This week the England manager Roy Hodgson named his squad for the upcoming friendly double header against Chile and Germany at Wembley. In his selected squad there were a few surprises.
Southampton trio Ricky Lambert, Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez have all been named in the squad. This is because they have been in fine form for their team. Southampton have had their best start ever to a Premier League campaign with them lying in 6th Spot. Jay Rodriguez has been in good form for his club. But who would of thought that he would get an international call up, when only 6 years ago he was playing on loan at Scottish outfit Stirling Albion.
Lallana, however has once played for the England national side when they played Ukraine in the qualifiers in September 2012.
Other youngsters are trying to impress to get into Roy’s squad for next year’s finals; these are Daniel Sturridge who has been in scintillating form for Liverpool, also Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain, Chris Smalling and most notably, Andros Townsend.
Townsend was given the chance with a call-up for the last Qualifiers of the campaign were he impressed in both games, scoring a good goal in the process. We all know about Daniel Sturridge and what he has been producing at Liverpool.
With all this young talent the England team is producing we should be getting excited about the style of football they are going to bring. England need to be protective of their young kids and try not to use them too much, they need to progress at their own speed.
It is important for England that they keep on working closely with the U21 set up and making sure this talent is fully used when they have the chance. Here we’re talking about other players like Ravel Morrison of West Ham, Saido Berahino of West Brom and Manchester United Wilfred Zaha.
With only one more Friendly pencilled in before June it is important these youngsters get a chance to put on the white top and impress for their country. Fingers crossed!
What’s your take? Is it time for England to put the faith in youth?
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