World Cup 2014 - England Squad
Roy Hodgson announced England's World Cup 2014 squad yesterday. I was pleased. Sometimes, some folks think that I believe England is going to win the World Cup each time putting words in my mouth. Believe you me, my soccer knowledge is much deeper than that.
Why do many Singaporeans follow and support England in international tournaments like the World Cup? Familiarity. We were after once a British Colony and we started historically with the English soccer league. Today's EPL is still a favourite to us and many more countries. So will England win this World Cup? I would not say no. Wait a minute, as long as you are there you have a chance even the book makers give an odd to it. I would say their chances are not good. Expectations even among the English are not high.
England are grouped with Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica. If you are worth your salt in soccer you know this is not an easy group as Italy and Uruguay are traditional World Cup powerhouses and were former World Cup champions. Costa Rica adds an element of surprise though unfancied. England are without a Golden Generation. How will they cope? Can they even make it past the group stage?
I was pleased with Hodgson's choice simply because he did what I had proposed in my previous write outs on the EPL as to who should be on that plane to Brazil. I have submitted on line who I thought the England squad should comprise. I was spot on for every player except Chris Smalling. Why then was it a good selection like mine?
Since 1966, the English Press has built up unnecessary pressure by declaring that it was time and the England could win the World Cup. The pressure became the greatest when they thought they had a Golden Generation such as when they have a squad with players like Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, David Beckham, Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney, etc. and the fans even began to believe. Yet, when they did not win as expected or worse could only get a draw, the knives came out.
This current 2014 World Cup squad are not a Golden Generation. There is no expectation that they could win the World Cup. May be to even get past the group stage. Therefore, there is no added burden or baggage to carry on their shoulders except the motivation of doing their best and since you are not going to win the World Cup now, why not build for the future by bringing younger players for the experience and exposure which means preparing for the next World Cup now! Most importantly, select players that are in form and not based on past reputations. A country, organisation of football club that selects based on past glory or achievements shall eventually fail. You are only as good as your last deal.
Goalkeepers
Joe Hart (Man City) - Without doubt, England's best. Suspect at times with crosses but other than that on his day a top goalie. When he plays with confidence, quite unbeatable but he must stamp his class in the penalty box. Brave and usually brimming with confidence and fearlessness. Back to his best with Man City this season. Must stamp his authority in the six-yard box with his physical presence and 6ft. 4 ins. frame. Was Premier League Golden Glove Award winner for three years in 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlU95hyWmew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeN_LHVwugk
Fraser Forster (Celtic) - At least he has been playing in the Champions' League. The experience would be useful. He held the Scottish league record of 1,256 minutes without conceding a goal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdOs518XzJ8
Ben Foster (WBA) - Despite playing for a club that almost got relegated, has performed well to be selected.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocf4rg0GVQk
Defenders
Leighton Baines (Everton) - He once played for Wigan and would have been an England regular if not for Ashley Cole. No argument here as he has been the best left back in the EPL for a few seasons now. Defensively sound, useful with corner kicks and deadly at set piece free-kicks. A good option with that cultured left foot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1RYnTrmmdY
Gary Hill (Chelsea) - One of the reasons why Chelsea has the best defensive record in the EPL. Can be outstanding at times. Was named in the PFA team of the year in the just concluded EPL season. Can score important goals. Strong in the air with his 6ft. 4ins. frame.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNhyCSU0psk
Phil Jagielka (Everton) - The Everton captain has been an important presence for his club and country. He is actually Polish. Considered an experience defender with Cahill after John Terry and Rio Ferdinand were retired.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkOsP4aQKIQ
Glen Johnson (Liverpool) - At one time brilliant in attack, Johnson's goals and assists seemed to have dried up. Defensively, can be a liability as he forays forward leaving gaps behind with poor recovery. May be better to put Phil Jones at right-back.
