England's stats-based best XI

Gareth Southgate names his England squad to face Scotland and Spain this weekend, but will he pick players on form or reputation?

Before the squad announcement on Sunday, we've taken a look at WhoScored.com's stats-based rankings since the start of September (minimum five appearances) to pick out eleven Englishmen on top right now.

But how will this XI compare to the line-up Southgate selects at Wembley next week? Take a look at who makes the cut…

Tom Heaton - 7.25

Burnley captain Tom Heaton has been superb for the Clarets all season but it was his display against Manchester United that has led to calls for the 30-year old to get the nod in the next international break. Heaton's tally of 11 saves at Old Trafford equalled his own record for a single game from Burnley's defeat at Southampton earlier in the month. His total figure of saves for the season is now up to 57 - that's 21 more than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League, and more than twice that of Joe Hart at Torino (28).

Kyle Walker - 7.32

The first of four England regulars in this XI, Walker has enjoyed a strong start to the season with Spurs, most recently picking up WhoScored.com's man of the match rating in the draw with Leicester. The right-back has been an ever present in the league for Mauricio Pochettino and has weighed in with two assists as Tottenham remain the Premier League's only unbeaten side.

Steve Cook - 7.31

Bournemouth centre-back Steve Cook turned 25 earlier this year and the Cherries defender still has the potential to improve. He's done that so far in his second top-flight campaign, with his form in recent weeks particularly impressive. Indeed, with the second most clearances in the Premier League thus far (93) and fourth most blocks (13), Cook is outperforming a number of centre-backs that will no doubt be well ahead of him in the pecking order.

Michael Keane - 7.50

One player that may well retain a spot in the upcoming selection having been drafted into Gareth Southgate's first squad is Michael Keane, who many will feel warrants an international debut this month. The 23-year-old has been in excellent form for Burnley of late, buoyed by his first England call-up last month, with no player having blocked more shots in the league this season (20). He's also third - behind Cook - for clearances (91) and among the top centre-backs for interceptions (25).

Charlie Daniels - 7.17

While he's not likely to gain international recognition at the age of 30, few could argue that Daniels has looked every bit the top-flight full-back since Bournemouth's promotion last season. Strong at the back and a threat going forwards - Hector Bellerin is the only full-back to have completed more dribbles since the start of last season than the Cherries defender (66) - Daniels is a key member of Eddie Howe's side, playing an important role in Bournemouth's strong start this time around.

Theo Walcott - 7.52

Having seemingly accepted that his future at Arsenal is as a right winger, rather than a centre-forward, Walcott has produced some of his best football in the club's shirt this season. Indeed, in just nine league appearances in the current campaign the 27-year-old has scored as many goals (5) as he managed in 28 outings in a 2015/16 - a showing that was not enough to earn a place at Euro 2016. He's very much back in the England reckoning now though, with averages of 3.6 shots and 2.1 dribbles at an all-time high for the Gunners' longest serving player.

Jordan Henderson - 7.68

The one real mainstay in England's starting line-up to make the XI here, Jordan Henderson's performances with Liverpool have been crucial to the Reds' early season success. While Jurgen Klopp's front three have taken the plaudits, and understandably so, his captain has led by example in implementing the manager's intense pressing style. He has an average of 4.3 tackles per game, ranking second in the Premier League and almost double that of any other season in his career.

Dele Alli - 7.27

While it's fair to say that Dele Alli hasn't hit the heights of last season as yet, at least in terms of consistency, the signs of late are encouraging. Indeed, after a slow start to the campaign the youngster scored twice last month and his figures for shots (2.4), key passes (1.8) and dribbles (1.4) are actually all marginally up from the previous campaign. Alli remains a key player to both club and country in the years to come.

Wilfried Zaha - 7.78

The highest rated Englishman since the start of September, it's surely only a matter of time before Wilfried Zaha earns an international call-up, four years on from his debut for the Three Lions as a teenager. A tally of 45 dribbles is the most in the Premier League this season, while three assists is as many as in the previous two seasons combined. With a goal to his name and his best ever averages for shots (1.4), key passes (1.4), and tackles (2.8) per game in a top-flight campaign, Zaha must be close to international recognition.

Charlie Austin - 7.55

Hoping for a second call-up to the England set up and an international debut this month, Charlie Austin must be in the thinking of Gareth Southgate given the issues with the Three Lions' more familiar forwards. With Harry Kane returning from injury, Jamie Vardy struggling for goals and Daniel Sturridge out of the Liverpool starting XI, Austin will hope there's a place up for grabs in England's attacking ranks. He has as many league goals this season (4) as the trio mentioned above combined (4).

Troy Deeney - 7.23

Another player that has unquestionably enjoyed a stronger start to this season than England's go to front men is Troy Deeney, who offers the sort of physicality that few strikers in the Premier League can match and the national side perhaps lacked at Euro 2016. After a modest start to the campaign the Watford captain scored three times in four games but has since failed to score in three as he desperately searches for his 100th career goal for the Hornets. Has he been better than Vardy (6.61 rating) or Sturridge (6.60) this season? According to the stats-based rankings, yes. Will it be enough to earn him a first international call up? That's up to Southgate.