Love him or hate him, it’s safe to say Gary Neville is never short of an opinion. As a pundit he has finally found a niche to express said opinions without being fined a hefty amount by the FA, and let’s face it, he is the signing of the season. Anyone who saw his face after the Manchester Derby – especially people who aren’t exactly fans – would justify sky’s hefty subscription fee for that alone.
This week, as we approach yet another pointless international break, Gary has weighed in with another opinion – England should scrap the old guard and let the youth come through for the sake of future international tournaments.
It cannot be denied that Neville has a point here. The extent to which people will agree with the point however is sure to be varied. There will inevitably be some who feel that experience is paramount, and sticking with at least certain players who have been ever present for England is something that must be done – at least for this summer.
Yet who are these players? The captain of this country, John Terry, personal problems aside, has not been at the top of his game for a couple of seasons now, and Rio Ferdinand cannot even make the England squad due to injuries and young talent at United. Likewise the heart of the midfield is somewhat dubious now, with Gerrard looking nowhere near fit and Lampard dividing critics as always.
Out of the players that have been ever present for England recently, Wayne Rooney will always be a starter, and it cannot be denied that losing him for the group stages of the tournament is a real blow – although not one we cannot counteract – yet will this be done through players such as Peter Crouch and Bent or Sturridge and Welbeck? Likewise players such as Ashley’s Young and Cole are always worth places in the squad, and there can clearly be a case made for experience in their cases.
The team however does not need to entirely comprise of the older generation, and the form certain ‘youngsters’ have been in for their clubs is simply too good to be ignored. Jones and Smalling have been a revelation at United, and despite yet another inexplicable overlook from Capello, across the city Micah Richards is arguably the best right back this country has. All this doesn’t even mention the young talent such as Wilshire and McEachran, who are sure to be England starters one day.
A brilliant point made by Neville was the fact that the bond that is shared by the crop on Under 21’s now is far better than the one the older players ever had – especially after the John Terry allegations – should a guilty verdict be passed down, not only will this make a relationship between JT and Ferdinand untenable, but Terry surely cannot retain either the armband for England or Chelsea. It speaks volumes that Capello is prepared to play the central defender this weekend, but after reinstating him as captain after previous misconduct, it does not come as a shock.