Should Middlesbrough play Calum Chambers, Daniel Ayala or Bernardo Espinosa alongside Ben Gibson vs Watford?

With Ben Gibson almost a certainty to start, our writers debate which other Boro centre-back should partner him on Sunday.

Middlesbrough return to Premier League action on Sunday against Watford looking for a first home win since April.

Aitor Karanka has a clean bill of health - captain Grant Leadbitter aside - and has plenty of decisions to make in terms of his team selection.

Ben Gibson is one of three Boro players to have played every single minute of top-flight action this season, along with Antonio Barragan and Stewart Downing.

But should partner him in the heart of Boro's defence?

On-loan Arsenal defender Calum Chambers has played the last two matches , dislodging last season's regular Daniel Ayala. But with Bernardo Espinosa fit again and still awaiting his Boro debut, there are plenty of options at Karanka's disposal.

Anthony Vickers

When it comes to the central defensive duo it is not so much a question of which two play, but who starts alongside Ben Gibson.

Gibbo is a given for me. He has been a first-team fixture and played every single minute in the Premier League this term for a reason. He has found his feet quickly at the higher level.

During Boro’s baptism of fire, he has remained unflustered and while he is up against fitter and faster opponents every week now, he has got stuck into the task with relish and is learning lessons from every game.

He is calm, commanding, can cope with the physicality of the elite division and shows great leadership in a position often under pressure. I think he will get better too.

Ben Gibson

So that position in Boro’s rearguard is nailed down. So who to start alongside Gibbo at the back?

Personally I would stick with Calum Chambers. After a shaky start against Spurs he has grown into the role and he played well at West Ham - and so should keep the shirt.

The on-loan Arsenal man didn’t have the best of starts in a torrid first half against Spurs - but who did? He was pulled around, taken out of position and skinned once or twice, and some supporters had him written off before the break.

But he is talented defender. And despite his youth, when it comes to the Premier League he is the most experienced on the Boro books.

He’s played over 50 games in the top-flight for Southampton and Arsenal so he is no mug, and that kind of nous is at a premium in a relatively rookie Boro team.

And he has played with Gibbo before in the England Under-21s, so there is a fledgling relationship there. Against West Ham, the pair worked well together. They deserve the chance to work on that.

Yes, there is a strong case for Dani Ayala to play and I wouldn’t be disappointed at that. The well-drilled pair were superb together in the Championship and if that is the chosen two, that’s fine.

Daniel Ayala celebrates his goal against Crystal Palace

But Ayala missed most of pre-season with an ankle injury and on his return played three games in quick succession and struggled at times.

He looked sluggish as he watched the cross sail in for Christian Benteke to score against Crystal Palace and was out of sorts and had a bit of a ‘mare at Everton, so perhaps it was a good time to take him out to regroup.

Now he will probably have to wait for his chance to return. That is the Karanka method.

And Espinosa? He’s fighting fit and we’ve heard good reports from the ressies, but it would be a surprise if he started before even a minute from the bench. His time will come.

Jonathon Taylor

I'd agree that Ben Gibson is a shoo-in. He's been the quickest of last season's award-winning back four to adapt to Premier League life.

As a result, he's being talked about in England circles - and deservedly so. Burnley's Michael Keane got the nod during the last squad, but Gibson's time will come.

As for who should partner him at the back, it's far less clear-cut. It's a 'toss a coin' job at the minute.

Calum Chambers up against Dele Alli

Calum Chambers has played the last two games, and although he was much improved against West Ham, I've not been 100% convinced yet. That's not to say I won't be in time.

But he had a dreadful opening 45 minutes to his debut against Tottenham, in which he almost gift-wrapped a third goal to Spurs which would have put the visitors out of sight.

The rest of the team didn't perform, granted, but defensively he seemed a tad indecisive. I was pleased to see he was much better against West Ham - in what was Boro's best display over the last few weeks.

Had the international break not have arrived, I would have said Chambers should start again this weekend - but he's not been training with the team for the last couple of weeks.

As a result, I think the Watford game is the ideal time to bring Daniel Ayala back into the fold - with the Spaniard back up to speed following his frustrating pre-season.

