Gareth Southgate has stated that reputation counts for nothing when it comes to selecting the England team. “I never pick on reputation – form has to come into it,” the England manager told Telegraph Sport.

But how would England line-up against the Czech Republic if it was, indeed, an XI who were chosen simply on the basis of how well they are currently performing and not on their past achievements?

Form XI: 4-3-3

Tom Heaton

With Jordan Pickford’s erratic form the goalkeeping position has suddenly become a problem again. Heaton made a big difference when he returned to the Burnley team and despite their struggles he is, to coin a phrase, a ‘safe pair of hands’, a leader and a far more calming influence.

Likely to pick: Jordan Pickford

Trent Alexander-Arnold

There is a actually strong case for Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is with the England Under-21s, to be included but Alexander-Arnold is continuing to impress with Premier League leaders Liverpool and fully deserves his chance to start in an area of the team where there is more competition than anywhere else.

Likely to pick: Kyle Walker

Conor Coady

England are crying out for a ball-playing centre-half, especially with John Stones injured, and Coady fits the bill. He has been watched so it is a surprise that he has been overlooked given the 26-year-old is in outstanding form and captains Wolves who are having such an outstanding season.

Likely to pick: Michael Keane

Jamaal Lascelles

The Newcastle United captain is another centre-half who England have had their eyes on for some time but appear to have decided that he is not good enough on the ball. Still Lascelles has been instrumental to Newcastle’s improved form. There may be a case for bringing in Chris Smalling but despite playing well he also has his limits.

Likely to pick: Harry Maguire

Ben Chilwell

There is no doubt that the Leicester City left-back is warranting the interest in him after a string of impressive performances. He will be in pole position to start, with Luke Shaw’s withdrawal, and although Danny Rose has played well, at times, Chilwell is ahead of him and deservedly so.

Likely to pick: Ben Chilwell

James Ward-Prowse

The Southampton midfielder was not in the original squad but is a favourite of Gareth Southgate’s. The problem with him is no-one is quite sure what is best position is and whether he does enough in open play but Ward-Prowse is an outstanding set-piece specialist and that is an area of the game that is growing in importance.

Likely to pick: Dele Alli

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Declan Rice

It would be remarkable if Gareth Southgate put the 20-year-old straight into his team but, actually, he has been the most impressive eligible player in the holding midfield role this season. He is also adding goals to his game at West Ham and is technically and temperamentally excellent. Jordan Henderson is recovering from an ankle injury and his form has been up and down.

Likely to pick: Eric Dier

James Maddison

The 21-year-old has been selected for the England squad in the past and is unlucky to miss out. He has made a strong return to form at Leicester City and is a different kind of player, offers a different dimension and has an eye for goal as well as an impressive number of chances created and key passes this season.

Likely to pick: Ross Barkley

Raheem Sterling

England’s most in-form player, without a doubt. There is no case whatsoever for Sterling not to be included. Sterling is going from strength to strength at Manchester City and, despite being just 24, is also emerging as something of a leader for England.

Likely to pick: Raheem Sterling

Harry Kane

Despite Tottenham’s drop in form Kane has returned from an ankle injury to score goals and lead the line well – not least in the Champions League win away to Borussia Dortmund. He may not quite be back to his best but there is no doubt he is worth his place in the team.

Likely to pick: Harry Kane

Marcus Rashford

It has been a tough season for Rashford at Manchester United but, actually, he was playing reasonably well under Jose Mourinho and has been outstanding since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over. He was not at his best in the FA Cup defeat away to Wolves – but still scored. No case for not including him especially as Jadon Sancho is not in such good form of late.

Likely to pick: Marcus Rashford