CRYSTAL Palace full-back Joel Ward should have made England's World Cup squad.
This isn't just the view of a large chunk of Eagles fans, but at least one set of stats back up the former Portsmouth man's claims.
According to player ratings compiled by the website Whoscored.com over the 38 Premier League games, Ward was the highest-rated English right back - averaging 7.27 out of 10.
Yet, Ward has been passed over for Liverpool's Glen Johnson - likely to be Roy Hodgson's first choice in Brazil - while back-up will be provided by the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and James Milner, who do not play in the position regularly for their club sides.
Ward also missed out on being one of the seven stand-by players, with fellow uncapped players John Stones (Everton) and John Flanagan (Liverpool)the men in line if injuries befall the first choice squad.
Based on the WhoScored season ratings, the England starting XI would be: Hart; Ward, Cahill, Curtis Davies, Baines; Gerrard, Barry; Sterling, Rooney, Lallana; Sturridge.
