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Participating in the World Cup is such a high for players that many are happy just to make the 23-man squad even if they don’t play a single minute. Everyone wants to experience the joy, the sorrows, the ecstasy, the agony, the drama and of course the knowledge that one would get by interacting with senior players from different countries.
England, over the last few years, has had a consistent squad. The pool of experienced players has been so small that the manager hardly has any selection headaches to trim it down to a 23-man squad. Notable absentees were Theo Walcott (not picked) and Rio Ferdinand (injury) in the last World Cup.
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Roy Hodgson did not name a 30-man provisional squad and has decided to go directly for the 23-man squad to avoid inflicting heart ache on those who miss out. Fair enough. However, he still hasn’t named the final squad yet and so, this is my take on who should be there in the 23-man squad
GOALKEEPERS
Joe Hart (Manchester City) – His commanding presence in the box is one of his core strengths and in the absence of Rio and Terry, he will have to take charge of the defence. John Ruddy (Norwich) – The Canaries custodian has been very impressive this season and has earned a lot of plaudits for Norwich’s stay in the PL in the last 2 seasons. He has been in the sidelines for England since a long time and this might finally be his moment to shine.
Fraser Forster (Celtic) - He has been immense for Celtic in SPL and many predict that he will find himself in the PL next season surely. Personally, he would be my pick amongst the 3 GKs to start at the WC.
DEFENDERS
Leighton Baines (Everton) – Probably the first name on the team sheet when it comes to defence. Having scored 8 goals and made 5 assists this season, he will be critical to England’s hopes of attacking down the flanks
Ashley Cole (Chelsea) – I’m sure there would be divided opinion on this, but I would prefer Baines over Ashley, because of 2 factors – Age and Playing time. However, he would be my pick ahead of Luke Shaw and Kieran Gibbs as the reserve LB
Kyle Walker (Tottenham) – His pace and movement down the right is for Tottenham is something which he will have to replicate at the WC as well.
Glen Johnson (Liverpool) – Again, 2nd choice for me after Walker, and I’m sure Liverpool fans would disagree with me on this one. Though Johnson is more technical, but defensively, I would trust Walker over him.
Phil Jones (Manchester United) – Has played a lot of games for United this season and has been a rock at the back in whichever game he’s played. Can be played at RB if there is a need to add height and strength in the backline.
Chris Smalling (Manchester United) – When he plays at CB, he has been extremely good. People should not judge him on his performances when he has played at RB. Definitely deserves a call to the NT.
Phil Jagielka (Everton) – He has been Everton’s wall this season. Has been consistent for a long time and best amongst the English defenders
Gary Cahill (Chelsea) – Has partnered Jagielka in many friendlies for England now and has established himself as a regular for the Chelsea team as well. Would have worked very well along with Terry.
MIDFIELDERS
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) – Has belied his age this season and has rediscovered himself in a deeper role for Liverpool. Might be his WC, which will be all the more motivating for him.
Frank Lampard (Chelsea) – Like Gerrard, he has also adapted to a deeper role now. However, he was known for his goal scoring, without which he doesn’t have the same influence anymore. Would be an ideal backup to Gerrard.
Micheal Carrick (Manchester United)- Was impressive for England in the Euros and had an amazing 2013 season. However, this season, his performances have suffered a bit, which can also be attributed to the entire United team performing badly.
Ross Barkley (Everton) – Has been a revelation for Everton this season. Maturity beyond his years with excellent ball control and quick passing. Deserves to be on the plane to Brazil. Adam Lallana (Southampton) – Somewhat of a late bloomer, he has led Southampton extremely well this season. Was excellent for England in the last couple of matches too. Deserves a spot in the starting XI.
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) – Though injury has hampered his season (yet again), he would be ideal back up for Lallana or Carrick as his versatility allows him to play in multiple positions
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain (Arsenal) – Has been very impressive for Arsenal whenever he has played this season. Is terrifying on the counter attack and would be an ideal substitute in case the team needs goals.
Raheem Sterling (Liverpool) – Rodgers has transformed him completely. From an over zealous teenager to such a composed, mature player – he has been phenomenal this season for Liverpool. His partnership with Gerrard and Sturridge will also be helpful.
Jordan Henderson (Liverpool) – The engine of Liverpool. I had to chose between him and Townsend but the latter’s lack of games in the second half of the season and Henderson’s rise has been the deciding factor.
FORWARDS
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)- Hope United do not overplay him and keep him fit for the WC this time. His performances would be key to England’s hopes.
Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool) – Would prefer Rooney to lead the line. However, having seen England’s recent friendlies, Hodgson might start with both Rooney and Sturridge. Though he has been brilliant for Pool, he sometimes is very wasteful.
Danny Welbeck (Manchester United) – In form player for United. Has been very successful for England also. Wouldn’t bet on him to start, but would be a good substitute as his raw pace can be very helpful against tired defences.
Would have been a real selection headache if Theo Walcott and Jay Rodriguez would have been fit too. Having said that, they would have added real quality to the side and England would miss them.Would also like to mention James Milner. Though he is a very versatile player, he wouldn’t fit into the squad. However, would be a very good option as backup.
Here’s hoping that England have a successful World Cup campaign in Brazil!
What do you think should be in the 23 man squad and starting XI for England?
