Premiership Predictions 2011/2012

So, having been away sailing the seven seas, spending more time suspended in front of the television kept in suspense by the occasional slam dunk or skating sensation rather than a bit of silky skill, I have finally returned to assess the starting situation for Premiership teams participating in the greatest sport in the world – soccer. Sorry, I mean football.

Arsenal appear to be in a similar position as they were at the start of last season. Fabregas is still being hankered after by Barcelona, only this time Wenger seems resigned to the fact that his club captain may need to be pushed out of the door for the good of the club. The only signing of any significance is a striker from Ligue 1 in France. If Gervinho becomes another Chamakh then the Ivory Coast player may find himself facing the game from the bench for prolonged periods.

Wenger has spent the rest of summer pruning an already thin squad. Clichy and Denilson will both not be wearing an Arsenal shirt next season whilst many other fringe players have been discarded. Nasri may be convinced to stay but Wilshere is now insisting cash be spent. Yet with offers for Phil Jagielka being rejected and new big shots Spurs in the hunt to snatch Valencia’s Mata from the Gunner’s grasps, life is not looking all that rosy for the London outfit.

Aston Villa finished a disappointing 9th last season. It had been a tough year which ended with manager Gerard Houllier departing due to ill health. However, the new season has brought fresh life to Villa Park, snatching Alex McLeish from their dearest rivals to lead the charge. The Glaswegian has been exceptionally busy in the transfer market reshaping the squad with a departing eight that included first team regulars Brad Friedel (free), John Carew (released), Nigel Reo-Coker (free), Ashley Young (£16mill) and Stewart Downing (£20mill).

The loss of Downing and Young is evidentially a huge blow but then again Villa received a huge price for the pair. A small £9.5million of that money has been gambled on the magical feet yet somewhat erratic head of French winger Charles N’Zogbia. Everyone knows he is a class act it is just a case of whether he can produce more moments of magic than madness for the villans. The capture of out of favour Shay Given for a mere £3.5 may prove vital in their bid to reclaim a European spot.

Since the extraordinary sacking of Sam Allardyce last December Blackburn Rovers has been tantalisingly close to the relegation zone. Steve Kean failed to reach the new Indian owners expectation of silverware and with the first game of the season approaching rapidly does not look like he will even provide hope of such unrealistic ambitions. Instead, Kean has seen the departure of talented young centre-back Phil Jones whilst allowing one of the few players who could create magic in the side, striker Nico Kalinic, become disinterested in the club.

Kalinic’s eminent departure from Ewood Park will create space for the arrival of David Goodwillie from Dundee United who will be looked upon to score the majority of the goals. The Scottish striker will no doubt play alongside a re-signed Benjani who scored a whopping 3 times in the Premier League last season. The Lancashire club are also close to signing Serbian midfielder Radosav Petrovic. Yet, with Steve Kean suggesting that India may source an oasis of talented footballers that he would be daft not to look into, I suspect this may be a challenging year for the Rovers faithful.

Owen Coyle had a decent first season with Bolton Wanderers finishing a comfortable 14th. Once more Coyle has raided his previous club Burnley in order to strengthen his squad. Tyrone Mears and Chris Eagles have both made the switch to rejoin their former manager. The only surprise is that Eagles was not snatched up sooner. Nigel Reo-Coker has also been brought into the side to add experience to a well-rounded squad.

Slightly worrying is the departure of on-loan dynamo Daniel Sturridge, who has retuned back to his father club Chelsea. Matt Taylor, Ali Al Habsi, J Lloyd Samuel and Johan Elmander have also parted company with the Trotters. And with creative winger Lee Chung-yong breaking his leg in a friendly this week Coyle may be looking to do some last minute deals to add more sustenance to a side that should once more be comfortable with a low mid-table finish.

Chelsea have reverted to a Mourinho-esk management outfit by employing young 33-year-old Andre Villas-Boas from none other than Porto in order to overcome the atrocity that Carlo Ancelotti provided in only achieving second in the league table last season. Villas-Boas in fact was chief opposition scout for Chelsea in the Mourinho era, moving to Inter when the man himself was taken to Serie A before becoming Porto manager after a successful stint at Academica.

