Germany 4-1 England. The phantom goal that never was. The heartbreak felt by a nation, from Bloemfontain into the British isles. Once again the 3 lions had suffered a humiliating world cup exit and a crush of dreams.
The Germany side that defeated us featured fairly new names to the international scene. Many who didn’t follow European football had not heard of these young players before. Ozil, Khedira, Muller. All with very little international experience and all playing at their first World Cup. These players were the new revolution for German football, a country with a proud footballing history and a well known roster of great footballers.
After this defeat I wanted England to go down the same route, replace the household names with younger players. It hasn’t really been done, we have seen the introduction of players such as Wilshere, Hart establishing himself as the number one keeper. I don’t feel this is enough. A full make over is required. At the time of writing we are yet to face Spain and I look forward to that match. However the result will not alter my view. We will not win the European championships or the next World Cup with the squad we have.
Gerrard may be coming to the end of his International career due to injuries and I believe this to be a good thing. These players should at least be out of the starting line up, we do still need some experience in the dressing room. A fresh start is what the team needs, we have nothing to lose and this could well be the golden generation of English football.
Hart has the ability, and is likely, to be the England number one for years. I believe he could be the first keeper to have established himself strongly between the sticks since David Seaman. We have Leighton Baines and Kieran Gibbs at left back to name just two as well as many candidates for the central defence role such as Cahill and Jones. The only real issue is right back, I dont rate Glen Johnson at all. However, I’m not sure who Capello, or his predecessor, would replace him with.
In midfield we have a brilliant selection of young talent, which is why we dont need Gerrard, Parker or Lampard. Players like Wilshere, Walcott, Adam Johnson, Aaron Lennon, Stewart Downing. Gareth Barry is also a player I don’t believe to have enough ability to play for England.
Up front it’s always going to be Rooney, the question is who partners him? My choice would be Daniel Sturridge, he shows alot of promise and I would say he is the most exciting up and coming England player since Rooney in 2004.
Take of it what you will, I’m not expecting you all to agree with me. All the senior players have had their chance, they’ve played in top tournaments and it’s been no different. The England badge is a heavy one to wear, with the right mix the next England manager may have a chance of building a successful team. Let’s face it, Capello isn’t going to make this big a decision, so let’s leave it until after the Euros. I’m expecting big changes and I welcome them. You should be Prepared.
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