Dani Ayala and Ben Gibson

Taking Ayala out of the team for the last two games was a surprise, but not necessarily the wrong decision. Boro had looked shaky at the back, and this is a player who has only just really shaken off his troublesome ankle knock.

But in Ayala and Gibson, Boro have flourished over the last two seasons - and I'd like to see them both reunited at the Riverside.

Up against Troy Deeney, I think Ayala would relish the physical battle a little more than Chambers too.

As for Bernardo Espinosa, his wait continues. I've had the pleasure of seeing him a couple of times for the Under-23s, and there does look to be a good player in there.

He's vocal, he's an organiser and he's a real unit. Once he gets his Boro chance, it might be difficult to dislodge him from the starting line-up.

But for now, Ayala has more credit in the bank - so I'd start him against the Hornets.

Soccer Roundup: Mixed Day for Mega-Managers

London — While a defeated Arsene Wenger was counting the cost of Arsenal’s young defenders, a triumphant Jose Mourinho highlighted the value of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s experience to Manchester United on a day of contrasts for the two managers on Sunday.

With three of his first-team defenders unavailable to face Liverpool, Wenger gave an English Premier League debut to 20-year-old Rob Holding, alongside 21-year-old Calum Chambers in central defense. The experiment didn’t work.

A rampant Liverpool came from behind to beat Arsenal, 4-3, at Emirates Stadium, ripping Wenger’s young defense to pieces with consummate ease in the second half.

By contrast, the 34-year-old Ibrahimovic on his EPL debut helped his team’s attacking play and then scored a superb goal as United opened its campaign with a 3-1 win at Bournemouth.

Theo Walcott had put Arsenal ahead at Emirates Stadium, but his side was soon overwhelmed after Liverpool leveled through Philippe Coutinho on the stroke of halftime and then raced into a 4-1 lead after the break.

Liverpool’s fluent passing and clinical finishing in the second half was simply too hot for Arsenal to handle. Classy goals by Adam Lallana, Coutinho and Sadio Mane put the Reds in control before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Chambers scored to give Arsenal hope — in vain.

Bayern Wins German Super Cup

Dortmund, Germany — Bayern Munich defeated Borussia Dortmund, 2-0, in the German Super Cup to get new coach Carlo Ancelotti off to a winning start Sunday.

Arturo Vidal and Thomas Mueller scored in the second half after Dortmund, which had dominated the game in its Westfalenstadion, wasted several chances to score.

Vidal broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, tucking away the rebound after Roman Buerki saved his first effort, and Mueller sealed the result in the 79th after former Dortmund captain Mats Hummels headed on a corner. Hummels was playing his first game back in Dortmund since his summer switch between the sides.

Barcelona Gets Edge

Seville, Spain — Luis Suarez and Munir El Haddadi scored in the second half to give Barcelona a 2-0 win at Sevilla in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday.

Arda Turan set up Suarez with a wonderful chested pass in the 54th minute after Denis Suarez found him in the area with a well-placed lob.

Substitute Munir El Haddadi sealed the win in the 81st from a pass by Lionel Messi five minutes after going on.

Sevilla’s pressure kept Barcelona at bay until a dip in intensity after halftime gave last season’s league and cup champions the space they needed to claim the commanding victory at Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.

Barcelona lost both Andres Iniesta and Jeremy Mathieu to injury in the first half.

MLS: Orlando, Fire Draw

Bridgeview, Ill. — Razvan Cocis scored off a set piece late in the second half to give the Chicago Fire a 2-2 draw with Orlando City on Sunday.

Brandon Vincent put the ball out front after a quick pass on a corner kick and Cocis got his head on it with enough force that goalkeeper Joe Bendik couldn’t keep it out of the net despite getting a hand on it. It was the third goal for Cocis.

Prior to that goal in the 78th minute, Chicago (4-11-7), last in the Eastern Conference, was being dominated but that ignited the Fire and they had several strong chances in the closing minutes.

Chicago took a 1-0 lead in the 6th minute as John Gossens surprised Bendik with a long-range shot that deflected off the post.