Phil Jones (Man Utd) - Man Utd failed to take off this campaign so will he be inspired? Essentially, a handy man who can play in a few positions. Sir Bobby Charlton said he evoked memories of Duncan Edwards. Fabio Capello compared him to Franco Baresi. Sir Alex said that he could arguably be Man Utd's best ever player. Jones is known for his physical attributes. He could operate as a right-back, centre-back or defensive midfielder. He is only just 22. This is the stage to show it. He must be ready for the next World Cup.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQLPxVDtZSo
Goalkeepers
Joe Hart (Man City) - Without doubt, England's best. Suspect at times with crosses but other than that on his day a top goalie. When he plays with confidence, quite unbeatable but he must stamp his class in the penalty box. Brave and usually brimming with confidence and fearlessness. Back to his best with Man City this season. Must stamp his authority in the six-yard box with his physical presence and 6ft. 4 ins. frame. Was Premier League Golden Glove Award winner for three years in 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlU95hyWmew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeN_LHVwugk
Fraser Forster (Celtic) - At least he has been playing in the Champions' League. The experience would be useful. He held the Scottish league record of 1,256 minutes without conceding a goal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdOs518XzJ8
Ben Foster (WBA) - Despite playing for a club that almost got relegated, has performed well to be selected.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocf4rg0GVQk
Defenders
Leighton Baines (Everton) - He once played for Wigan and would have been an England regular if not for Ashley Cole. No argument here as he has been the best left back in the EPL for a few seasons now. Defensively sound, useful with corner kicks and deadly at set piece free-kicks. A good option with that cultured left foot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1RYnTrmmdY
Gary Hill (Chelsea) - One of the reasons why Chelsea has the best defensive record in the EPL. Can be outstanding at times. Was named in the PFA team of the year in the just concluded EPL season. Can score important goals. Strong in the air with his 6ft. 4ins. frame.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNhyCSU0psk
Phil Jagielka (Everton) - The Everton captain has been an important presence for his club and country. He is actually Polish. Considered an experience defender with Cahill after John Terry and Rio Ferdinand were retired.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkOsP4aQKIQ
Glen Johnson (Liverpool) - At one time brilliant in attack, Johnson's goals and assists seemed to have dried up. Defensively, can be a liability as he forays forward leaving gaps behind with poor recovery. May be better to put Phil Jones at right-back.
Phil Jones (Man Utd) - Man Utd failed to take off this campaign so will he be inspired? Essentially, a handy man who can play in a few positions. Sir Bobby Charlton said he evoked memories of Duncan Edwards. Fabio Capello compared him to Franco Baresi. Sir Alex said that he could arguably be Man Utd's best ever player. Jones is known for his physical attributes. He could operate as a right-back, centre-back or defensive midfielder. He is only just 22. This is the stage to show it. He must be ready for the next World Cup.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQLPxVDtZSo
Luke Shaw (Southampton) - You will be shocked to know that he is only 18 but plays like a seasoned pro. Bringing him was a good decision instead of Ashley Cole. Make no mistake, Cole has been one of the world's best left-back for some years and also England's most consistent performer but for the season just ended he featured only 14 times. Shaw seemed unfazed even playing against the best and was really good throughout the season. Real Madrid, Chelsea, Man Utd were all interested and Utd has just put a 27m pounds bid for him. Another future prospect to shine at the next World Cup.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RReG8O5cnI
Chris Smalling (Man Utd) - Utd had a bad season and their defence was in shambles. Smalling was not bad but he is not great. His selection has shown a lack of depth in the England team. I did not picked him. I thought that John Terry could have joined the ranks of Gerrard, Lampard in the old men's brigade as he actually had a great season for Chelsea. We may not like Terry for some reasons but he just had a great season for Chelsea.
Midfielders
Ross Barkley (Everton) - Certainly glad he has been selected. Only 20, another one of the youth brigade that have taken the EPL by storm. Fearless, powerful, brimming with confidence with an eye for goal. Barkley has potential to be a great player. A future great if he keeps his head and steer clear of injury.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F60r5o4hI3g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5mRICkII-U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m94yPKkVvU8
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) - This is his last World Cup. His slip aside against Chelsea, Gerrard had a great season playing in a new role that should see him continue for England. Everyone knew the game and range of the England Captain. At 33, it would be a swansong. As Captain, he can inspire the team. He is already a legend. Remember Liverpool's last European glory?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3offv9FL79Y
Jordan Henderson (Liverpool) - He became that solid player this season. Playing ahead of Gerrard for Liverpool, Henderson was a key player for Liverpool and his absence due to suspension resulted in some poorer results for his club. He was the legs for Gerrard and played with such intensity. Will all the Liverpool players linked up in this new England set up? He is certainly one of the most improved. His work made all around him looked good. Play him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFXcJiGcSD0
Adam Lallana - He is tactically a very sound player who has a rare commodity - he is two-footed. He is very capable of keeping possession, is creative and astute with a keen mind to provide and assist or to score a goal. Lallana looks likely yo join Liverpool soon. Has a very bright future but noticed that he has often been substituted even he is the Southampton Captain. Tactical? Stamina? Drifting away in games? Or simply keeping him for the next match?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHWhEltL6iI
Frank Lampard (Chelsea) - An old war horse midfielder who scored more than 20 goals in a season for Chelsea in the past. Has all the experience at the highest level. May not feature in the first team this World Cup but he may be needed at certain time during a game for tactical reasons. In his prime, Europe has no peers in a free scoring midfielder. He shoots with both feet and always kisses his jersey badge when he scores. Love it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPwdH_t4DTA
James Milner (Man City) - A utility player that Man City use effectively. Players like Milner are a manager's dream. Hard working, methodical and versatile. Milner has been pretty good whenever he comes on for Man City. Can be a good crosser. In the World Cup, you need multi-purpose players like Milner. Like a Swiss Army knife.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RReG8O5cnI
Chris Smalling (Man Utd) - Utd had a bad season and their defence was in shambles. Smalling was not bad but he is not great. His selection has shown a lack of depth in the England team. I did not picked him. I thought that John Terry could have joined the ranks of Gerrard, Lampard in the old men's brigade as he actually had a great season for Chelsea. We may not like Terry for some reasons but he just had a great season for Chelsea.
