Every England squad picked has its surprise packages, its regulars and young players with real potential to be big stars. Everton’s Leon Osman definitely comes into the first category. The 31 year old midfielder and former trainee of the Merseyside club is a hardworking player with good passing and decent technical ability.
But what makes him different from anyone else Roy Hodgson could have picked?
For starters he has all the tools of a Wilshere or a Cleverly but has been using them for many more years than these two young prospects who are just starting out on the international and domestic scene. He has proven consistently that he is a good midfield engine who can play box to box thus providing a real presence in the centre of the pitch. He is able to compliment his partner in the middle of the park with no desire to be the star or main attacking outlet, which is how a Wilshere or Cleverly could be seen.
The debate over these two young guns is one that may eventually bear some similarity to the many discussions that have been held over whether Gerrard and Lampard are capable of playing together.
Mentally the Blues old reliable has the edge over his younger counterparts with more knowledge about how to handle pressure in big games, having been involved in many throughout his career. He is calm under presence on the pitch and is someone who always gives 100% in games; a factor that has affected Wilshere especially, having just returned from a lengthy lay off.
Not only would starting in Sweden give Osman his first cap and an unforgettable experience but it would also help give players like Jack Wilshere the chance to be eased back into the side without being risked too much after a long time away from the game.
There is only one downside to the Toffees star being picked and that is for him personally. At 31 years old he is more of a temporary solution to filling a place in Hodgson’s midfield selection and is incredibly unfortunate to have not already forged a very successful international career. This is not something that is likely to get to Osman who will most definitely grab this opportunity with both hands as well as pass on pearls of wisdom and a level headed attitude onto the younger midfielders. This can only help contribute to theirs and England’s future.
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