England National Team: Picking the World Cup Squad and XI for the Three Lions
With the World Cup kicking off in barely over a month, and England boss Roy Hodgson set to announce his 23-man squad next Monday, there has been much speculation over who should make the trip to Brazil.
While experience is necessary in a squad, many of England's top players at the moment are up-and-comers, and Hodgson has said he is not afraid to leave out big names in his squad (BBC Sport).
Ultimately, Hodgson needs simply to pick the best players England have to offer—regardless of age—and the following squad would do that.
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Goalkeepers
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Joe Hart, Manchester City: This one is an easy choice for Roy Hodgson. The 27 year-old has returned to form since being dropped by Manuel Pelligrini earlier in the season and remains a choice England fans can feel good about.
Fraser Forster, Celtic: Out of the public eye of England media members and supporters, as he plays in Scotland, Forster has quietly developed as a strong shot-stopping presence in goal, amassing 20 clean sheets in SPFL play this season. Get him a plane ticket.
Ben Foster, West Bromwich Albion: If he goes to Brazil, he'll likely be the third-choice goalie and will not see the field. However, he's had a nice year, saving 65 of 98 shots on target, and offers a bit more experience at the international level than fellow countryman John Ruddy.
Defenders
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Leighton Baines, Everton: The left-back is a vital part of a stingy Everton back line and adds a threat going forward, with five goals and four assists this season for the Toffees.
Phil Jagielka, Everton: Baines' teammate is also a good bet to make the trip to Brazil. Though few would regard him as world class, he is strong, disciplined and a fine passer, hitting 87 percent of his attempts this season (Squawka).
Glen Johnson, Liverpool: Though he is sometimes subject to an erratic performance, Johnson offers strength and speed down the right side of defence, getting forward fairly well. He has started the last two major tournaments and should be expected to follow suit this time around.
Phil Jones, Manchester United: Jones hasn't had a great season but makes the squad due to his versatility. He can play at right-back, centre-back or even as a centre-half.
Luke Shaw, Southampton: The 18-year-old has had a blistering campaign for the Saints, looking experienced and poised going forward and tracking back. Can Hodgson really leave one of the PFA team of the year members out of his squad?
Gary Cahill, Chelsea: A dependable, safe pick at any time, Cahill will blow no one away but rarely disappoints either. He has been a steady force in aiding Jose Mourinho to park the bus and concede a league-best 26 goals.
Chris Smalling, Manchester United: Like his teammate Phil Jones, Smalling makes the team more because of a need for defenders than a superb showing this season. He'll offer depth in the centre of defence and pose as a potential aerial threat if his number is called.
Kyle Walker, Tottenham Hotspur: Walker, now 23, has developed into a respectable player over the past couple seasons and will likely be asked simply to back up Glen Johnson. Without an appearance since March, however, Jon Flanagan could be nipping at his heels (Mirror).
Midfielders
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Ross Barkley, Everton: The surging midfielder hasn't been terribly consistent—not a huge shocker from a 20-year-old—but has had flashes of brilliance that merit a squad place for England. He has six goals this season and carries a lethal combination of strength and pace, able to bulldoze his way through the centre of the park.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arsenal: He was handed a surprisingly big role at Euro 2012, but few would argue with a more experienced and more polished "Ox" being given some playing time at Brazil 2014. He has thrived in both defensive midfield and on the wing when fit for Arsenal.
Steven Gerrard, Liverpool: England's captain has been enjoying a resurgent season in his regista role for his boyhood club. He will look to continue his accurate passing, and provide leadership this summer.
Jordan Henderson, Liverpool: Though no credit should be taken away from Gerrard, it would be hard to argue that he'd be enjoying the same type of season without Henderson sitting in front of him. While Gerrard has sat back in front of the defence, Henderson has had to be the more complete midfielder, helping to spearhead the attack and also doing the dirty work at the back. With a fairly unnoticed four goals and seven assists, he has been an unsung hero for his club.
Adam Lallana, Southampton: Lallana has been superb for Southampton, amassing nine goals and six assists, and looking like a world-class attacker in the process. While his employment at a small club hasn't necessarily helped him to gain recognition, he announced himself to the world in England's friendly vs. Denmark, assisting Daniel Sturridge and looking extremely lively on the flank.
James Milner, Manchester City: The butt of jokes for many fans, Milner is in reality a decent player capable of playing in a variety of positions. His nine assists in all competitions for City show his passing ability, and his strength is an attractive option should Roy Hodgson be looking for a defensively disciplined player.
Jack Wilshere, Arsenal: A truly enigmatic player, Wilshere has bundles of talent but still isn't fully developed yet at the age of 22. Nevertheless, he is a gritty player in the centre of the park with good passing vision as well. His superior agility and defensive ability to Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick set him apart from the veterans.
Raheem Sterling, Liverpool: After looking like another lost prodigy at the beginning of the season, Sterling has turned it around in a massive way, rewarding Brendan Rodgers' trust in him. He has looked absolutely fearsome in attack, with darting runs and pinpoint finishing, and has also looked capable in defence. His goals against Manchester City and Arsenal alike show he is ready for the big stage.
Forwards
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Wayne Rooney, Manchester United: The Englishman has 19 goals this season and is an undeniable talent. He's had a couple of uninspiring performances but is simply too good to leave home and is a leader on the England team. Roy Hodgson will be praying he shows up.
Danny Welbeck, Manchester United: A pure athletic specimen, Danny Welbeck's pace and strength make him a problem for defences to deal with. He can play in a wide position or his natural central striker role where he has played the best and scored the most goals (5) this season, via WhoScored.
Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool: After being played out of position at Chelsea and sold to Liverpool for £12m, the London-based club probably thought they were getting a good deal of money for an average player. Over the past 18 months, however, Sturridge has impressed heavily, scoring 35 goals in all competitions for the Reds. His finishing ability, strength and footwork have helped Liverpool climb up the EPL table and put him firmly on Roy Hodgson's radar.
Rickie Lambert, Southampton: Lambert is a tidy finisher and passer, providing a unique combination of strength and creativity. His 10 EPL assists—behind only Gerrard and Luis Suarez—should see him welcomed into the England squad.
Final Squad and Starting XI
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Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, Ben Foster
Defenders: Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw, Gary Cahill, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Ross Barkley, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, James Milner, Jack Wilshere, Raheem Sterling
Forwards: Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Daniel Sturridge, Rickie Lambert
Link to starting XI: http://lineupbuilder.com/?sk=2p1p
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