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Back in Premier League after their relegation in 2010, Hull City has had quite a season. They may only lie at 16th heading into the final match of the season, but with a trip to Wembley next week to contest The FA Cup final next week against Arsenal, it must be considered to be quite an achievement. They've also secured their stay in the top flight, which is the bottom line for them heading into the season.
With Roy Hodgson set to announce his provisional England squad later, let's take a look at Hull's group of Englishmen.
Curtis Davies, defender, 29
Curtis Davies has been a key performer for Hull City this season, a permanent fixture at the heart of Hull's defense. The 29-year old played 37 league games this season (only bettered by Ahmed Elmohamady) in which he scored two goals plus an assist. With almost nine clearances, three interceptions, and two tackles, its no wonder that Steve Bruce has trusted him to marshall Hull's defense. His weakness is his passing, as he only attempted nearly 30 passes per game yet his passing success rate only stands at 78.9%.
On the plane or on the beach? Stats-wise, Curtis Davies is actually England's best defender as he accumulate an average rating of 7.41 (according to whoscored.com), however he has never received a call-up to the senior squad and was left out of the 30-man squad in the last friendly against Denmark. There's a slight chance he'll make the provisional squad, but don't count on it.
Tom Huddlestone, midfielder, 27
The past few years, Tom Huddlestone's hair probably stands out more than his performance on the pitch. However, after moving to Hull City last summer, he's been given a new lease on life by Steve Bruce. His performance this season has been solid, with three goals and two assists in 36 league games. He has a penchant for playing the long ball, averaging six of them in a game. Overall, a solid if unspectacular performer in Hull's midfield.
On the plane or on the beach? The beach. Huddlestone is not someone you'd call a difference maker, he just goes around his business playing passes and hitting long balls (with additional set-pieces duty too), he doesn't score loads of goals or provide a bunch of assists that would propel him over the other names currently in the England squad.
Jake Livermore, midfielder, 24
Along with Huddlestone, Jake Livermore also made the move from North London to Hull on a season long-loan from Spurs. During his time at The KC Stadium he scored three goals and provide four assists in 36 appearances as a centre-midfielder. He's a bit of a liability defensively, as he doesn't tackle or intercept the ball a lot, while often getting himself dispossessed and turning the ball over.
On the plane or on the beach? At the moment, it doesn't seem that Livermore will get the chance to add to his single England cap. He's not someone who is good at one particular aspect of the game but is average at most, which would make it hard for him to grab a spot on the expense of someone else.
Liam Rosenior, defender, 29
Rosenior plays for a team that likes to play with a three man defense, which means he is often the odd man out. In 29 appearances, he has scored a goal with two assists. He doesn't offer a lot offensively, with less than one accurate cross per game and an abysmal passing success rate of 72%. Defensively, he doesn't stand out much with only 2 tackles and 2 clearances a game.
On the plane or on the beach? The beach, in light of Ashley Cole's retirement, its clear that Baines and Shaw is England's main choice left-back, so no chance for Rosenior here.
James Chester, defender, 25
A regular in Hull's three man defense, Chester has played 24 times in the league chipping in with a goal to his name. His most obvious weakness is aerial duels, as he only won two of these per game (which may be attributed to his relative height of 5'11''). Other than that, his defense is solid in terms of his tackling, blocked shots, interceptions, and clearances.
On the plane or on the beach? With teammate Davies barely able to break the England squad, Chester chances is even dimmer to make England's provisional squad.
Steve Harper, goalkeeper, 39
After 20 years with Newcastle United, Harper made the move to Hull City, where he made 13 appearances (two as a sub) and keeping a clean sheet on three occasions.
On the plane or on the beach? Steve has chance to grab a silverware next Sunday, afterwards he'll definitely be thinking of the warm sun elsewhere.
Matty Fryatt, attacker, 28
He spend the first half of the season on loan with Sheffield Wednesday for three months. Upon his return with Hull City, he's been largely restricted to substitute appearances. Coming off the bench 10 times in the league, he has scored two goals.
On the plane or on the beach? Again, Fryatt will be one looking forward to Sunday's showdown at Wembley against Arsenal especially with Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic cup-tied. Afterwards? A long holiday in the sun.
All stats courtesy of whoscored.com
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