Ahead of this summers Brazil 2014 World Cup, I was given the task of picking an England starting XI. With so much talent on show in the midfield areas, some big names will only make the bench, as Roy Hodgson has a tough task in picking the starting line-up.
GK – Joe Hart
The obvious choice for most, despite being out of favour by Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini earlier in the season. The short spell on the bench, however, could have huge benefits for England this summer as Hart has improved his game since then, cementing his place as the Premier League champions’ number one.
DEF – Glen Johnson
Turning 30 this summer, Johnson has had a brilliant season for Liverpool as they challenged for the Premier League title. As a player who also played in the 2010 World Cup, his experience will show through and be vital both on the pitch, and in the dressing room for Roy Hodgson in Brazil. Johnson proved during the 2013/14 season, not only his ability as a defender, but how he can push forward down the wings and fundamentally contribute to the attacking side of the game.
DEF – Gary Cahill
Chelsea’s success in Europe the last few seasons has been partly down to their impeccable ability to defend well, with Gary Cahill at the heart of it all in both the Premier League and the Champions League this season, of which the blue’s kept 25 clean sheets. Although criticised by many, Jose Mourinho’s ‘parking the bus’ tactic does work very well, and Cahill can only benefit from this as his defending continues to improve against some of the best players in the world on a regular basis.
DEF – Phil Jagielka
With England only losing three of the 24 games Jagielka has played at centre-back, the future looks bright for the Everton man with John Terry and Rio Ferdinand retiring at international level. Jagielka made an average of 8.9 clearances per game in the 2013/14 season, one of the highest in the league as Everton qualified for next seasons Europa League.
DEF – Leighton Baines
With Ashley Cole reaching the end of his career, Baines has certainly lived up to the high standard set by Cole so far for England, as Roy Hodgson considers him his first choice at left-back. Similarly to Glen Johnson, Baines has also proved his talent going forward this season, scoring five and assisting four goals for Everton.
MID – Steven Gerrard
As England captain and with 109 caps to his name, it would be a surprise if Gerrard did not start every game for England this summer. The Liverpool captain played a key part in the chase for the Premier League title this season, scoring and assisting a total of 26 goals, despite ‘slipping up’ towards the end of the campaign. Gerrard has an arsenal of experience in his locker and could be the driving force for this England outfit this summer.
MID – Jack Wilshere
Another season struck by injury, Wilshere could be a very important part of Roy Hodgson’s team this summer if he stays match fit. Winning an FA Cup final and qualifying once again for next seasons Champions League with Arsenal, however, will give him a huge boost ahead of travelling to Brazil.
MID – Adam Lallana
After a brilliant season for Southampton, finishing in 8th place, Lallana was brilliant for The Saints as he scored nine and assisted six in 2013/14. Despite only making his England debut this season, and playing in League One just three years ago along side Rickie Lambert, the 26-year-old is consistently improving, as he is heavily linked with a summer move to Liverpool.
MID – Raheem Sterling
One to watch, Sterling’s pace could be a real threat to defenders at The World Cup, as it has been all season for Liverpool. The 19-year-old scored nine and assisted five in the Premier League during 2013/14, and alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge, could be a real star for England in Brazil.
FWD – Wayne Rooney
After a season everyone associated with Manchester United will want to forget, Rooney still managed 17 goals and 10 assists this season. Scoring 38 goals in 89 appearances for England, the 28-year-old would be one of the first names on the team sheet, for the majority, as one of the best strikers in the world. Whilst some of you may argue that he’ll struggle with a lack of match fitness, could you honestly, hand on heart say that Wayne Rooney shouldn’t start? Far too risky in my opinion.
FWD – Daniel Sturridge
After struggling in his early career, Sturridge has finally found sensational form in front of goal, scoring 21 and assisting seven goals for Liverpool this season. Partnering Rooney, Sturridge could be vital in front of goal and deserves to make the starting 11 in Brazil. His form this season alongside Suarez has been mouthwatering; his energy, speed and awareness is a pleasure to watch and I hope he shows his class throughout the Brazil World Cup campaign.
Whilst the above England starting XI is only my opinion, who knows what Roy Hodgson is thinking. Will he play his strongest XI at all times, regardless of the fixtures? Or, will he opt to give the young blood some playing time and experience to help boost their confidence and stature ahead of the European Championships and build for 2018?
Overall, we expect the bare minimum from England at each major tournemant, let’s admit it. So, I’m going to enjoy watching England and all of the other nations play and keep my expectations low, thus sparing me much disappointment.
Article written by Jamie Truslove.
You can follow Jamie on Twitter here: @J_Truslove20
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