With the dust now settling on a dismal World Cup for the English and the squad safely back on home soil before the group stages have even finished, it is now time to look ahead to 2018 and the World Cup in Russia. The big question is can the cycle of hurt be interrupted and the fans be given something to cheer and feel proud of in just four years time?
Whilst this squad of players flew to Brazil without the usual accompanying baggage of suffocating demands from an expectant country, the performances and results have failed to even live up to those hugely scaled down expectations. Defeat against Italy amidst an encouraging display led to an upturn in public expectancy, which following the defeat to Uruguay then plumped new depths. That England could only muster an uninspiring 0-0 draw against an already qualified Costa Rica in the final act sent the seethe-ometer further into the red.
The over-reaction and finger-pointing has, as usual, gone a little overboard and I for one simply cannot even entertain the idea that Wayne Rooney should join those to have called time on their international careers. At just 28 and with 40 international goals to his name, that notion is simply ridiculous in my eyes, not least as there simply isn’t another English forward who is in the same realm as Rooney at this moment in time. For what it’s worth, I cannot get my head around the fact that so many players in this day and age feel the need to announce to the world that they no longer wish to represent their country. Whatever happened to players simply no longer getting picked anymore and bowing out gracefully without the need for the self-congratulatory press conference and accompanying back-slapping session from their friends in the media?
Looking at the squad of players who went, and have subsequently returned from, Brazil before a second round ball had been kicked, I will break down those who I feel will still be a viable option for selection at World Cup 2018 whilst also offering up some alternatives for what will be a new-look England.
England: Looking Ahead
GOALKEEPERS
JOE HART, Manchester City, Age 27, Caps 43 – Hart will still be young enough in goalkeeping terms and also has all the qualities to be regarded as being as close to a certainty as you can get. Starter.
FRASER FORSTER, Celtic, Age 26, Caps 2 – Despite playing in a league that is arguably as weak as League 1 football in England doesn’t help Forster. The fact that he gets regular exposure to European Champions League football however is a plus, as is his huge frame and continued improvement. Solid backup.
BEN FOSTER, West Bromwich Albion, Age 31, Caps 8 – Following a season spent struggling around the bottom of the Premier League with WBA, Foster came out of it with his head held high after some impressive displays helped his team over the line to safety. After calling time on his England ambitions once before after the birth of his children, I can’t see Foster being available for selection in 2018. At 35, injuries allowing, he will still be able and young enough, but I see his place being taken by a younger keeper. There are a crop of younger English keepers who need to play matches and stake a claim over the coming years, with players such as Jack Butland, John Ruddy, Sam Johnstone and Alex McCarthy all in the discussion.
DEFENDERS
GLEN JOHNSON, Liverpool, Age 29, Caps 54(1 goal) – Age and defensive fragility will count against Johnson when it comes to selection for Russia. Defensively, England were poor in Brazil and right back is an area of real concern. Looking ahead, Micah Richards’ international boat may well have sailed already but players such as the versatile John Flanagan, Andre Wisdom, Nathaniel Clyne, Calum Chambers, Joel Ward and Kieran Trippier can all catapult themselves into contention with good displays at club level over the next few seasons. I initially felt that right back depth was a serious issue but I have been pleasantly surprised by the amount of quality coming through.
LEIGHTON BAINES, Everton, Age 29, Caps 26(1) – Excellent at club level and a danger from set-pieces, I feel Baines is a rung down the ladder from being international class. England were picked apart down his side by Italy, with Rooney bearing the brunt of the blame, though in truth, Ashley Cole, who should’ve been selected in my opinion, has dealt admirably with everything that the world’s best right hand sides have thrown at him down the years. Will need replacing. The constantly overlooked Kieran Gibbs, who has experience at the top level of European football must come into consideration at this point, as must players such as Ryan Bertrand, Danny Rose and Zeki Fryers, though game time is a pre-requisite for all of the names mentioned.