Youth and the future appear to be main priorities for Villas-Boas who inherited one of the oldest squads in the league, one which many have been saying for a few years now needs rejuvenating. Villas-Boas clearly believes this goes for the management too, bringing club legend and highly successful young manager in his own right, Roberto Di Matteo alongside to assist in management duties.

Chelsea have brought in a couple of new players - Lucas Piazon and Thibaud Courtois – and are still keen to purchase Luka Modric but apparently it is the clubs teenagers that are going to be given a rare opportunity to jump up a level. So expect to see the likes of 18-year-old midfielder Josh McEachran, 16-year-old centre back Nathaniel Chalobah and 17-year-old goalkeeper Jamal Blackman gracing your screen. With the aid of a returning Daniel Sturridge from on loan maybe this could be an exciting new era for the Blues.

Everton once more defied all odds to finish a very respectable 7th place last year. Injuries had once more hampered the start of the campaign for David Moyes’ men but once they were all fit a steady rise up the table commenced. The Toffee’s consistently lack a transfer budget resulting in an embarrassing outbidding from Leeds United for ex-Preston goalkeeper Lonergan – he went for £150,000.

Unsurprisingly therefore Everton have been somewhat quiet in the transfer market with Eric Dier the only addition so far and even he came in on loan. Sylvain Distin believes a couple more players need to be added to strengthen the squad; it is just unclear where these players will come from. Keeping influential centre-half Phil Jagielka away from Arsenal is an absolute must. Yet, even with all the hurdles it is nothing Moyes and his side have not cleared before so expect another solid season that will probably see them in a similar position to where they are now.

Fulham had another competent season under the leadership of Mark Hughes. The Welsh ex-international had a hard task to follow after his predecessor, Roy Hodgson, had performed so well with the London outfit. However, 8th in the Premier League was clearly not enough for Sparky who resigned making way for the return to English football for popular Dutchmen Martin Jol.

One of Jol’s first moves has been to bring John Arne Riise back to the Premier League. The Norwegian’s decision to join The Cottagers may have been made simpler due to the fact his brother Bjorn Helga Riise also plays for them. Jol’s other signing, 19-year-old Pajtim Kasami, should add energy to the heart of the midfield. Whether the young Swiss player can help retain Fulham’s high Premier League finish after the departure of Jonathan Greening, Zoltan Gera, Eddie Johnson, Diomansy Kamara, Kagisho Dikgacoi and John Paintsil is yet to be seen.

There is no hiding it, King Kenny came and conquered, revitalising a dejected Anfield side in a season that witnessed far too many atrocious performances under Roy Hodgson. An underperforming Torres made way for one of the most exciting partnerships the Premier League has ever witnessed, Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez. The only question now was how Liverpool was going to create opportunities for these formidable front-men to dispatch. Cue midfield spending spree.

English midfielder Stuart Downing can whip balls in from the left wing or control games in the middle, creating and finishing off attacking moves. 21-year-old Jordan Henderson arrives from Sunderland having raised eyebrows from all the top English clubs, receiving his first international call up in November. He also can play out on the wing, this time the right, but if otherwise needed, can adapt his game for a central role. If all else fails Charlie Adam has also been purchased. Gerrard may be injured at the start of the season but Liverpool no longer rely solely on their talisman it seems. Expect a serious title challenge this year from an attacking, hardworking outfit.

Manchester City achieved what they threatened to do and broke into the elusive top three last year. Mancini’s money has paid dividends in creating a formidable squad full of international superstars none of whom want to be there. Influential club captain Carlos Tevez wants out and now trouble maker Balotelli says he does not like the city. It begs to wonder how United’s side of Manchester is so appealing. It appears you cannot buy a legacy.

To compensate this therefore City have bought what they can buy, players. Gael Clichy comes in from Arsenal amidst mockery that he has never seen a tackle before in a training environment. Sergio Aguero has also arrived from Atletico Madrid with the 23-year-old striker stating his love for both City and the city. I wonder how long it will be before this Argentinean wants out?

