Rio Ferdinand is the biggest name to excluded, he is no longer of international standard and maybe this tournament has come a bit too quickly to bed a new squad in but I’d rather give youngsters big tournament experience so 2014 they’ll be more than adjusted to the slower international game. I’d rather gamble on either Cahill or Lescott who have both have good seasons at Bolton/Chelsea and Manchester City respectively. Lescott already has a Premier League winners medal and Cahill could be picking up a Champions League winners medal. They’d both give England a solid base to build upon with John Terry as long as Roy isn’t afraid to read Terry the riot act. His impeding court case could ultimately be a negative influence on the dressing room, if this were the case I’d swap out Terry and bring Ferdinand only for his experience and start Cahill and Lescott with Rio only as support in almost an unofficial coaching capacity with Gary Neville (Roy’s defensive coach). Neville and Ferdinand have played a huge part in Manchester United’s recent success and their experience could only benefit the otherwise young defence. Ashley Cole is first choice left back and Glen Johnson misses out on a starting berth after a poor season with Liverpool and being defensively inept. Kyle Walker; PFA Young Player of the Season is given the right back slot, he’s very fit so can get forward and back without too much hassle. His defensive capabilities mean that whilst Young is given somewhat of a free role on the right and left as he’d be given the opportunity to switch with Sturridge, there wouldn’t be an issue as Walker can is more than able without needing much protection. Parker’s role just in front of the defence would plug any gaps left by the free role the wingers are given.
MIDFIELDERS
12. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)
13. Gareth Barry (Manchester City)
14. Adam Johnson (Manchester City)
15. Michael Carrick (Manchester United)
16. Ashley Young (Manchester United)
17. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
18. Scott Parker (Tottenham)
19. Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
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Walcott is the most notable admission, he’s just so overrated. His final ball is very poor and he isn’t a goalscorer either (no redeeming features). The chosen formation doesn’t suit his style of play, but A.Johnson & Oxlade-Chamberlin are both able to replace Young if injured. Parker and Barry are somewhat interchangeable, Barry has had a very good season and is unsung at Man City but Parker has leadership qualities that Barry lacks so Parker is given the nod in the holding role. All this drivel about Lampard & Gerrard not being able to play together is a joke- they haven’t played well together but then nor has the squad performed since they’ve shared the centre of midfield. They should be able to play together and if judging by friendlies it’s just not working I’d change Barry for Lampard and let Barry and Parker sit a little deeper with Gerrard supporting the front three.
STRIKERS
20. Jermaine Defoe (Tottenham)
21. Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea)
22. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
23. Grant Holt (Norwich City)
This is by no means the strongest England squad we’ve had – but who else is there? Bent misses out after a very poor season and he’s still yet to prove fitness. Welbeck just doesn’t give a strong enough option, he couldn’t start up front alone and has never proved himself leading the line. Sturridge has been more successful, behind Torres & Drogba even as third choice striker. Agreed I am a massive Norwich & Grant Holt fan but his inclusion isn’t purely because of that. He is included on his own merit, 14 Premier League goals including against Manchester United, Liverpool, Newcastle and Arsenal prove he is able to cut it against the best (2nd leading English goal scorer behind Rooney). He leads the line well and has a Drogba or Shearer esque quality, he isn’t lazy, chases lost causes and uses his body and strength to bring others into the game. His back to goal approach if called upon would bring Sturridge and Young into the game from their wider positions. Carroll is close to making the squad, but following a generally poor season at Liverpool unless Holt fails to perform in the friendlies Carroll would be left in England.
This squad isn’t good enough to win the tournament but it’s something of a transition between the old squad and a younger generation. The younger guys will need some tutoring especially those who haven’t had much international experience so the mix of old and young are there on merit not because of past success but because of great form and performances this season. I just hope Roy shares my vision and doesn’t pick the ‘big names’ (Rio & Theo) and picks those who deserve to be there, or have a little bit of game changing quality which we have lacked at previous tournaments.
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