The Golden Generation: England's Central Midfielders

After a rather disappointing end to the EURO 2012 campaign that saw them lose out to Italy on penalties, it was very much the same story as always for the Three Lions. The players who turn up so brilliantly for their respective clubs failed to perform once again on the international stage. Much was expected from the likes of Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney, but the two established players failed to deliver. The unfortunate injury to Chelsea mid fielder Frank Lampard made it even more difficult for Roy Hodgson to select his squad. With Steven Gerrard (32) and Frank (34) almost nearing the end of their career, and a doubt whether they will be featuring in the upcoming World Cup in 2014, England need to look forward now and look to replace such big names.

Here is my list of 5 young, talented Central Midfielders that can have a strong say in the upcoming World Cup and can be the ideal replacements for England’s ageing squad.

Jack Wilshere

Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere is probably the most talented youngster England has in their ranks at the moment. Having made his debut at the age of 16 years, he became Arsenal’s youngest player ever. Often compared by many as the ideal replacement for former captain Cesc Fabregas, Wilshere’s injury has been the main reason his career has not peaked the way many expected it to be. The young talented midfielder has often been praised by many for his amazing vision and his ability to pass the ball. Even at such a young age, his composure and dribbling ability is outstanding which often helps him take control of the game. Probably, the only thing Jack lacks is strength and his ability to out muscle his opponents. Wilshere’s best performance has to be the game against Barcelona in 2010 where he outshone even the world’s best midfielders in Xavi and Iniesta. Wilshere is precocious, clever, explosive and an exciting talent to watch out for. Surely, if he can keep his fitness level up he can be a player who can have a lot of say in the upcoming World Cup.

Tom Cleverley

Often compared to the legend Paul Scholes, the 22 year old central midfielder from Manchester United is another talent England can be very proud of. Although spent most of the last season on the injury list, Cleverley was instrumental during his time for Wigan Athletic. Sir Alex once said– “Tom Cleverley, physically, isn’t the strongest lad but he’s wily and he has a great idea of the game”. That, more or less, explains his weakness. Cleverley needs to work on his fitness and strength if he wants to compete regularly on the big stage. Another problem with Cleverley is his long range passing. Often compared to Paul Scholes, who is quite superb with his long range passing, Cleverley lacks that skill and needs to work on that. Weaknesses aside, Cleverley is one of the most hard working players, tracking back to do his defensive duties as well as moving forward for the attacking duties. Also, during his loan spells with Watford and Wigan, he showed his ability to pass the ball and his eye for goal as well.

Jack Rodwell

The 21 year old Everton midfielder has been a target for many big clubs, most notably Manchester United. Making his Everton debut at the age of 16, he became the youngest player to play for Everton. His physical strength and tacking makes him an amazing defensive midfielder and can sometimes slot himself into the back line as well. His tough, combative style makes him a very good defensive midfielder. Probably, the only major concern about him has to be his consistency and his injuries. Having missed a lot of games due to injuries, Rodwell hasn’t been able to announce himself as many would have expected of him. Still a worthy talent to watch out for.

Josh McEachran

The 2011 Chelsea’s young player of the year award winner surely has to be the least experienced in this list. Often being touted as the next big thing in English football, McEachran’s chances have been very limited. Having had a loan spell with Swansea last season, McEachran could not make much out of it due to lack of opportunities. So why do people rate him so highly? Well, his extensive passing range is something people twice his age crave for. The deep lying playmaker has an amazing vision and creativity with the ball. Having made his debut under then manager Carlo Ancelotti, McEachran was impressive in his first game against Hull City. Unfortunately, he also deals with a very similar problem many other young players do and that is physical strength. Apart from that, his level of consistency is also not the best. But he is very young and will look to improve on those aspects. His limited chances have put a big question mark to his career. With Chelsea already having more experienced central midfielders in their squad, it is going to be hard for Mceachran to break in to this squad. The most feasible option right now will be to go out on a loan spell to a team where he can break into the first team rather easily. Having represented England in all levels so far, the senior squad is the only thing missing from his good international career.

Jordan Henderson

After a very disappointing last season for the young English man, Henderson was called up by Roy Hodgson for the EURO 2012 to replace injured midfielder Frank Lampard. Although Henderson did not feature much in the European Championships, the former U-21 captain still has a lot of potential to make that CM spot his own for the National side. Rated highly by ex-Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish, he made a big money move to the Merseyside club from Sunderland. Having featured a lot for Liverpool last season, unlike many young players fitness has not been a concern for Henderson. His ability to play both as CM and CAM makes him a very versatile player to have in your squad. His ability to deliver balls with set pieces and his hold up play is something to look forward to. The only major concern I have over Henderson has to be that he is unproven at the bigger stage. He was excellent for Sunderland but could not repeat the same with Liverpool. Henderson needs to up his game if he wants to be a regular for the national side.