Fact One. England have never lived up to their expectations in major competitions. Fact Two. Recent years have seen the rotation of six managers since the turn of the century, and the national team have on many occasions been regarded as one of the most over-rated teams in the FIFA ranking.
With individual superstars in their own right within the club football scene, their mediocre results against average teams and their failure to mount any sort of challenge against the more prolific teams, has consequently seen England stall at 15th position in the 2014 FIFA world rankings, a far cry from their all-time high of 4th in 1997.
Despite this, at a time where regular call-ups such as Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard have been left to fight for their right to represent their country, there has been more attention placed on younger players who have established a name for themselves at club level.
As the World Cup in Brazil draws closer, we take a look at the potential starlets who are expect to fight for the right to represent their country.
Kyle Walker – 23, Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham have struck gold with full-back Kyle Walker, who has demonstrated a great depth and intelligence in his position. Coupled with his pace and ability both on and off the ball, he has moved up the ranks in the Tottenham team and is now the number one choice at right back. Since making his début for Tottenham in 2010, Walker has shown an exceeding degree of work rate and has gone from strength to strength.
But he quickly got the attention of then England manager Fabio Capello after a thunderous 25-yard strike against Arsenal in 2011. Walker has served his country in the same likeness as he has is club, becoming a recipient of the Team of the Tournament award at under 21-Level, before winning man of the match in his inaugural first-time start for England.
He has continued to challenge for an England spot throughvaliant displays in the Premier League and it would be a foolish for Hodgson to leave this dynamic full-back out of World Cup. Kyle Walker has shown great development and and maturity for club and country and is no doubt reliable in at right back.
Fit For Brazil 2014: 9/10
Chris Smalling – 24, Manchester United
Despite Manchester United’s marred season, Chris Smalling has demonstrated key developments in his game. He has used such displays has an advantage over the ageing centre-backs of the England back line.
He has, more importantly, stood tall and employed a calmer approach when playing for England, as opposed to the less frequent, but still apparently nervous performances for United. Smalling has linked up well with Cahill and this will be a big factor when Hodgson picks his main centre-backs for the tournament.
Fit For Brazil 2014: 9/10
Luke Shaw – 18, Southampton
Well all the fuss about the Southampton full-back has not been for nothing. Luke Shaw, at only 18 years of age, has proved himself to be the future inheritor of the England left back position. Brought up through Southampton’s excellent youth academy, the attack-minded left back Shaw has just the mind-set Hodgson needs in his team.
His game against Denmark was his first call-up, but if his club displays are anything to go by, this will be a stepping stone in an illustrious international career for the youngster. Trevor Booking described left-back Shaw as a ‘technically very gifted’ player, and he is sure to challenge (no pun intended) the often-reliable and talented Baines and the doubtful Ashley Cole for his place in Brazil.
Fit For Brazil 2014: 9/10
Jordon Henderson – 23, Liverpool
Jordan Henderson has continued to go from strength to strength with Liverpool, and at still only 23, has made 7 appearances in an England shirt since his debut in 2010. Within the Premier League, Henderson has proved a force to be reckoned with, with displays of excellent technical ability, an attack-minded mentality, and impeccable passing rates.
Henderson may still have some way to go before becoming a first team choice because of the midfield options in the England squad Hodgson has, but with the season he’s has so far, Hodgson will no doubt look to employ Henderson in Brazil at some point. He has proved time and time again that himself and Gerrard are a force to be reckoned when paired together in the Premier League, but given half a chance on the international stage, Henderson is bound to shine. Focus is the key to his potential.
Fit For Brazil 2014: 8/10
Adam Lallana – 25, Southampton
The Southampton captain is one of many from his club in contention of an England place, however, this player has consistently demonstrated how instrumental and technical he can be. A natural leader, two-time PFA Team of the year inductee Lallana has captained Southampton to great heights in the last few seasons, and to no offence intended to his team, but these height have the potential to reach far beyond his club.
But for now, he hopes to emulate Gerrard not only in terms of his club contribution and success, but on the international stage. His club performances have guaranteed him the three minutes of fame he needs to extend his versatility, control and work rate in Brazil.
Fit For Brazil 2014: 9/10
Ross Barkley – 20, Everton
Ross Barkley exploded on the scene with displays likened to his Goodison predecessor Wayne Rooney, and like Rooney, Barkley’s athleticism, vision and power have contributed to Martinez’s success with Everton this season. He has matured through the grass roots of the Everton youth system to become a legend in the making and future England regular.
Gary Linekar, Tim Cahill, Martin Keown among others have all sung praises, which led to his international debut in August 2013. Since then, he has had made two more appearances. His style of play, understanding, power and physique have delivered super performances, and it’s hard not to see this starlet feature this summer. More goals to his game and he will be feared across the globe.
Fit For Brazil 2014: 9/10
Andros Townsend – 22, Tottenham Hotspur
Having played for nine teams on loan before gaining his first team debut, Townsend has worked hard for the opportunity. And a goal plus the man of the match award was one way of demonstrating his thirst. From great heights, to even greater heights, Townsend received his international début against Montenegro, in which he again scored the third goal of a 4-1 win and received the man of the match award.
With that in mind, one can only imagine what this 22-year old can do with greater opportunity on the international stage. One can only further imagine why Hodgson would choose to leave this youngster out. Townsend’s intelligence, pace, control and balance will take him places far afield, and easily past team-mate Lennon in contention for England.
Fit For Brazil 2014: 8/10
Raheem Sterling – 19, Liverpool
Sterling has become a regular in the Liverpool squad after he initially burst onto the premiership stage at 17 years old, the second youngest first team player in a Liverpool shirt 2012. The amazing displays, and apparent growth in the technical aspects of his game has paid dividends under the guidance of manager Brendan Rodgers. A huge problem for defenders in the most competitive league in the world means he would also prove problematic for the world’s best defences.
This trickster seems to develop another aspect of his game, every game. You tend to forget the age of this young prospect, but age is but a number for Sterling, who never seems to allow any sort of pressure affect his play and focus in big games. To conquer the England winger position, he must battle the likes of Lennon, Milner, Walcott and Young. But with the right amount of care and attention, Sterling is on route to becoming one of England’s best wingers. Speed, ball control, vision, work rate, Sterling is like an atomic bomb filled with these chemicals in the form of raw talent, impatiently anticipating an explosion on the international stage.
Fit For Brazil 2014: 9/10
Hodgson has the best youth options an England manager has had in recent years. A hungry, energetic and talented bunch of players. And since, nothing else has worked, these players could hold the key to the commemoration of England’s World Cup former glory.
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