Aguero will be looking to score goals this season but one already heated battle may become more intriguing as fierce rivals, Manchester United, replaced retired ex-keeper Edwin van der Sar, with Aguero’s ex-Atletico teammate David de Gea. The 20-year-old is another exceptionally talented Spanish goalkeeper and could make Manchester his home for a prolonged period after arriving so young. Other new arrivals include centre-half Phil Jones and winger Ashley Young.

Sir Alex Ferguson would clearly be delighted if the Red Devils can retain the Premier League title. Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar – both retired – will be a huge loss and outgoing men, Wes Brown and John O'Shea, were good utility players however looking at who has arrived at Old Trafford one can only assume that this half of Manchester will be odds on favourites to be sitting pretty at the top of the table come May.

Newcastle are looking to consolidate their position in the top flight of English football after finishing a respectable 12th in their first season back in the Premier League. Alan Pardew is the current manager having replaced Chris Hughton back in December. The toon army are renowned for voicing their feelings on the lack of money owner Mike Ashley makes available to spend on players and this season shall be no different. Only £4.3million has so far been spent on Yohan Cabaye, with Sylvain Marveaux, Mehdi Abeid and Demba Ba all arriving on free transfers.

More ominous for the Magpies may be the exit of talisman Kevin Nolan to a Championship side and the departure of winger Wayne Routledge to newcomers Swansea. Now disruptive Joey Barton has been placed on the transfer list with an asking price of £0 and you have to begin to wonder which direction the black and white stripes are heading. Admittedly, Barton may not be the best player to have in the dressing room but on the pitch his aggression, energy and natural ability will be a loss hard to replace. Plus, it’s kind of fitting that he is in black and white stripes.

Carrow Road has been the setting for many a memorable moment in the Premiership’s relatively short lifespan, not all football related thanks to Delia Smith, and Norwich City have one more season to add to these memories. For relatively short lifespan may apply to their stay in the top flight. Paul Lambert has worked wonders for the East Anglian side, creating goal grabbing attacking dynamos in Grant Holt and Wes Hoolahan. Whether the pair can weigh in when it really matters is the question.

Lambert has brought in many new signings, mostly Championship or fringe players mind. Steve Morrison joins from Millwall after scoring an impressive 35 goals in 83 games for the Lions. James Vaughan has also been snatched up from Everton, with the Premier League’s youngest ever goalscorer failing to break into Moyes’ team on a regular basis. Ritchie De Laet (Man U) and Kyle Naughton (Spurs) – both on loan – should help sure up the defence. But with many new faces appearing at Norwich, can the team gel well enough to stand a fighting chance of surviving this league? I think not.

Trying to emulate last season by finishing above the Canaries is Queens Park Rangers. It has been 15 years since the side last stepped foot in the Premier League although many of their key figures have played here before. Manager Neil Warnock is certainly no newcomer. His feisty attitude should inspire his side to battle hard throughout the season. Keeper Paddy Kenny was part of Warnock’s Sheffield United side that brushed the Premier League, his experience and influence from the back will be vital.

Jay Bothroyd and Kieran Dyer have both been snapped up on free transfers to strengthen the squad. Bothroyd has failed to set the top flight alight before but his countless scoring for Cardiff City has created another opportunity. Dyer has also been floundering of late, but the ex-England international still has the ability to excite. DJ Campbell has also arrived from Blackpool having netted 13 times in the league last season for the Seasiders. All in all though, Warnock’s spirit is their best chance of survival. Adopt their manager’s attitude and QPR may sneak as high as 14th come May.

Stoke City have been somewhat inactive in the transfer market so far this summer. Tony Pulis appears either content with his squad or simply unable to acquire funds to bring in new players. Injury prone Jonathon Woodgate has been brought in for free on a “pay-as-you-play” basis, suiting both parties rather well. Other than that Abdoulaye Faye, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Ibrahima Sonko have all parted with the Trotters but that is about all.

Stoke finished 13th last season which was slightly disappointing for a side with so much physical presence. The Britannia Stadium crowd will no doubt be a weapon used to intimidate the opposite allowing the Trotters to pick up enough points at home to be easily above the relegation zone. If they can used their physical prowess away from home then a top ten finish could be realistic.

In stark contrast to their red and white striped matching army, Sunderland have been extremely pro-active in the summer months. The Black Cats were touted last season as an emerging side that could break into the top ten. Steve Bruce’s men succeeded, finishing in 10th position and will this year look to build on this solid performance. Jordan Henderson’s £16million price tag has provided capital that has been happily spent on a plethora of players.

