Preview: How should England set up against Montenegro

CM: Steven Gerrard, Liverpool

Hodgson has some interesting decisions to make around how his midfield structure will work, but one decision that is made for him is the selection of Gerrard in his favoured central role. Gerrard has been a regular of the national team over the past decade, and with a Performance Score of close to double any other Liverpool player this year, he is certainly in good form as well.

Liverpool Top Performance Scorers This Season

CM: Frank Lampard, Chelsea

On paper a central midfielder, look for Lampard to be given quite a free-running role in Hodgson’s 4-3-3 that offers great flexibility at both ends of the field. He has the experience required to thrive in big games like this one, and as shown from his Heat Map against Hull earlier in the year, he has the positional know-how to break open any defence in world football with the right support.

Frank Lampard Heat Map v Hull

AMC: Wayne Rooney, Manchester United

It is likely that Rooney will play in role behind the striker tonight, thus dropping deep to support the two-man midfield when off the ball, while on the ball his he will look to use his expansive passing range to bring the other attackers into the game.

AMR: Andros Townsend, Tottenham

The Daily Mail report that the Spurs flying-winger could make his debut tonight. Townsend is an incredibly tricky winger, one who loves to dribble and loves to shoot. This season, he has completed the most take-ons in the whole Premier League.

LW: Danny Welbeck, Manchester United

Obviously not a traditional winger, Welbeck will still be very comfortable playing out on the left. He will look to utilise his pace and quick link-up play with Rooney to hurt Montenegro. The 22-year-old has already bagged two goals so far this season at an impressive conversion rate of 28%, and will look to increase his international tally with another goal or two here.

Striker: Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool

Leading the line will most likely be Daniel Sturridge. The Liverpool man leads the league in goals scored with six in seven games (55% of the Reds’ total goals this year), and also has two assists to his name. However, one potential issue could be if England play direct football, this will not be the best way to utilise the striker, as he hasn’t won a single aerial duel this season.