England Finals World Cup Squad Prediction

Predicted first XI in italics .

Goalkeepers

Green , James, Hart

Green did his cause the power of good against Mexico; the other two are probably now behind him in the pecking order.

Hart lacks experience at this level and James is due a calamity game.

In fact, I say put the Portsmouth keeper in against Japan and watch the color drain out of the faces of England’s defenders. Then we’ll know James is along for the ride.

Defenders

Terry , Ferdinand , Ashley Cole , Glen Johnson , Carragher, King, Upson

King looked vulnerable at times against Mexico and there must still be doubts about his ability to play a run of games if injury deprives England of Terry or Ferdinand.

I genuinely worry about Glen Johnson’s positional sense. Put him in midfield where he can run at defenders, not look as if he’s on the verge of some almighty cock-up.

The rest are experienced veterans. 

Midfielders

Gerrard , Lampard , Milner , Barry , Lennon , Walcott, Adam Johnson, Joe Cole

Speed, hard work, drive, guile, experience and youthful exuberance: this is a great combination of players who have significant tournament experience and those who, if called on, can make an "impact."

Strikers

Rooney , Crouch, Heskey, Defoe, Bent

The only one I am still concerned about is Heskey. The rest scored goals for fun all season.

Let’s see how close this is to the final 23 announced by June 1.