Does Chris Smalling deserve a spot in the England squad?

Jose Mourinho backs Chris Smalling to bag England World Cup spot – but what do the stats say?

AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho believes former England international Chris Smalling should return to Gareth Southgate’s squad ahead of the World Cup.  

The Roma centre-back has not been capped by England since 2017, though he has impressed during his time in Serie A.  

Smalling arrived at Stadio Olimpico in the summer of 2019 on a season-long loan. The 32-year-old did enough to bag himself a permanent deal a year later, and the former Man United man hasn’t looked back since.  

Speaking after Roma’s recent 1-0 victory over Sampdoria, Mourinho told the media: "If I were the coach of a national team, I would do anything to have someone like him at my disposal.  

“I don't think it's a lack of respect to Gareth Southgate when I say that I feel sorry for a player who's playing at such a high level, like Smalling, who won't get the opportunity he deserves." 

Smalling has 31 England caps to his name, with the defender representing his nation from 2011 to 2017.  

His last appearance in an England shirt came against Scotland in a World Cup qualifier. However, with Southgate facing a defensive selection headache, there is a glimmer of hope for Smalling.  

Reece James and Kyle Walker, for instance, are both nursing long-term injuries. John Stones, on the other hand, is also struggling for full fitness. 

Then, of course, there’s Harry Maguire. The Manchester United man has been out-of-form for a long time, though he still appears to have the backing of Southgate.  

With one month remaining until the start of the World Cup, we take a look at last season’s stats of Smalling and see how he compares with his England counterparts.  

For the purpose of this article, we will be looking at the three defenders which started in England’s last game – a 3-3 draw with Germany at Wembley. This includes, Maguire, Stones and Eric Dier.  

Chris Smalling vs Dier, Maguire & Stones 

During the 2021/22 Serie A campaign, Smalling made 27 appearances and started in 23 of those games. Interestingly, the player scored three goals that season and came up with 11 shots. 

Dier made 35 appearances during that same season, but ended the campaign goalless in the Premier League. 

Maguire started in 28 of his 30 appearances and scored once. Stones, on the other hand, only started in 12 of his 14 appearances and also scored one goal.  

Passing 

The ability to distribute the ball well from the back is a big part of the job for a modern defender.  

Smalling completed 927 passes, with 30 of those being offensively-minded deliveries. He ended the season with 89.3% completion rate.  

Considering he played a lot more football, Dier’s passing figures are far greater having completed 1968 passes. A total of 93 were progressive while his completion rate was slightly lower at 88.5%. 

Maguire made 1320 passes, including 86 progressive ones. His completion rate was the lowest, with just 87.3%.  

Stones, who played far less football, made 905 passes with a 92.7% completion rate. He also came up with 43 progressive passes, which is 13 more than Smalling. 

Tackling 

Smalling tackled 37 players and regained possession 22 times last season. He also closed down opposition on 184 occasions.  

Dier, for all his minutes, only stopped 25 players with successful tackles and regained possession 13 times. He also pressed 181 times with a success rate of 38%. 

Maguire, who arguably had more to deal with considering United’s poor campaign, tackled 41 players and won possession on 26 occasions. He also pressed 173 times.  

Stones, on the other hand, tackled just five players, winning possession four times. He also pressed 58 times.  

Blocks, interceptions & clearances  

Smalling boasts strong numbers in this area. The player made 45 blocks, prevented 26 shots, made 36 interceptions and also recorded 91 clearances.  

Unsurprisingly, Stones struggles considering his low number of appearances. The Man City man made just nine blocks and 17 interceptions. He also recorded 41 clearances.  

Dier and Maguire, meanwhile, boast the best figures.  

The Tottenham defender made 56 blocks, stopped 38 shots, made 47 interceptions and a massive 169 clearances.  

Maguire, on the other hand, made 46 blocks, stopped 32 shots, racked up 53 interceptions and also cleared his lines 130 times.

Bookings 

Smalling ended the previous campaign with a perfect record, having failed to receive a single card. The same goes for Stones.  

Dier received one yellow card, while Maguire saw nine yellows and a red.  

Aerial Duels 

Having won 60 of his 78 aerial duels, Smalling boasts a winning percentage of 76.9% for the previous campaign.  

Dier has somewhat underperformed with a percentage of 63.4%.  

Man United man Maguire had more to deal with, though winning 102 of his 138 duels earned him a percentage of 73.9%. 

Stones, on the other hand, won 54 of his 65 duels and finished the season with a winning rate of 83.1%. 

This season 

Smalling continues to go from strength to strength at Roma. The former England man has started in nine of his 10 appearances and has already come up with three goals.  

He is yet to make a defensive error this season and boasts a 90.4% passing accuracy rate.  

Dier has also been a solid performer. The Tottenham defender has started in all 11 of his team’s outings and has come up with two goals.  

While his passing accuracy is down at 88%, the player has made 44 clearances and has won 71% of his aerial duels.  

The same cannot be said about Maguire. The Man United man has spent more time on the bench than the field after falling out of favour with new manager Erik ten Hag.  

The player has made just three Premier League appearances, tackled just one opponent, made five blocks, three interceptions and six clearances.  

Stones has played a few more games than his Manchester rival with six to his name.  

The 28-year-old has two assists to his name, has completed 96% of his passes, made eight clearances and won all of his eight aerial duels.  

Should Smalling go to Qatar? 

The numbers don’t lie, and they paint an encouraging story around Smalling.  

The AS Roma man certainly has a good case to make the squad. If he is to replace anyone, the stats suggest Maguire is the man who could make room.  

However, considering the defender’s relationship with Southgate, such scenario remains unlikely.