8 Defenders That Will Be In Roy Hodgson's Provisional England Squad (And 1 That Won't)

2. Chris Smalling

Caps: 10 Goals: 0 To say Smalling has not enjoyed the best of seasons with the Red Devils would be an understatement. He has lacked conviction when playing and his name is often mentioned as one of a number of players that will be part of the inevitable summer clear out at United. Why then, should he be considered for a World Cup spot? If Smalling was plying his trade at a club with less exposure and influence then, based on performances during the current campaign, he would not be in the reckoning for a squad place. Adam Johnson recently expressed his dismay that players outside of the top eight clubs rarely received an England call up, suggesting that most squads are based upon reputation. Smalling's inclusion in this World Cup squad goes some way to proving Johnson's assertion, as there seems to be little reason otherwise for the United defender to justify selection for Brazil. However, he is highly thought of by Hodgson and England fans can expect him to be selected ahead of more deserving candidates.