Every Monday TheFA.com announces the best England player from the weekend, selected by someone who has worn the three Lions themselves. This week, 1970 World Cup hero Alan Mullery makes his choice.

"I have followed Alan Smith’s progress for several years since I saw him help Leeds United win The FA Youth Cup.

"He showed us what he is capable of for Manchester United on Saturday with that outstanding goal against Norwich.

"The thing that impressed me was that the goal was calculated. As the header came across from Ryan Giggs, Smith knew exactly what he was doing to chest down and hit it in the top corner.

"I feel he has the talent to be a top player and I am glad that when Leeds were relegated, he had the chance to move to one of the best clubs. Sir Alex Ferguson will definitely make the most of his potential and that will help England as well.

"There were a few other English players that did well. I was at Fulham on Saturday and Zat Knight seems to get better each week.

"He wasn’t doing anything 18 months ago and now he is one of the first names on Chris Coleman’s teamsheet.

"It wasn’t a surprise that Fulham kept a clean sheet against Bolton with Zat at the back and he even set up the first goal as well.

"Stevie Gerard is carrying on where he left off for Liverpool and he is becoming a regular goalscorer as well, as he showed against Manchester City."

Lion of the Season - Nominations so far

Alan Smith 1
Shaun Wright-Phillips 1