Midfielders
Ross Barkley (Everton) - Certainly glad he has been selected. Only 20, another one of the youth brigade that have taken the EPL by storm. Fearless, powerful, brimming with confidence with an eye for goal. Barkley has potential to be a great player. A future great if he keeps his head and steer clear of injury.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F60r5o4hI3g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5mRICkII-U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m94yPKkVvU8
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) - This is his last World Cup. His slip aside against Chelsea, Gerrard had a great season playing in a new role that should see him continue for England. Everyone knew the game and range of the England Captain. At 33, it would be a swansong. As Captain, he can inspire the team. He is already a legend. Remember Liverpool's last European glory?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3offv9FL79Y
Jordan Henderson (Liverpool) - He became that solid player this season. Playing ahead of Gerrard for Liverpool, Henderson was a key player for Liverpool and his absence due to suspension resulted in some poorer results for his club. He was the legs for Gerrard and played with such intensity. Will all the Liverpool players linked up in this new England set up? He is certainly one of the most improved. His work made all around him looked good. Play him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFXcJiGcSD0
Adam Lallana - He is tactically a very sound player who has a rare commodity - he is two-footed. He is very capable of keeping possession, is creative and astute with a keen mind to provide and assist or to score a goal. Lallana looks likely yo join Liverpool soon. Has a very bright future but noticed that he has often been substituted even he is the Southampton Captain. Tactical? Stamina? Drifting away in games? Or simply keeping him for the next match?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHWhEltL6iI
Frank Lampard (Chelsea) - An old war horse midfielder who scored more than 20 goals in a season for Chelsea in the past. Has all the experience at the highest level. May not feature in the first team this World Cup but he may be needed at certain time during a game for tactical reasons. In his prime, Europe has no peers in a free scoring midfielder. He shoots with both feet and always kisses his jersey badge when he scores. Love it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPwdH_t4DTA
James Milner (Man City) - A utility player that Man City use effectively. Players like Milner are a manager's dream. Hard working, methodical and versatile. Milner has been pretty good whenever he comes on for Man City. Can be a good crosser. In the World Cup, you need multi-purpose players like Milner. Like a Swiss Army knife.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal) - Known as the Ox, he is the son of former England and Stoke winger Mark Chamberlain. He is another Southampton product before Arsenal signed him. He is fearless, pacy and quick on the turn. A star when he featured for the England Under-21. A bright future awaits him for he is only 20. Watch that zig-zag run he made against Bayern Munich, they could not contain him:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIziC5nuNUk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Rl9FOBEL_0
Raheem Sterling (Liverpool) - Michael Owen took the World Cup by storm when he scored that wonder goal against Argentina. Sterling at 19, could do the same and make a real impact for England if given his chance to play. He showed how good he was during the season just ended. He is so fast with his turning and pace, he leaves opponents chasing shadows or their legs in knots. Brendan Rodgers will nurture him into a big star.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws61f6RM_YQ
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) - Wilshere reminds me of former Arsenal great Liam Brady who similarly has a cultured left foot. If he could realize his potential, he could be like Paul Scholes for England. Somehow, he has been injured too often. Is he ready for the World Cup after missing quite some games for Arsenal?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOe3CEhxZfA
Forwards
Rickie Lambert (Southampton) - Lambert is no spring chicken. He is a late starter for England but he is composed, intelligent and quite meticulous. He scores with his head and his feet and is also brilliant in free-kick set piece situation. He has no peers in the art of penalty taking. I would bring him to Brazil on that plane just to take a spot kick for England. He took 34 penalties and scored all of them!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIziC5nuNUk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Rl9FOBEL_0
Raheem Sterling (Liverpool) - Michael Owen took the World Cup by storm when he scored that wonder goal against Argentina. Sterling at 19, could do the same and make a real impact for England if given his chance to play. He showed how good he was during the season just ended. He is so fast with his turning and pace, he leaves opponents chasing shadows or their legs in knots. Brendan Rodgers will nurture him into a big star.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws61f6RM_YQ
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) - Wilshere reminds me of former Arsenal great Liam Brady who similarly has a cultured left foot. If he could realize his potential, he could be like Paul Scholes for England. Somehow, he has been injured too often. Is he ready for the World Cup after missing quite some games for Arsenal?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOe3CEhxZfA
Forwards
Rickie Lambert (Southampton) - Lambert is no spring chicken. He is a late starter for England but he is composed, intelligent and quite meticulous. He scores with his head and his feet and is also brilliant in free-kick set piece situation. He has no peers in the art of penalty taking. I would bring him to Brazil on that plane just to take a spot kick for England. He took 34 penalties and scored all of them!