GARY CAHILL, Chelsea, Age 28, Caps 27(3) – In terms of the defence, Cahill probably came out of the World Cup with as much credit as any England defender and should still have a place on the plane next time around, even if his introduction to top level international competition wasn’t the most welcoming. Probable starter.
PHIL JAGIELKA, Everton, Age 31, Caps 28(2) – Age is likely to be the reason pointed to by most for Jagielka not being part of England’s next World Cup adventure, but to me, he simply isn’t cut out for life at international level. Though throughout qualifying, he formed part of a formidable defensive partnership, that was against international also-rans and cannon-fodder. Against the best, he simply doesn’t stack up and alongside Cahill, formed the worst recurring central defensive partnership in my lifetime. John Stones, Steven Caulker and Ryan Shawcross, amongst others will be hoping to impress enough to replace him in the squad.
CHRIS SMALLING, Manchester United, Age 24, Caps 12(0) – With both Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic both departing Old Trafford this summer, the time is now for Smalling to stake his claim or risk being moved on by new manager Luis Van Gaal. The right back, centre back shuffle needs to end and his place needs pinning down. At 6’4″, that should be at centre back for club and country. Now is the time to prove that Sir Alex Ferguson was right to pay such money for a teenager. Possible starter.
PHIL JONES, Manchester United, Age 22, Caps 10(0) – Much like Smalling, this season is absolutely huge for Jones. Again, he needs to stake his claim for a regular position, which again to me, is at centre back, where I feel he can flourish into a dominant player and potential future captain. The versatility has to end and the ability must shine. Starter.
LUKE SHAW, Southampton, Age 18, Caps 3(0) – Great things have been predicted for Shaw for a while now and with the contenders to his position not exactly grasping their chance and a big-money move being mentioned, his time may be now. Defensively, I feel he offers more to the team than Baines and he would be my primary left back option ahead of him moving forward. Starter.
MIDFIELDERS
STEVEN GERRARD, Liverpool, Age 34, Caps 114(21) – The likelihood is that the captain’s armband will be passed on following the early exit, most likely to Wayne Rooney, though I genuinely hope that amongst all the current disappointment Gerrard does not hang up his international boots. That said, he will not be an option in four years time and replacements aren’t exactly rushing to identify themselves. Jack Rodwell, Jack Cork, James Ward-Prowse, Jack Colback, Fabian Delph, Nathan Chalobah and George Thorne would appear those most likely, but most, if not all of them have huge questions to answer between now and then.
JACK WILSHERE, Arsenal, Age 22, Caps 20(0) – England’s enigma. On his day, Wilshere is as good as any of the Spanish midfielders who, up to this World Cup, have performed so well. Technically brilliant, the sad fact is that he is just as likely to form a partnership with Abou Diaby on the treatment table at Arsenal as he is with Aaron Ramsey on the Emirates pitch. This season is a huge one for Jack and one where he must not only play his part in the majority of games, but also run his fair share of them too. Starter.
FRANK LAMPARD, Unattached, Age 36, Caps 106(29) – Lampard should be thanked and applauded for his contributions in an England shirt, whilst also being afforded a role in the future coaching setup, as his top level experience could prove invaluable to the next crop, which includes Jonjo Shelvey, Jake Livermore, Tom Carroll, Nick Powell and Will Hughes as names to keep an eye on.
JORDAN HENDERSON, Liverpool, Age 24, Caps 13(0) – Personally, I feel that Henderson is a much better club player than he is an international performer, as I believe he is a rung or even two down from the top level. That said, he is playing in a top side and his experiences can only help him improve, with the added benefit of Champions League football to aid that progress. In the squad.
ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, Arsenal, Age 20, Caps 15(3) – It was a real shame that injury cut short Chamberlain’s opportunities in Brazil but with him included, the future is looking bright for England. Fast, skilful and direct, he is exactly the sort of option that England were crying out for. Playing and performing regularly for Arsenal will be key for his progress. Starter.