Orlando (5-6-12) got the equalizer in the ninth when Cyle Larin reached Kaka’s short flip and guided it into the net for his 12th goal. Orlando City, which is tied with D.C. United for the final qualifying spot in the East, gained the lead when Kaka cleaned up Larin’s header off the post in the 32nd minute for his fourth goal.

ARSENAL: WHO DOES ARSENE WENGER NEED TO BUY?

How does a team make the hardest leap of all, from second to best?

It is a problem Arsenal’s supporters, and more importantly its manager, Arsene Wenger, will be contemplating all summer. Last season, though it came runner-up in the English Premier League, was possibly the most painful of all since it was last champion of England in 2004, as Leicester stole in to claim a magnificent triumph.

What moves does Arsenal need to make to finally get over the line? Newsweek takes a look.

Defense

Hector Bellerin is now firmly established as one of the best right-backs in Europe, so unless Barcelona comes knocking, that position is locked down.

Nacho Monreal had a fine season at left-back, while Calum Chambers, whose development stalled last season, can play all the way across the back four if needed.

It’s in the center of defense that Arsene Wenger could make the biggest transformation, if he wants a team forever on the far edge of promise to become a Premier League title-winner.

Leonardo Bonucci, the Juventus and Italy central defender and one of the very best players in the world in his position, has been mooted, and he would be a quantum upgrade on Gabriel Paulista, who finished the season next to Laurent Koscielny.

Predicted line-up : Monreal-Bonucci-Koscielny-Bellerin.

Midfield

Big business has already been done here, with the transfer of Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Switzerland captain will provide a reassuring, technically astute presence at the base of the midfield, sat alongside either impressive January signing Mohamed Elneny or the more combative Francis Coquelin.

Ahead of them, the picture is a little muddier. If he stays fit, Santi Cazorla is still an essential creative cog. But both Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott have had many years to prove themselves; both could be on their way out of Emirates Stadium.

Wenger would gain cachet with supporters and immediately enhance the quality of his squad were he able to bring in Nolito, the Celta Vigo winger, and Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez to replace the two Englishmen above. Nolito, who impressed for Spain at UEFA Euro 2016, is a possibility; Mahrez more challenging. Alex Iwobi, the 20-year-old Nigerian attacking midfielder, provides exciting back-up.

Predicted line-up : Nolito-Xhaka-Elneny-Cazorla.

Attack

Problems, and possibilities. Alexis Sanchez is the world-class talent; Olivier Giroud the debonair target-man who blows infuriatingly hot and cold.

The suspicion has long been that Giroud is a “B-plus player”—excellent as a replacement, less well-equipped to lead the line for a team gunning for the Premier and Champions Leagues.

Michy Batshuayi would have been perfect as a striker who can drift onto the wings, but the Belgian is off to Chelsea. Jamie Vardy would have been surprising and perhaps delightful, but he is staying at Leicester.

So what is Wenger left with? There is perennial transfer speculation victim Gonzalo Higuain, a proven goalscorer but entirely unproven in the wild, woolly environs of the Premier League. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is going to be too expensive, but perhaps Romelu Lukaku might be easier to prise away from Everton. Whether he would fit Wenger’s system is another, potentially problematic question.

ARSENAL, Calum Chambers about to join Southampton back: the chosen formula

After a very poorly fulfilling second season spent playing for Arsenal, English Under-21 international defensive all-rounder Calum Chambers (21) is nearer and nearer to leave Gunners. As reported in UK media, the 1995-born player is about to join Southampton back, on a two year long loan agreement. Chambers is still on a deal with London side until June 2020.

Five ‘f*** knows what their real position is’ players

Ashley YoungThey say the life of a utility man is a dangerous one to lead: The thrills of filling in at right-back; the excitement of plugging a gap up front; the exhilaration generated by donning the goalkeeper’s gloves for the final five minutes of a match. There are two extremes in the world of the utility man. We know them as the excellent, or the ‘Luis Enrique, and the not-so-excellent, known as the ‘John O’Shea’.

Ashley Young is planted firmly towards the realm of the latter. The Young of ten years ago was a fine striker at Watford, but the Young of a decade later should not be playing as a striker for Manchester United. But Louis van Gaal, Aloysius Paulus Maria van Gaal, saw fit to play Young as a striker against Tottenham. He left actual, real, genuine striker Anthony Martial stranded on the wing.

