Time for the future: Three England players who should make way for the next generation

Rickie Lambert

Rickie Lambert of England arrives at the stadium prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group D match between Costa Rica and England at Estadio Mineirao on June 24, 2014 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Easily the most controversial inclusion in our list is Liverpool’s latest signing. The 32-year-old secured a fairytale ending to his season when he was included in Hodgson’s squad after an excellent season for Southampton, but the story should come to an end.

Much more than a big man, given his set-piece ability and impressive technique, Lambert has proved many of his doubters wrong, but the fact a player of his ilk has made it all the way top highlights how desperate England are for options, considering he has played the majority of his career in the lower leagues.

A cameo substitute appearance may be added to against Costa Rica, but given his age and lack of experience, promoting youth from the Under-21 squad represents a better option for the national side. If England are to build for the future, with the World Cup in Qatar billed as the tournament where Greg Dyke’s plans will come to fruition, Lambert will not be a part of it even if he thrives at Anfield.

If the tournament in Brazil has shown us one thing, it is that England now have formidable options in an attacking sense, with pace, guile and creativity. Considering that the majority of talk at the tournament has concerned whether Wayne Rooney is deserving of a place in the team, Lambert should not even be part of the conversation.