England’s World Cup heroes are universally adored up and down the country.
Following their win over Sweden at the weekend, the Three Lions are through to the last four of the tournament – the first time they’ve reached this stage since 1990.
As a result, even folks who aren’t particularly interested in football are pretty much familiar with Gareth Southgate’s starting-XI.
Heroes
But looking back at these guys over the course of last season, just how well did they do on fantasy football?
We’ve decided to take a look.
Jordan Pickford has made a string of superb savesReuters
Following his big-money move to Everton last summer, Pickford became a start of season favourite on Dream Team as the most-picked goalkeeper, even ahead of usual suspects David De Gea and Hugo Lloris.
But as Everton’s early season form crumbled, so did Pickford’s popularity and – despite being brilliant for the Toffees throughout the season – he finished off as just the 11th-best goalie on the game, with England teammate Nick Pope one of those to finish with a higher points tally.
John Stones – 111 points
John Stones (centre) with Kyle Walker and Jesse LingardNews Group Newspapers Ltd
Stonesy was another start of season favourite who fell away, mainly because of two fairly lengthy injuries in the middle of Man City’s campaign.
Having also been forced to compete for places with in-again out-again Vincent Kompany and new signing Aymeric Laporte, we think it’s pretty impressive he made it to over 100 points.
Harry Maguire – 110 points
Harry Maguire and Gareth Southgate are breaking English football stereotypes at the World CupReuters
One of the shining lights of Leicester’s season, Maguire’s performances for the Foxes rightfully earned him his spot in Gareth Southgate’s squad.
Wasn’t a huge success on fantasy football though, with only 5% of Dream Team managers selecting him.
Kyle Walker – 171 points
Kyle Walker and Jesse Lingard are England’s fastest playersReuters
He’s been a fantasy football favourite for a few seasons now, and with good reason.
Walker’s a points machine, being one of the best points-scoring defenders on the game.
His position as a wing-back at Man City means he’s often involved with the attacking aspect of Pep Guardiola’s system, seeing him score big points for assists.
Jordan Henderson – 60 points
Hendo has been crucial to England’s run in Russia, being the voice of authority at the centre of their play.
His experience, coupled with his skill both offensively and defensively, has made him integral to the midfield.
Unfortunately, his role in the team doesn’t exactly make him a fantasy football must-have, as he rarely contributes to goals or assists in the team.
That’s why he’s currently on just two points in Russia, while his haul of 60 points last season isn’t exactly great, is it?
Dele Alli – 183 points
Now that’s more like it.
Alli’s ability to score and contribute to Spurs’ attacking play last season meant he was one of the best midfielders you could sign on Dream Team.
He’s not exactly been incredible for England in Russia – as we’re pretty sure he’s been carrying a slightly knock, at least in the group stages – but his goal against Sweden means we’re willing to let him off.
Ashley Young – 90 points
Young has found a new role at Man United as a left wing-back, and his form for his club is the reason he’s been a mainstay in England’s World Cup line-up – even ahead of Danny Rose.
In fact, he finished last season with Man United’s joint-most Star Man awards (along with Paul Pogba).
Kieran Trippier – 129 points
The Bury Beckham.
Arguably the hero of England’s Russia run, this guy’s delivery on the right-flank and his ability in both attack and defence has made him the most important member of Southgate’s side.
He definitely became a bit of fantasy football favourite last season too, finally becoming a Spurs regular after they shipped off Walker to Man City.
Raheem Sterling – 265 points
The guy who seemingly splits opinion in England’s line-up had an absolute blinder for Man City last season.
But it could be said that his fantasy football haul was even better than his season overall.
He was easily one of the top-10 best players to pick in your Dream Team, with only Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne scoring more points than him in Man City’s team.
Jesse Lingard – 141 points
This guy had a good season, didn’t he?
Becoming a key member of Jose Mourinho’s team, he scored important goals against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and, um, Burnley, to seal points for United.
He definitely deserves a place in your world Cup line-up, having scored 17 points so far.
Harry Kane – 376 points
What can we say about Harry?
Only Mohamed Salah scored more fantasy football points than Kane last season, mainly because the Spurs striker’s fitness was a bit hit and miss towards the end of the season.
We hope he’s in your Dream Team World Cup line-up.
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