Once an explosive forward with lightning pace, the 30-year-old is now a right-back/left-back/right winger/left winger/central midfielder/striker. David de Gea had better beware when United engage in their next penalty shoot-out. Van Gaal has previous in that department.

Calum Chambers

First-team debut aged 17. Impress early on. Receive praise for ‘maturity’ and ‘accomplished’ performances. Make England debut as a teenager. Move to ‘bigger’ club. Play less. Play in different positions. Struggle to live up to potential. Pull funny faces.

Calum Chambers has only recently enrolled onto the seventh module at the University of Phil Jones, where he studies the art of frustrating a fan base. At 21, time is undoubtedly on Chambers’ side, but there is one simple question: What is his favoured position?

“He was educated as a central midfielder and then played with England U19s at centre-back and right-back for Southampton,” said Arsene Wenger upon unveiling his new signing in July 2014. “I think he’ll be a better right-back,” said Ray Parlour four months later. “I still see myself as centre back and maybe a holding central midfielder,” said Chambers himself in January this year. Over three seasons and 83 first-team appearances into his career, we are yet to discover where Chambers actually excels. Poor thing.

James MilnerA tea tray. A garlic press. A potato masher. Travellers cheques. A pencil made of cheese.

James Milner truly puts the ‘utility’ into ‘utility man’. That last one is a bit weird, but the message is clear: Milner can be useful, but only infrequently so. To Jurgen Klopp, the 30-year-old has proven his use this season by playing as a right-back, in defensive midfield, on the right wing and on the left wing. He also played as an emergency striker for Manchester City. If you want a 6.5/10 performance in any position, just put James Milner there.

Tom CleverleyRoberto Martinez has done some silly things before. He said that he was aiming for Champions League football when he was appointed manager of Everton. He once insisted that John Stones accidentally handed in a transfer request. He believes that Gareth Barry is one of the greatest English midfielders ever. He subbed on a striker for a winger on 76 minutes with Everton 2-0 up but one-man down against West Ham in March; the Toffees subsequently lost 3-2.

But has Martinez ever done – or said – something quite this silly? Speaking on Tom Cleverley in February, the Spaniard said: “I think you do not have a better English player. Technically, he is as good as you get. The way he executes, how he reads the game, for me he is one of the most sensational you are going to see in Premier League history.”

Cleverley, a central midfielder by trade, has played more games on the left wing for Everton this season than Kevin Mirallas and Aaron Lennon combined. From Wing’s to the left wing, if you know your Manchester United tabloid coverage.

Steven DavisThree Southampton players have started more Premier League games in defensive midfield. One has started more as a No 10. None have started more on the right wing. One has started more on the left wing. Look up ‘jack of all trades’ in a dictionary, and you will find only a picture of Steven Davis making an interception or preparing for a tackle. He isn’t even the longest-serving Davis at St Mary’s. Bloody Kelvin.

Arsenal news: Calum Chambers primed to fill midfield role in crucial Champions League game with Olympiakos

Calum Chambers has been undergoing an intense programme of preparation in the past week to familiarise himself with playing central midfield ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League decider against Olympiakos on Wednesday.

• How can United, Arsenal and Chelsea qualify?

Although Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini are almost certain to start in Athens, Arsène Wenger has lost four other central midfielders to injury. The Arsenal manager now regards Chambers as his main back-up and a player who will need to feature in that position during a sequence of six matches in less than four weeks.

Aaron Ramsey is expected to start in Greece on Wednesday

Chambers has started only once in midfield since joining Arsenal 17 months ago when he struggled in a 2-0 defeat against Southampton on New Year’s Day, but Wenger and his staff have been specifically coaching him in that role since Santi Cazorla ruptured his knee ligaments against Norwich City nine days ago. As well as working on the training ground, Chambers played in midfield for the Under-21 team last Tuesday and also came on as a substitute during the last 10 ­minutes of the 3-1 win against Sunderland on Saturday.

• Arsenal may have to sacrifice Europe to win Premier League

Wenger had previously always started Chambers, 20, as a centre-back this season – and the player feels most comfortable in that ­position – but he does believe that he has the technical attributes to fill in until either Mikel Arteta or Jack Wilshere return from injury or the club recruit in January.

Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, knows his side must beat Olympiakos

Francis Coquelin, another long-term absentee, and Cazorla are unlikely to return much before the spring but Wilshere is due back in January. A major question mark also con­tinues to hang over ­whether Arteta can again play at full inten­sity amid a series of calf injuries. Although Wenger has money an dan interest in the Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho, the club’s scouts are focused on loan solutions in January.

Wenger is likely to make few changes on Wednesday from the team that defeated Sunderland although Theo Walcott is expected to start in one of the front three positions in place of Joel Campbell, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Olivier Giroud.

Olivier Giroud scored for both sides on Saturday, but is expected to start in Athens

Arsenal must win either by two clear goals or score at least three times in a one-goal victory to ­pro­gress to the last 16 of the Champions League for what would be a 16th successive year.

Olympiakos have a perfect record of 12 consecutive wins domestically but Bayern Munich did come to Athens and win 3-0 in September.

Koscielny is the best defender in the Premier League, insists Ferdinand

The former England and Manchester United star has been impressed with the Frenchman's performances at the heart of the Arsenal defence this season

Laurent Koscielny has developed into the best central defender in the Permier League, according to Rio Ferdinand.

The France international was at his commanding best alongside Per Mertesacker on Wednesday night as Arsenal secured a 3-0 win over Olympiacos that booked their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

The 29-year-old has added a level of consistency to his game that has been missing in previous seasons and his form has caught the eye of former Champions League winner Ferdinand. 
"Laurent Koscielny, when he's on form, he's the best defender in the league for me,” Ferdinand told BT Sport.

"He's one of those you don't want to play against – he's quick, he's aggressive."

Koscielny and Mertesacker aside, Ferdinand still feels Arsenal’s defence needs adding to in January when the transfer window reopens with Calum Chambers and Gabriel not yet up to the mark required.

"I think they need some more cover in the central defensive area,” he added. 

Photo: Arsenal starlet Calum Chambers ready for England duty

Calum Chambers is off on England Under-21 duty

Calum Chambers has taken to social media to reveal his excitement ahead of joining up with the England Under-21s on Thursday.

The defender looked chilled out as he headed to meet up with the Three Lions’ U21s on a sunny Thursday morning.

Chambers posted the picture above on his personal Instagram account and wrote: “Off to meet up with the england U21’s

England’s Under-21 side are preparing for their European Championship qualifier against Kazakhstan on Tuesday.

Chambers has been limited to two Premier League appearances for Arsenal so far this season. His last appearance for the north London club came in the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the League Cup last month.

He will be hoping to be involved when Arsenal return to top-flight action with a trip to Watford on 17 October after the international break.

Arsenal’s win over Manchester United last weekend left the Gunners in second place in the table and two points behind leaders Manchester City.

Watch Calum Chambers’ and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s brilliant warm-up before Arsenal v Manchester United

• Calum Chambers might not be an obvious choice when it comes to picking the most technically skilled players at Arsenal, but this warm-up with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain proves he’s got some serious skills.
• Ahead of Arsenal’s 3-0 demolition of Manchester United, the pair warmed up with some long range volleys, and it’s strangely hypnotic to watch.
• Of the pair, only Chamberlain played any part in the match, getting on for the last 15 minutes, and it just goes to demonstrate the depth of quality in Arsene Wenger’s squad.
• 
• Fair play boys! (Picture: Getty)
• 

Arsenal: Calum Chambers credits Arsene Wenger for his development

Calum Chambers insists that Arsene Wenger has played a massive role in his development since arriving at the Emirates from Southampton in 2014. The England international had a torrid time when given his first start of the season against Liverpool following the unavailability of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny but has composed himself in the past few weeks and has put in a good show in the subsequent games he has been deployed in.

The defender can play in the centre of defence or at right back but needs more experience and game time to establish himself in the first eleven. Chambers revealed that Wenger talks to him throughout training and also gives him confidence at half time during a game to go out there and play his best football.

"I'd probably say the best piece of advice the boss has given me is just to relax and enjoy myself in games," Chambers told Arsenal's official website. "Before the game or at half-time he would tell me to relax, to just play with confidence and enjoy it.

