Not ideal, but Phil Jones should replace suspended Kyle Walker for England

England manager Roy Hodgson will be forced to alter his starting line-up tonight, with Manchester United pair Phil Jones and Chris Smalling vying for the chance to replace the suspended Kyle Walker at right back.

Walker’s yellow card on Friday meant that he has passed up what is likely to be his last chance for a while to lay claim to the England right back slot – given Glen Johnson’s imminent return from injury.

Neither Jones nor Smalling represents an ideal solution to the right back problem, given their status as out of position centre backs, but of the two, Jones is likely to get the nod.

Both Jones and Smalling have played for Manchester United at right back this season, to varying degrees. Smalling has only made two appearances for United this season – and one of those was a five minute cameo.

Jones has played more minutes than Smalling, starting five games at right back. As well as playing more games than Smalling, Jones has scored higher on Squawka’s performance score.

Smalling’s only game of note saw him struggle at right back against Manchester City, scoring 12 points. Over his five matches, Jones has amassed a score of 110, to put him comfortably higher than Smalling.

In a game that England need to win, whoever starts is likely to need to get forward as much as possible. Going forward, Jones edges out his club mate.

Last season, Jones made seven key passes, and one assist, compared to two key passes from Smalling. The pair was equal on pass accuracy last season, but Jones made passes more frequently, and has better pass accuracy than Smalling this season.

Jones also successfully took his man on seven times last season compared to a solitary take on by Smalling.

Defensively, Jones also proves to be the better bet to start. As shown above, he has won more of his headed duels and tackles than Smalling, who has won 50% of both this season.

Last season, Jones also won more tackles than former Maidstone man Smalling, although Smalling did make one more header than Jones.

In the light of the limited options available in the absence of Kyle Walker, Phil Jones should start ahead of his Manchester United teammate.

He has played more games than Smalling this season, and edges his club team mate when it comes to both attacking and defensive play.