England vs. Slovenia: How the 3 Lions Should Line Up in Euro 2016 Game

England face Slovenia this weekend in another Euro 2016 qualifier knowing victory will put them firmly in control of Group E.

The Three Lions have enjoyed a positive start to their qualification campaign, winning all three of their matches against Switzerland, San Marino and Estonia.

With two wins themselves, it's Slovenia who are England's main challengers in qualification right now, and while 16 places may separate them in the FIFA rankings, Roy Hodgson knows his team will be met with a stern test at Wembley.

In a competitive game, the focus is always on victory, and England will need their best XI to ensure they come out on top.

Bleacher Report looks at who Hodgson should select for this Euro 2016 qualifier.

Goalkeeper

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Joe Hart

The Manchester City stopper is by far England’s best goalkeeper right now.

After a shaky spell last season when he was dropped by Manuel Pellegrini, he has rediscovered his best form and has been outstanding this term for the Premier League champions.

City’s leaky defence has meant Hart has seen more action than he would have liked, but it has also shown his undoubted talent among the world’s best goalkeepers.

Defenders

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Right-back: Nathaniel Clyne

Southampton are enjoying an incredible season, flying high in the Premier League after a summer of upheaval which led to many tipping Ronald Koeman’s side for the drop.

It’s been based on a solid rear guard, of which Nathaniel Clyne has played a big part.

The former Crystal Palace right-back has played a considerable role in the Saint’s encouraging return to the top flight, being signed in 2012 when they won promotion from the championship.

So much so he is now threatening England’s more established defenders for a regular starting place, and if Roy Hodgson is picking his team based on form, then he can look no further than giving Clyne his senior debut.

Centre-back: Gary Cahill

The Chelsea defender’s rise continues after an excellent start to the season at Stamford Bridge.

Gary Cahill has established himself as John Terry’s first-choice partner in defence, and his reading of the game, coupled with a confident approach in possession, brings the perfect balance to Jose Mourinho’s team.

Just a few years back, he was well down the pecking order for his country, but now Cahill is the best defender England have available.

Centre-back: Calum Chambers

Agile and confident in possession, Calum Chambers is a player who would fit well alongside Gary Cahill in defence. He has payed at right-back for his club this season after Mathieu Debuchy's injury, but Arsene Wenger signed the 19-year-old as a centre-back.

England are trying the possession game more these days, attempting to keep the ball on the ground and play through teams as Roy Hodgson looks for a more cultured formula. It's players like Chambers who will help develop that, with Phil Jagielka offering more substance over style.

Left-back: Luke Shaw

With Leighton Baines now out of the England squad due to injury, Luke Shaw must start against Slovenia.

After injury delayed his debut for Manchester United, following his £30 million move this summer, Shaw has been a big part of Louis van Gaal’s plans since his return to fitness.

United’s teething problems continue, but the 19-year-old doesn’t look out of place at one of the world’s biggest clubs and as Van Gaal’s methods take hold, he will be an important figure.

With more appearances for England, that should be replicated for his country, too.

Midfielders

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Jack Wilshere

The Arsenal man plays a more withdrawn role for his country, and he needs games to perfect the art of playing in the pivot.

Facing Slovenia this weekend is the perfect opportunity for Jack Wilshere to continue his development, creating an understanding with those playing further forward.

The misconception for a player in his position is they must come with a physical edge in the way a Nemanja Matic does for Chelsea.

That's not always the case, as Andrea Pirlo has shown with Italy.

Wilshere needs to work on his game considerably if he's to reach Pirlo's level, though. The talent is there, but it's only with hard work and application in games that England are going to feel the benefit.

Jordan Henderson

It's credit to Jordan Henderson that he has become one of the first names on Roy Hodgson's teamsheet now.

From facing a tough fight to earn a place for club and country, the Liverpool man is beginning to play with confidence and an air of leadership about him.

He works tirelessly in the centre of the field, tracking back to cover his defensive duties and also offering an outlet in attack.

There are few players in this England squad that can offer that energy, which is vital to maintain a tempo in matches.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

It's been frustrating for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Whenever he looks to be progressing, establishing himself for Arsenal, injury strikes and he is back to square one.

It's been the same with England.

He is a player with many qualities, not least his blistering pace that helps turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye.

Playing on the right of a midfield diamond, he will be a major threat to Slovenia on Saturday, giving England width.

Raheem Sterling

One of England's best players in the past year, tired or not, Raheem Sterling is an exceptional talent.

Operating just behind the strikers seems to be his best role, with the Liverpool youngster always scheming and looking for openings.

He is exciting and with the likes of Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jordan Henderson behind him, England have an exciting midfield rammed full of young talent.

They are a long way from achieving their potential, but it's encouraging to see Roy Hodgson giving youth a chance.

Strikers

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Wayne Rooney

The Manchester United striker will make his 100th appearance for England on Saturday, and there's no better place to achieve that milestone than doing it on home soil at Wembley.

Wayne Rooney has come in for some harsh criticism from supporters and some sections of the media, but his centenary of caps outlines just what a special player he has been for England.

He has underperformed in major tournaments, but the gaps in between have been a big reason why the Three Lions have qualified in the first place.

Not many players make 100 appearances for a club team, let alone their country, and Rooney should be applauded for all he has achieved in an England shirt.

Danny Welbeck

Daniel Sturridge is still to return from injury, so with Saido Berahino and Rickie Lambert the only other strikers in this squad, it's clear who Roy Hodgson should opt for to partner Wayne Rooney.

Danny Welbeck's move to Arsenal has given him the central role he has craved, and with five goals to his name this season, there has been an element of success.

He's still adjusting, though, and much more is expected, but he is a threat. As his two goals in the 2-0 victory over Switzerland back in September show, he is capable of producing the goods on the international stage.