JAMES MILNER, Manchester City, Age 28, Caps 47(1) – With a move away from Manchester City in search of extended playing time looking likely this summer, it is not out of the question that England’s Mr Dependable, Milner could be on the plane to Russia. A steady hand and versatile performer, he is however at the mercy of the emerging talent, who will ultimately decide whether he is or he isn’t selected. Tom Cleverley, Wilfried Zaha, Andros Townsend, Ravel Morrison, Tom Ince, Nathan Redmond and even Nathan Dyer could all come into consideration depending on their form at club level.
RAHEEM STERLING, Liverpool, Age 19, Caps 5(0) – One of the brighter sparks from an unimpressive trek, Sterling has proven himself to be a big part of England’s future. He has come on in leaps and bounds thanks to his link up at club level with international team-mate Sturridge and the ever-hungry Uruguayan Luis Suarez. Could be anything he wants if he keeps his head on the job. Starter.
ADAM LALLANA, Southampton, Age 26, Caps 9(0) – It can be a little misleading when the name Adam Lallana is lumped in with other English hopefuls in the ‘youngster’ bracket, as whilst he is obviously no Gerrard or Lampard in terms of age, he is no spring chicken either and will be 30 by the time the next World Cup rolls around. The plus however is that Lallana can play. Technically gifted and with an eye for goal, he could be the true beneficiary of Lampard failing to defeat the sands of time. Possible starter.
ROSS BARKLEY, Everton, Age 20, Caps 9(0) – Much like Sterling, Barkley is going to be a huge part of the future for England. Maturity is still a slight problem however and indiscretions such as being late for meetings or team exercises will need to be avoided, as will over-playing in the wrong areas or looking for the shot too readily. All of these things will come with experience, which his talents will not allow for him to lack. Starter.
ATTACKERS
DANIEL STURRIDGE, Liverpool, Age 24, Caps 14(5) – Another player who currently looks better at club level, Sturridge is not the finished article yet, but he is heading on the right trajectory. On-pitch maturity and decision making must improve, but in front of goal he is currently good and could ultimately become great. Hard work and dedication will take Sturridge wherever he wants. Starter.
WAYNE ROONEY, Manchester United, Age 28, Caps 95(40) – As I have already mentioned, don’t expect for me to join the crowd claiming that Rooney’s days in an England shirt are finished. By the time they are, he will hold both the appearance and goal-scoring records for England, of that I am absolutely certain. Starter.
DANNY WELBECK, Manchester United, Age 23, Caps 26(8) – Hard-working but sometimes falling short in terms of the quality required would sum up Welbeck at international level perfectly for me. His goals record is decent for England but it should be remembered that half of his total came in two home matches to San Marino and Moldova. His effort and application often win him a spot, which is a lesson that many other young footballers should take to heart. Vulnerable to an improver, his place isn’t nailed on and it would be a pleasant surprise to see others leap ahead. Squad member.
RICKIE LAMBERT, Liverpool, Age 32, Caps 7(3) – Age will be enough to rule out returning Scouser Lambert by the time Russia 2018 rolls around, but credit must go to him for forcing his way into the squad at the twilight of his career. The fact that he didn’t get more time on the pitch in Brazil is a topic for debate, as I feel he could’ve added a different attacking option during the defeats to Italy and Uruguay. Players such as Theo Walcott, Harry Kane, Jay Rodriguez, Sam Gallagher, Patrick Bamford, Andy Carroll, Conor Wickham, Saido Berahino, Charlie Austin, Danny Ings and Dwight Gayle all have a fantastic opportunity to propel themselves into England contention in the coming years.
Though the current feeling of doom and gloom may take a while to lift, when it does, looking through the names should give at least a little bit of encouragement for the future of England at World Cup level. There are now four huge years ahead for all of the players mentioned, as well as innumerable others too, whilst a Michael Owen-type explosion onto the international scene cannot be ruled out by an emerging youngster either.
The future might not be orange, but it could well be bright.
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Photo Credit: MIAMI GARDENS, FL – JUNE 04: Steven Gerrard of England speaks with Raheem Sterling of England after he was shown a red card during the International friendly match between England and Ecuador at Sun Life Stadium on June 4, 2014 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
