World Cup 2014: An England XI To Bring Home the Trophy

Of course, living in England it is pretty hard to get motivated behind this idea. Too many times our hearts have been broken on foreign pitches by a team that, on paper at least, looked like potential world champions.

Every four years, we send off a group of players in a manner befitting a squadron of gods. For the brief period between the close of a domestic season and the start of the major tournaments, club allegiances are forgotten and once again Team England is in force once again.

What often seems like a lifetime later, we receive back on our shores the same group of men, yet the ethereal glow that previously surrounded them has somewhat teetered out. The only glow seen here is that which engulfs a burning effigy of some poor, fallen hero.

The entire thing is becoming something of a ritual, but for journalistic purposes let us assume that all external forces will not be at play in 2014 and the only determining factors in the final outcome are football-related. With that in mind, let's proceed and see what we think could be a world-beating XI in three years.

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart

No surprises here. After a generation of promising keepers including Ben Foster, Scott Carson and Paul Robinson, it looks like the Man City stopper may be the real deal. In three years time he should have a wealth of top-level domestic, continental and international football behind him which can only be a good thing.

Left-Back: Ashley Cole

Not everyone's cup of tea, I know. Far from being mine, too. In 2014 Ashley Cole will be 33 years old but as a classy and remarkably athletic player, I'm fairly confident he will still be keeping Leighton Baines from taking his spot.

Hugely experienced at club and international level, and hopefully his personal stuff (a certain preference for hairdressers, etc.) won't be an issue in three years.

Centre-Back: Phil Jones

An impressive first full season in the top flight with Blackburn saw Jones nab a lucrative transfer to the English champions and in his first few games, he hasn't looked a bit out of place. Calm, collected and clearly a student of the game, this intelligent defender will be a lot more experienced in 2014 and looks already like a future captain.

Centre-Back: Chris Smalling

Playing for Maidstone FC only four years ago, Smalling's rise to the top has been a rapid one. The oddest aspect is that he looks the seasoned professional both at centre-back (his preferred position) as well as at right-back. Sir Alex clearly has a lot of faith in the boy and it's becoming evident why.

By 2014, fully expect to see Smalling and Jones marshaling the back line for both club and country.

Right-Back: Micah Richards

We've been waiting a long time to see Micah Richards achieve his full potential. He burst onto the scene as an impossibly built teenager and while he has maintained a fairly regular spot in the City side, his international career has not blossomed quite as some thought it would.

With Man City now challenging on a domestic and European front, Richards should gain the big-game experience to bring out the best of his talents.

Left-Wing: Ashley Young

This is getting a little bit too Manchester-based, but what can one do? There is no questioning the start of Young's career at his new club. In a few short months, he has made the kind of progress that some of us thought would take him at least a whole season. Young has assimilated into the champions' lineup with consummate ease and that's a daunting thought for defenders across the country.

2014 will hopefully see him executing those pacy runs down the wing and providing great service to the front.

Centre-Midfield: Jack Wilshere

Finally, we leave Manchester. Heading down to the capital we find what has to be one of the most exciting prospects to come out of England for a long while. Wilshere's style of play illustrates the influence that one Cesc Fabregas has had on him. A wonderful vision for passes, great composure and a level head.

Looks to be one of world football's elite youngsters and in 2014 he should be a genuine game-changer.

Centre-Midfield: Tom Cleverly

This may sound like an odd choice to many but, following a great season on loan at Wigan and then a return to Manchester which has seen him form a great partnership in the centre of the park with Anderson, Cleverly looks like a very good prospect. Ferguson has a lot of faith in the youngster, as well as what seems like justification.

If he continues this way, and plays a bigger role in the Red Devils side over the next few years, 2014 may see him take his place on the world scene.

Right-Wing: Theo Walcott

I have to admit I have been hugely frustrated by this character over the years but his improvement has been undeniable. Adding goals and an end product to his explosive pace, he could now develop into a genuine world-class player.

If Arsene Wenger uses him properly and adds to his supporting cast, Walcott could help turn the fortunes of both his club and country.

Striker: Andy Carroll

Another potential frustration, Andy Carroll could have the world at his feet if he decide he wants to dedicate himself to the game. The most expensive English footballer, Liverpool obviously recognised the immense talent he possesses and in my opinion Kenny Dalglish will be the one to bring out the best in him.

Three years of playing for what should be an improving Liverpool side will see him bring his game on and hopefully form a strong presence in the box of any opposition.

Striker: Wayne Rooney

Lets face it: He's one of the world's finest players. Love him or hate him, Wayne Rooney is a football force and his all-around presence on a pitch can change games. He tracks back to defend, he sprays passes all over the field and his eye for goal appears this season to be sharper than ever.

He is maturing every year and that bodes well for 2014, when he will be 28 and in the peak of his powers. Let's hope he can have the tournament we all know he is capable of.

The Best of the Rest

There are, of course, other players who will be in and around the England setup in 2014 who have not been mentioned. Some are already in the side now and will be approaching the ends of their careers by the next World Cup; others are potential talents who may just have made big enough strides to cement a place on the plane. They include:

Steven Gerrard

Frank Lampard

Aaron Lennon

Kyle Naughton

Jermain Defoe

Gary Cahill

Leighton Baines

Jack Rodwell

The list could go on for a while but given all the right input, this side could really do something special in 2014. However, debate is the best part of sport so let's have your opinions!