"I probably think that's the best advice he's given me because it helped me in my game. I can then relax, go onto the pitch and express myself which is useful.

"He's improved me massively. Over the past year I think I've improved in my game a lot. He goes through little things with me on the pitch and individual stuff. He gives me advice so over the past year my game has improved massively."

The manager has come under immense pressure over the past week for his team selection against Olympiacos, which led them to lose at home against the Greek champions. The Gunners are without a single point in the group stages of the Champions League and are currently stationed bottom behind the likes of Dinamo Zagreb.

Their double header against Bayern Munich will play a major role in shaping their destiny for qualification into the round of 16 later in October. The Gunners shall now face Manchester United in a league game at the Emirates on 4 October where a win can see them go on top of the league should other results fall their way.

Calum Chambers reveals Arsene Wenger has told him to "relax" as he bids to cement Arsenal first-team place

The 22-year-old is highly-regarded at the Emirates after his move from Southampton despite a couple of difficult outings this season.

Word of advice: Chambers has thanked Wenger for his influence on his career

Calum Chambers has revealed the simple but effective advice which he was given by Arsene Wenger .

The young England defender was quite simply told to "relax" on the pitch after his move to Arsenal - and to make sure he is enjoying himself while playing.

According to the 22-year-old, that was the most important advice that manager Wenger gave him since his move from Southampton in 2014.

In his time at Arsenal, he has opened his Premier League scoring account while also earning international acclaim from Roy Hodgson.

But he credited Wenger for allowing younger players to develop.

Inspirational: Wenger gave Chambers vital advice

Chambers told the club's official website: “I’d probably say the best piece of advice the boss has given me is just to relax and enjoy myself in games.

“Before the game or at half-time he would tell me to relax, to just play with confidence and enjoy it.

“I probably think that’s the best advice he’s given me because it helped me in my game. I can then relax, go onto the pitch and express myself which is useful.

“He’s improved me massively. Over the past year I think I’ve improved in my game a lot. He goes through little things with me on the pitch and individual stuff. He gives me advice so over the past year my game has improved massively.”

Chambers says that his decision to leave Southampton for Arsenal was helped by Wenger's track record for developing youngsters.

Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were both products of the successful Saints academy before moving over to the Emirates.

“It was a massive factor,” he said. “Theo and Alex came from Southampton as well, and they’ve both come through to the first team.

"He’s renowned for bringing young players through and developing them. That was a big factor in why I chose to come here, to work with him. I haven’t regretted it one bit.

Lithuania vs England: Calum Chambers highlights hit and miss nature of early international baptisms

Not all of England’s young talents have thrived from the off

When England kick-off for their final European Championship Group E qualifier against Lithuania, it will be a year to the day since Calum Chambers last represented his country at senior level. Three days earlier, in 2014, Chambers had been handed his first start by Roy Hodgson as a right-back after three encouraging months at Arsenal.

• Kane wastes chance to press his case against Estonia

Chambers has been replaced by Dele Alli as Hodgson’s latest wildcard pick and, as the Tottenham Hotspur teenager hopes to start in Vilnius, it remains a point of debate as to whether the England manager and the Football Association are offering the country’s youngsters the best development or flipping coins in the hope that enough prove to be the right call.

Dele Alli made his England debut against Estonia

Certainly the Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, felt that it was the wrong call over Chambers, and the 20-year-old player is still yet to recover from experiencing a speedy rise and fall at club and international level.

Undoubtedly restricted by the sparse number of experienced English players starting regularly for Premier League clubs, Hodgson has not been afraid to throw youngsters in at the deep end. The first was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who had started just six Premier League games for Arsenal when he was called up to the last European Championship squad in 2012.

More than three years on and Oxlade-Chamberlain, 22, should win his 24th England cap in Lithuania, which looks like a good progression. But there is a fear that his development has stalled. He is still yet to score a goal away from home for Arsenal, despite the fact he is now in his fifth season at the club, and he has netted just six Premier League goals in his career and managed one more assist.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could earn his 24th England cap on Monday night  Photo: REX FEATURES

Injuries have played a big part in Oxlade-Chamberlain’s sparse return and it will not have helped his physical development that he did not have a break after his first full season as an Arsenal player, thanks to his participation in the Euros.