Sebastian Larsson and Craig Gardner have been acquired from relegated Birmingham, whilst Wes Brown and John O'Shea have been drawn away from Bruce’s old boss with the prospect of weekly football. Ahmed Elmohamady has been made a permanent fixture of the side after being at the Stadium of Light on loan last season. Also Ji Dong-won and Keiren Westwood have been added to an expanding squad.

The bulk of Henderson’s money however has been spent on exciting young prodigy Connor Wickham. The 18-year-old striker arrives from Ipswich Town where he scored 13 times in 65 matches, which for a young striker who probably made a fair few substitute appearances is not an overly poor return. The Englishmen should play alongside Asamoah Gyan up front which could ignite a powerful partnership that many defences may struggle to contain.

Swansea City have become the first ever Welsh team to play in the top flight of English football since the creation of the Premier League in 1992. Their strong, organised defence has enabled them to win multiple points without scoring highly. Manager Brendan Rodgers is surely not confident enough to believe this strategy will withstand the might of the Premier League’s top firepower?

Danny Graham has therefore been bought from Watford, with the striker netting 27 times last season. Partnering Graham could be another new signing, premiership old boy, Leroy Lita. Winger Wayne Routledge will attempt to swing balls into the box having made the Liberty Stadium his home. New keeper Jose Moreira will be charged with the task of keeping scorelines to a minimum as on loan centre-back Steven Caulker arrives from Spurs to sure up a defence that is solid in the Championship but may well be exposed in the Premier League.

Spurs failed to retain their fourth spot finish from the previous season, finishing just out of a Champions League spot in 5th. However, their strength and depth of squad should enable another rally from Harry Redknapp’s men. The Londoners have been relatively quiet so far on the transfer front bringing in youngsters Souleymane Coulibaly and Cristian Ceballos, along with a back-up keeper in Brad Friedel. Yet, Redknapp is renowned for late swoops so Spurs fans should not be sweating just now.

One concern may be the increased interest from Chelsea for Croatian play-maker Luka Modric. Although, influential as the midfielder has been, Spurs probably have enough quality competition in the middle of the park from Huddlestone, Jenas, Pienaar, Palacious, Kranjcar and van der Vaart that will mean his absence goes unnoticed. If all else fails expect Redknapp’s interest in Valencia’s pacy left-wing Juan Mata to intensify. Although, knowing Tottenham, even if Modric fails to go, they will probably buy Mata anyway.

After becoming a dismal failure at Liverpool, Roy Hodgson produced his usual magic in the latter half of the season as manager at the Hawthorns – West Brom finished a remarkable 11th place. The few signings Hodgson has made suggests he wants to stay there. Quality shot-stopper Ben Foster has come in on loan from Birmingham and former club favourite Zoltan Gera has followed his former manager for the second time to create sparks down the other end of the field.

Also being linked with the Baggies is one of England’s best defensive midfielders. Whether Owen Hargreaves will sign is one issue, whether he can prove his fitness is another. However, if Hargreaves’ injury days are behind him then this could be quite a coup. Hodgson will be performing miracles if he can keep West Brom so high up the table, yet realistically, expect them to be nearer the relegation zone then mid-table safety for a prolonged period of the season.

Wigan is a club that has risen in meteoric proportions through the past 15 years. Their days in the fourth tier of English football appear to be behind them as they have become an established team in the Premier League. However, with a nail biting 16th place finish and with little change coming at the DW Stadium, this may well be another squeaky-bum year for Latic fans.

Roberto Martinez at times can get his players producing wonders (1-0 away at Spurs), yet on other occasions they are truly dismal (0-4 at home to Blackpool). If they remain inconsistent relegation beckons especially now that N’Zogbia has left for Villa. Hopefully some of the £9.5million can be spent on new blood but with players like Max Gradel intimating they would rather stay in the Championship with Leeds, who is going to move to Wigan?

