The best England squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Given Arsenal star Theo Walcott’s season-ending injury ruling him out of the 2014 World Cup this summer in Brazil, I think most England fans this week have been thinking about who exactly is going to be on that plane. So here is what I think the 23-man squad could look like, (not if the World Cup was tomorrow, but what a squad could look like in June):

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart

1. Joe Hart: England’s undisputed Number 1, received Hodgson’s backing even when dropped by City, and barring a minor miracle or injury, will be starting in between the sticks in Brazil.

2. Ben Foster: I know he retired from International football, but if I was Roy Hodgson, a big priority for me would be to use my relationship with him from West Brom to get him back in the England fold. This man is an excellent keeper and provides more than capable back up for Joe Hart.

3. Fraser Forster: For me Forster needs to go to Brazil as the third keeper. As anyone who has watched Celtic much will know, the sheer presence of the man, combined with his shot-stopping ability makes him a must for England. Needs to move to the Prem if he wants to challenge Hart for the number 1 jersey though.

Defenders

Ashley Cole

1. Gary Cahill: Barring a horrendous loss of form, or an injury, the Chelsea centre-back will line-up in the middle of England’s back four in Manaus against Italy. Clear first choice.

2. Phil Jagielka: Same as Cahill, first choice for Hodgson and will be heading to Brazil as part of that defensive partnership.

3. Ashley Cole: I know people have their doubts about Cole, and many people believe Baines is first choice for England, but as a man with over 100 England caps, his experience and his presence in the dressing room make him a must, whether he starts or not. Also I feel he would get the nod in games against top class opposition as he is simply a better defender than Baines.

4. Leighton Baines: Has been Cole’s understudy for a long time and is now a legitimate challenger for the left back spot, as he provides more threat going forward and can take an excellent free kick. Will be going to Brazil if fit.

5. Glen Johnson: The only real options for the right back position are Johnson and Walker, and I just feel the experience of the Liverpool man puts him in pole position, and for me is better defensively than the young Spurs fullback.

6. Chris Smalling: Having put in some assured performances for Manchester United this season, Smalling is a very competent back up at either centre-back or right-back for England, and will surely be heading to Brazil.

7. Phil Jones: Due to me only picking 7 defenders, I needed to choose versatility, so Jones gets the nod for the last spot over Kyle Walker, who would be unlucky to miss out. Jones is a favouriteof Hodgson, and has been described by Sir Alex Ferguson as having the potential to be the bestcentre-back ever to play for the Red Devils, high praise indeed for a young man. Has shown glimpses of his ability, and can play at a number of positions, so expect him to travel.

Midfielders

Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard

1. Steven Gerrard: As England captain, and the best midfielder they have at the moment, Gerrard is an automatic pick. Expect him to play a slightly deeper role to try and control the game more.

2. Jack Wilshere: This young man is seen by almost every observer of the beautiful game as the future of England in midfield. He can play in both a deep role or in behind the striker, and will play out wide if necessary, but I expect him to start alongside Gerrard at the heart of the team.

3. Michael Carrick: Probably the England midfielder that is most suited to the international game, and in my opinion, the most natural passer of the ball and controller of the game that we have had since Paul Scholes, and would walk into any team in the Premier League. Woefully under used by England managers, but nevertheless, he should be on the plane to Brazil and will be vital in the big games.

4. Frank Lampard: As a natural goalscorer from midfield, with the ability to time his runs into the box perfectly, Lampard will be used sparingly in Brazil but has the ability to change a game with a piece of magic. Must surely be on Hodgson’s list.

5. James Milner: One of the most under-rated players around, but highly valued by managers for his work rate and ability on the ball. Showing for City this season that he is more than just a hard worker, and with a lack of quality wingers for England, it would surprise me if Milner wasn’t given the nod against the top opposition we will face in the summer.

