World Cup: England's statistical best XI in 2022/23 - Sterling & Foden miss out

The World Cup in Qatar is just two months away.

England will go into the tournament as one of the favourites.

The Three Lions reached the semi-finals four years ago and were beaten in the Euro 2020 final by Italy on penalties.

But how will Gareth Southgate’s side line up with the tournament just two months away?

Using statistics provided by WhoScored.com, we’ve named the best performing English XI in Europe’s top five leagues this season.

So, if the World Cup started tomorrow and it was based purely on form, this is what the England team would look like…

GK: Nick Pope – 7.27

Pickford is currently England’s number one but it’s Pope who has been the nation’s best goalkeeper in 2022/23. He has kept three clean sheets for Newcastle this season.

RB: Kieran Trippier – 7.37

England are well stocked at right-back,. It’s Trippier who has been the best performing English right-back this season, helping Newcastle to three clean sheets and notching a superb free-kick against Man City.

CB: James Tarkowski – 7.05

Stats suggest Tarkowski should return to the England set-up. His only two appearances for his nation came back in 2018.

CB: Chris Smalling – 7.03

Smalling has not played for England since 2017 but has rediscovered his form at AS Roma.

LB: Matt Targett – 6.98

Targett has never played for England. Despite his form with Newcastle, a call-up to the Three Lions’ World Cup squad seems unlikely.

CM: James Ward-Prowse – 7.10

Southampton’s captain has recorded two goal contributions so far in 2022/23.

CM: Jude Bellingham – 7.38

Bellingham, just 19, has already emerged into a top centre midfielder. He’s almost certain to be a starter in Qatar.

RW: Bukayo Saka – 7.25

Saka has scored once and recorded three assists in Arsenal’s brilliant