Mick McCarthy’s men start with the biggest uphill climb as Wolves kick-off the season in 20th position. The midland team scraped through last year finishing just one place above the relegation zone in 17th, a feat they will be looking to emulate. Defender Roger Johnson has been brought in to sure up a questionable defence. With Jamie O’Hara providing new bite in the centre of the park.

Otherwise, Wolves will be relying on Steven Fletcher and Kevin Doyle to find the back of the net often enough to secure some points for the West Midlands team. Veteran Stephen Carr could be a possible target for McCarthy, with the Irish right-back now in the Championship having been relegated with Birmingham City. Whether Wolves can cling onto Premier League status will be an intriguing contest.

So, that is all 20 Premier League teams assessed, with still just under two weeks before the season commences. Although many of the overall positions these teams will be fighting for will probably not change within that period the next few days will be crucial in finding that one player who could make your club’s task that little bit easier. Either way though, we should be in for another real cracker!

Defensive Bombshell Kills Gunners

Some may say that Arsenal threw away the opportunity to claim their first piece of silverware since their 2005 FA Cup win due to an unbelievable defensive calamity between Szczesny and Koscenly. However, Birmingham utterly deserved their victory over the London side as they prevented Arsenal from dictating the match.

From the first minute Birmingham set out their intention when Zigic controlled the ball, in acres of space, and played in Lee Bowyer who got taken out by Szczesny. The Arsenal keeper was set to see red and a penalty was imminent only for the linesman to have incorrectly flag offside.

Despite Birmingham’s quick start, with Zigic especially getting a lot of joy in the air, Wilshere did impress in the middle of the park. Nasri then found Ashavin in the box, who superbly turned tightly in the box but could only fire at Ben Foster’s legs.
Birmingham’s defence did look susceptible from corners, failing to deal with two in concession however Djourou found the ball twice, yet failed to find the net on both occasions.

Nasri, Ashavin and Rosicky continued to torment the opposition defence however their neat footwork never materialised into a serious threat. In fact, most of the time it never even materialised into any threat as decision making and poor final passing let the gunners down.

On 27 minutes a poor pass by Sagna eventually resulted in a corner for Birmingham. The ball swung towards the penalty spot where Rodger Johnson headed the ball onto the six yard box where Zigic was waiting head and shoulders above a static Arsenal defence to nod the ball home sending the travelling fans into wild celebrations. The lead was well deserved and Arsenal had no plan to deal with the height of Zigic.
From the restart Sagna attempted to make amends firing a cross into Van Persie who went close with a stretched header that whistled past the top corner.

Zigic continued to cause havoc though. The striker knocked down to Garderner before the midfielder neatly put Zigic through one-on-one with Szczesny. However, the striker, albeit a major threat with his head, fails to inspire with his feet, kicking straight at the onrushing keeper.

By this time Arsenal’s defence was in self-destruct mode with Koscielny becoming the first player of the afternoon to find himself in Mike Dean’s book. A mistimed raised foot tackle on Lee Bowyer deservingly seeing yellow.

But in the flick of a switch, classic Arsenal. The Gunners broke from a Birmingham free-kick, finding Wilshere, who started the move deep in his own half, on the edge of the box. The nineteen year old fired a shot against the bar, only for the danger not to disappear as Nasri found Van Persie whose swivelled right-footed volley into the bottom left hand corner of the goal was a rare moment of genius.

The game continued to flow freely with Larsson becoming Birmingham’s first player in the book for verbal complaints. Arsenal’s attractive football created no danger, whilst Alex McLeish’s men kept flighting balls onto their tall centre-forward.

The end of an entertaining first half finally came to an end with Arsenal, despite seeing most of the ball, being extremely lucky to go into the dressing room on level terms. The Blues should have at least scored twice, and possibly should have returned in the second half with at least one more player on the field also.

However, the same set of players returned to fight out the first major piece of silverware of the new season with Arsenal starting the brighter. Rosicky laced a ball wide after another swift passing move as the Londoners began to turn passing into chances.

Sensing danger, McLeish bought on Beausejour to replace a disgruntled Craig Garderner only five minutes into the second half. The lifelong Birmingham fan looked less than pleased with his manager’s decision.

McLeish’s substitute nearly caused instant damage as in an increasingly scrappy game Beausejour battled for a ball up the pitch to set up Fahey, who on his second attempt, smacked the inside of the Arsenal post before watching the ball escape away across the face of the goal.