Once Euro 2012 was out of the way, Hodgson took a gamble on Wilfried Zaha, who was playing in the Championship for Crystal Palace. Ian Holloway, who was Palace manager at the time, accused Hodgson and the FA of picking Zaha to convince the then 20-year-old to turn his back on the Ivory Coast. Hodgson refuted the claim, but Zaha has only appeared for England once more since being given six minutes as a substitute against Sweden and is now rebuilding his career back at Palace after a demoralising spell at Manchester United.

Raheem Sterling made his full international debut in Sweden and has proved that some teenagers can cope with being accelerated into the senior side. The forward is a success story for Hodgson and his strength of character was underlined by how hard he fought to leave Liverpool for Manchester City.

Raheem Sterling (right) made his debut in 2012, 17

John Stones has also shown that he has the temperament, and the talent, to cope with playing for England and the increased interest that comes with it, the defender having maintained performance levels at Everton after a summer transfer saga involving Chelsea.

Luke Shaw and Ross Barkley have given positive signals that they, too, will be vital England players long past Hodgson’s era, but it is questionable whether or not the duo initially benefited from being taken to the World Cup in Brazil. Shaw returned late for his first pre-season as a Manchester United player and the left-back could not regain full fitness, while Barkley’s confidence appeared to take a knock after being criticised by Hodgson for taking too many risks.

Harry Kane had almost a full successful season in the Premier League under his belt before getting the call from Hodgson, but the striker also has to deal with being made the poster boy for the FA chairman Greg Dyke’s home‑grown player campaign.

So on to 19-year-old Alli, who made his England debut as a late substitute against Estonia last week and is in contention to start in Lithuania on the back of just four Premier League starts for Tottenham.

Tottenham's Alli is hoping to start against Lithuania this week

“People like Dele come in because an opportunity opened up for them with others injured,” Hodgson said. “It’s not a situation where, the moment you kick the ball correctly from A to B, you’ll get in the England team. It’s not like that at all.”

Are the kids all right?

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Debut May 26, 2012 (age 18) Caps 23
England’s good news story of the 2012 Euro finals, but the midfielder has not kicked on due to injury and confidence issues.
Verdict Jury out.

Wilfried Zaha
Debut Nov 14, 2012 (aged 20) Caps 2
Winger was not ready for the international limelight and his subsequent move to Manchester United, but is starting to show signs of a recovery back at Crystal Palace.
Verdict Miss.

Raheem Sterling
Debut Nov 14, 2012 (aged 17) Caps 17
Never far from controversy, but the forward has coped superbly well with his rapid rise and is already one of Hodgson’s key men.
Verdict Hit.

Ross Barkley
Debut Sept 6, 2013 (aged 19) Caps 16
A superb talent, he seemed inhibited by criticism from Hodgson over his decision- making but is now starting to show his best form again for club and country.
Verdict Jury out.

Luke Shaw
Debut March 5, 2014 (aged 18) Caps 6
Left-back suffered a disappointing first season at Manchester United after being taken to the World Cup thanks to issues over his fitness. Shaw has been struck by injury just as he seemed destined to fulfil his promise.
Verdict Jury out.

John Stones
Debut May 30, 2014 (aged 20) Caps 6
Everton manager Roberto Martínez has hailed him as a future England captain after watching the defender take his call-up and a failed attempt to move to Chelsea in his stride.
Verdict Hit.

Calum Chambers
Debut Sept 3, 2014 (aged 19) Caps 3
Thrust into international football far too soon. Has suffered crisis of confidence and loss of form at Arsenal.
Verdict Miss.

Harry Kane
Debut March 27, 2015 (aged 21) Caps 5
Tottenham striker scored just 80 seconds into his debut and went to the Under-21 Championships. Fears of burn-out remain.
Verdict Hit.

Dele Alli
Debut Oct 9, 2015 (aged 19) Caps 1
Injuries in midfield have handed Alli an England chance far sooner than he would have expected. Has made just four league starts and spent last season in League One.
Verdict Jury out.