased defensive input. A figure of 1.1 tackles per game is joint best with James Milner, while 1.2 interceptions per game is the stand-alone leader. The Liverpool man may well appeal to Capello due to his more reliable nature both in and out of possession.
James Milner is renowned for his work rate and tireless efforts across the midfield having made a joint-high of 1.1 tackles per game as well as 1 interception per game. An 86% pass accuracy is second best of our 6 and having been dispossessed just 0.4 times per game, he is on a par with Downing in this regard. The City man's all-round game has led him to an exceptional WhoScored rating of 7.55, which ranks him way above the rest.
Adam Johnson has the best pass accuracy of the analysed wingers with 89% and his touch is superb having amassed just 0.6 turnovers per game. However, he has offered extremely little defensively, with 0.4 per game for both tackles and interceptions.
Despite playing higher up the pitch than most of his comparable colleagues, Gabby Agbonlahor has registered 1 tackle per game. An impressive start to the season has led Agbonlahor to a rating of 7.19 from WhoScored, which is only bettered by Milner, suggesting he should be a hot favourite to start.
While Daniel Sturridge has been excellent at times going forward, he is arguably the weakest of the six when it comes to defensive contribution. He has made just 0.4 tackles and interceptions per game - level with Johnson - but proven the most costly in possession having been dispossessed a hefty 2.7 times per game and lost possession due to a poor touch 1.7 times per game.
While James Milner should be a shoe-in to start according to WhoScored's ratings, be it in centre midfield or out wide, the competition for places from the other 5 suggests Gabby Agbonlahor would be unlucky to start. In contrast, the likes of Theo Walcott and Stewart Downing would be more than a little fortunate to do so based on their club form but will undoubtedly be strong favourites due to their experience at this level.