6. Tom Cleverley: I think its fair to say that Cleverley isn’t a fans’ favourite, for either Manchester United or the National team. But managers trust him, and he provides good back up to the main core of players at centre-mid, with high energy levels and good passing ability, should get the nod to travel.

7. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Currently coming back from injury with Arsenal, but this lad has the raw pace, talent and confidence to terrorise the best defences, especially if coming off the bench, and unless his form is dreadful in the second half of the season, I can’t see him not going to the World Cup.

8. Adam Lallana: The Southampton captain got his chance in the recent friendly games, and I thought he did quite well. His performances for the Saints this season have surely got to get him on the plane, and as shown by the fact he is Club Captain at such a young age, a real leader on the pitch, vital in big tournaments.

9. Ross Barkley: What can I say about this kid. Tall, strong, quick, immensely gifted technically, and has the confidence to take people on. Without a shadow of a doubt he has the ability to go on and be a real world-class player. His fine form for Everton this season should be enough to get him to Brazil.

10. Ashley Young: A player who in truth has been quite disappointing for club and country over recent times, but there are signs in the last few weeks that his form and confidence are coming back, and if he can find the form he had a few years ago, is a potential match winner. Also feel his experience and his work rate put him just ahead of Townsend when it really matters.Forwards

Wayne Rooney

1. Wayne Rooney: England’s best player and bright hope for the tournament if he can stay healthy and continue his current form to the end of the season. If Rooney plays well and makes the sort of impact on a big tournament that we know he can, England have a chance of beating anyone. One of the few truly World-Class players in the country.

2. Danny Welbeck: Not everyone’s cup of tea, but appreciated for his skills and work rate by players and managers, Welbeck’s all-round play is superb, and at United this season, he seems to have discovered how to finish as well. In the World Cup however, also a very useful option off the left-flank, where he has played most of his games for England. His understanding and link-up with Rooney could be vital to the team.

3. Daniel Sturridge: If he can regain the form he showed for Liverpool in the early part of the season, then Sturridge is a no-brainer. Bright young player and looks every inch the international striker he kept promising to be at Chelsea.

Full 23-man squad

J Hart, B Foster, F ForsterA Cole, L Baines, G Cahill, P Jagielka, P Jones, C Smalling, G JohnsonS Gerrard, J Wilshere, M Carrick, F Lampard, T Cleverley, J Milner, A Lallana, A Oxlade-Chamberlain, R Barkley, A YoungW Rooney, D Sturridge and D Welbeck.

Players unlucky to miss out

K Walker (RB, Spurs) - Just couldn’t find a space for him in a squad with only 7 defenders. Bright talent.

J Ruddy (GK, Norwich) - Just gets pipped by Forster and Foster as back up to Hart, with some less-than-convincing performances this season.

L Shaw (LB, Southampton) - Excellent young player, and looks ready for the big stage, but unlucky to be behind two of the best left backs in the world.

S Caulker (CB, Cardiff) - Just not done enough to force his way into the squad.

G Barry (CM, Everton) - Very good midfielder who looks after the ball very well, but pays the price for being in England’s most competitive position.

T Huddlestone (CM, Hull) - Great passer of the ball, but I just don’t think Roy will have the confidence to pick him and throw him straight into a World Cup.

J Henderson (CM, Liverpool) Very close call between him and Cleverley, and if he keeps his form up has a good chance of going. Just needs to keep performing to dislodge the man who is already in there.

R Sterling (RW, Liverpool)- Just not ready yet for the biggest stage of all.

A Townsend ( RW, Spurs)- Not convinced there is enough end product, but bright talent and might sneak in.

A Lennon (RW, Spurs)- Has never done it on the big stage and needs to find some form to have any chance.

J Rodriguez (FW, Southampton)- Just hasn’t quite done enough, although a drop in form for either Welbeck or Sturridge could see him going.

R Lambert (ST, Southampton)- Form has tailed off this season, and I think he has missed his chance.