Wayne Rooney - As an 18 year-old teenager, Rooney announced to the world his arrival by taking Euro 2004 by storm with his sheer power, fearlessness and skill with four goals. That was his one and only great tournament. Now 28, he has never scored in the World Cup after eight matches though he has 38 goals for England. He has never performed at international level when it mattered. Rooney for my money is no longer and should no longer be the main man.
Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool) - Liverpool's gain was Chelsea's loss. He banged in more than 20 goals for Liverpool and displayed what he could do in an amazing way. Only 24, he can only get better. This is why no one should suffocate talents and people should always be given opportunities or find their own. Sturridge gives Liverpool and England realistic hope. He must lead the attack with his technique, pace and quickness. He could both drop between lines or pull wide in attack. That is versatility.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs7WG4A3zx4
Danny Welbeck (Man Utd) - Welbeck is strong, quick and good in the air. His role model is Thierry Henry but somewhat reminds me of Kanu and Adebayor. He has intelligence and pace but has not been the main man at Man Utd.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwz3VGuehnM
For England to come together in such a short time, it may be useful for Hodson to use more of the Liverpool players who just had a great season. He may even choose a 4-2-3-1.
Joe Hart will definitely start at goal. Better to play Phil Jones at right-back than Glen Johnson. Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka are the centre-backs with Leighton Baines at left-back.
England could do well to play two defensive midfielders. So it is Gerrard with Henderson or Jack Wishere. On the offensive from midfield there are Adam Lallana, Alex Chamberlain and Raheem Sterling (unfortunately Theo Walcott is injured). Chamberlain could be brought in later as a substitute. Or even Rooney can play a withdrawn role. Sturridge can lead the forward line. Pair him with Sterling or well Rooney.
Costa Rica is unknown quality and can surprise but should be overcome. Uruguay as Latin teams go are tricky especially strong in attack with Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez. Italy are well possibly the toughest. It depends on how England start in their opener. The World Cup is going to start really soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs7WG4A3zx4
Danny Welbeck (Man Utd) - Welbeck is strong, quick and good in the air. His role model is Thierry Henry but somewhat reminds me of Kanu and Adebayor. He has intelligence and pace but has not been the main man at Man Utd.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwz3VGuehnM
For England to come together in such a short time, it may be useful for Hodson to use more of the Liverpool players who just had a great season. He may even choose a 4-2-3-1.
Joe Hart will definitely start at goal. Better to play Phil Jones at right-back than Glen Johnson. Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka are the centre-backs with Leighton Baines at left-back.
England could do well to play two defensive midfielders. So it is Gerrard with Henderson or Jack Wishere. On the offensive from midfield there are Adam Lallana, Alex Chamberlain and Raheem Sterling (unfortunately Theo Walcott is injured). Chamberlain could be brought in later as a substitute. Or even Rooney can play a withdrawn role. Sturridge can lead the forward line. Pair him with Sterling or well Rooney.
Costa Rica is unknown quality and can surprise but should be overcome. Uruguay as Latin teams go are tricky especially strong in attack with Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez. Italy are well possibly the toughest. It depends on how England start in their opener. The World Cup is going to start really soon.
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