With the FIFA World Cup in Brazil just over seven months away, I take on the role of Roy Hodgson and pick the men I would put my trust in to represent the Three Lions.
In Goal
Much has been made of Joe Hart’s poor form of late, but in my opinion there is nobody better to pull on the number one jersey come June.
Hart has become, in my mind, the most established England number one since the days of David Seaman and will be a huge asset to the squad come crunch time.
At The Back
Since John Terry’s retirement from international football, England have looked weak at the back. Terry’s replacements, whether it’s been Phil Jagielka or Joleon Lescott, haven’t come close to filling the void left by the Chelsea man.
Roy Hodgson should be on the phone to Big John immediately, begging the ex-captain for a return to the international arena. If Roy fails, I fear the Three Lions will be exposed at the back when they come up against some of the world’s best.
I’m sticking with the experienced Ashley Cole at left back, while at right back the youth and flare of Kyle Walker will bring a spark that has been lacking in that position for many years.
Manchester United pair Chris Smalling and Phil Jones add depth to the defensive ranks, though I suspect if they are picked that they will see little game time. Jones also offers a defensive midfield option that could be crucial when looking to close a match out.
Micah Richards is also selected. The Manchester City fullback has been overlooked by England in the past, which continues to baffle me. The 25-year-old can do the job at right back or in the middle, possibly offering Hodgson a valuable utility option.
In The Middle
I’ve stuck with the tried and true here and gone with the experience of captain Steven Gerrard and recent centurion Frank Lampard.
Michael Carrick’s consistency adds some depth in the centre of the park, while the youth of Tom Cleverley and Jack Wilshere adds some creativity in the attacking third.
England are stacked with talent out wide, with the pace of Ashley Young and James Milner. Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain would also be a great option for Hodgson to turn to from the bench.
I’ve gone with Tottenham’s Andros Townsend, who’s proven his international credentials in his recent opportunities, as well as Southampton’s Adam Lallana, who has come on leaps and bounds this season. The 25-year-old looks a real talent and I’d like to see him rewarded with a seat on the plane to Brazil.
Raheem Sterling gets the call up too, though his antics off the field could put the exciting wingers chances in jeopardy. Manchester United’s Wilfred Zaha or Everton’s Ross Barclay could also be an option here.
Up Top
The question everyone has been asking since Michael Owen’s retirement is who can partner Wayne Rooney up front?
Danny Welbeck proved he was up to the task at Euro 2012, but it’s Daniel Sturridge’s form for Liverpool this season that makes him my first choice number nine.
Jermaine Defoe has always given 110 percent in an England jersey, while Theo Walcott adds some electric pace to be implemented out wide.
My England 2014 World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Fraser Forster (Celtic), John Ruddy (Norwich City)
Defenders: Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Micah Richards (Manchester City), John Terry (Chelsea), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Phil Jagielka (Everton)
Midfielders: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Manchester United), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
Strikers: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United), Jermaine Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur), Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
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