A midfield far removed from the rigidity of Hodgson’s selection at Euro 2012 and lacks a pure “defensive” midfielder like a Scott Parker. Jack Rodwell could have provided an option but one would expect his progress to now stagnate as he struggles for game time at Manchester City. Gerrard will be 34 by the time of the finals but is Hodgson’s captain and can be assured of a place in the team while Tom Cleverly appears to have cemented himself in Hodgson’s plans and should get plenty of game time at Manchester United over the next couple of years with their lack of central midfield options.
Finally, we must all hope that Jack Wilshere makes a full recovery from the injury nightmare that has kept him out for the last 12 months and can become the player he looked as if he was about to become for England. Wilshere will undoubtedly need time to find his feet again but if he does indeed return to the Arsenal team by the end of October as Arsene Wenger believes, should have plenty of time until 2014 to do so. Vitally, a midfield three of Wilshere, Cleverly and Gerrard will allow England to keep possession of the ball for longer, an ability which Hodgson experienced first hand during England’s exit from Euro 2012 against Italy and the masterful Andrea Pirlo.
Right-wing: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Was an uncharacteristically risky choice by Hodgson for Euro 2012 but has proved very much a superb one, shining in almost every single one of his appearances for England thus far. Offers superb pace, as well as power and precision in both a central and a wider role but given England’s options in midfield, will almost certainly operate from the flanks in 2014. A quite wonderful talent who will only improve over the next couple of years under the watchful eye of Arsene Wenger.
Centre-forward: Wayne Rooney
He may only deliver for his country in fits and starts and rarely at major tournaments, but such is Rooney’s talent and the paucity of options Hodgson has in the forward positions, that he is a simply a must-start. Hodgson will be crossing his fingers that Rooney’s current predicament at Old Trafford, where he is arguably playing second fiddle to Robin Van Persie, will have changed by the time of the finals in Brazil. One of England’s few genuine, world-class talents – the onus will, as always, be on him a senior member of the squad in 2014 at the age of 28, to produce the goods.
Left-wing: Raheem Sterling
Given the praise that has been allocated to James Milner in recent days and Roy Hodgson’s apparent favouritism for the player and his work-ethic, it seems inconceivable that the Manchester City man will not be playing from the start in 2014. However, Raheem Sterling of Liverpool will simply become too good a player to leave at home. At only 17 years of age, Sterling is already lighting up Anfield and the Premier League with his electric displays against top opposition. Aside from his blistering pace, he looks to have a level of technique with the ball as well as intelligence on when to come inside and when to push on. Has already been fast-tracked into the England squad and if he continues his rate of progress, he will be impossible for Hodgson to leave out at the expense of the industrious but rather one paced Milner.
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