The game began to die down with the battle in the middle of the park becoming prominent. Ex-Birmingham loanee Nicklas Bendtner replaced an injured Van Persie with 20 minutes to go but did nothing to inspire confidence in the outlook changing.
Arsenal then began to apply pressure with Rosicky firing straight into Ben Foster’s body. Bendtner then wriggled free in the area only find the keeper’s hands in fine form.

Arshavin was then withdrawn for Chamakh in a bid by Wenger to win the game. The Morroccon was soon to set-up Rosicky but once more Foster was there to prevent a goal, before once more diving to palm away a Nasri shot. The Ex-Manchester United keeper won the Carling Cup in 2009 and today’s performance was just as inspiring.
Fahey was replaced by Obafemi Martins with 10 minutes left on the clock giving the strong Nigerian plenty of time to rattle the Arsenal defence, especially with 30 minutes of extra time looming.

His presence appeared to work, as out of nowhere, a long ball gets launched forward by Ben Foster with intended target Zigic flicking on once more. Szczesny came out to claim the ball as Koscielny swung a random leg at the ball before pulling out at the end. The muddle allowed the ball to bobble out to Martins who calmly placed the ball into the back of the empty goal to cause rapturous scenes among the blue half of Wembley with two minutes to play.

After 4 minutes of agonizing injury-time minutes, within which Zigic got a deserved standing ovation from the Birmingham fans when replaced by Jerome, the final whistle blew sending Birmingham players and fans alike into manic celebrations. Arsenal players in comparison fell to their knees in disappear, with Koscienly hiding his face in his shirt.

McLeish’s tactics thwarted an Arsenal side who never really got going with a resilient performance from Ben Foster coupled with the fray caused by Zigic’s height leading to a deserved victory, giving the side their first piece of silverware in 48 years.

Out with the Old and In with the New

Whilst watching another distinctly average European tie involving an English team in red, I began to question the future of English football. Manchester United last night looked to Paul Scholes to create a spark, whereas Liverpool without Steven Gerrard are just not all there. Both fantastic footballers, yet both are organising their pension plans. However, despite this the future of the English national side does not seem quite so bleak.

Liverpool’s right-back Martin Kelly has impressed this season. His willingness to maraud up the field is placated only by his lack of crossing ability. However, given time, which the twenty year old has, he will no doubt improve his final ball. As for his main responsibility, his defending, it is more than adequate. It certainly allows him to push England right-back Glen Johnson out of the Liverpool starting eleven.

For Manchester United Chris Smalling gave another resilient, composed performance, easily one of the best players on the park. His defensive drive enables him to commit to every challenge, whether on the ground or in the air, making him a solid rock that will surely find solace in the heart of an English defence. Although, his long balls are still a little wayward, leading commentators to suggest that when Rio is fit Ferdinand will relegate Smalling to the Manchester United bench, do not be surprised to see the situation soon reversed.

Smalling’s future defensive partner is slightly more ambiguous. Gary Cahill is still only twenty-five but Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross is potentially a more likely suspect. Both are solid, uninspiring contenders, but do you really want a flash centre-back? Martin Kelly could switch to a more central role, negating his runs completely, yet Spur’s Kyle Walker would be a fine replacement at right back.

Replacing Ashley Cole, despite what you may think of him, will be the hardest task. Cole has been consistently England’s best performer for a few years now and remains the world’s best left back. His Arsenal days seem a mere distant memory, but another product from the Arsenal youth academy, Kieran Gibbs, may eventually show his early promise and claim the England number 3 shirt. Though, he needs to push Gael Clichy out of the Arsenal team first.

For the first time in a long time England’s goalkeeper is a position not in doubt. Joe Hart could, and probably should, have had the number one shirt during the last World Cup. However, in a sport where players are playing longer, with keepers already having increased longevity, expect the Manchester City keeper to out see Qatar in 2022 and potentially play in one uncontroversial World Cup setting.

A plethora of young talent should keep England’s midfield ticking over nicely, despite the loss of icons Beckham, Gerrard and Lampard. At the tender age of 19 Jack Wilshere is already my first name on the England team sheet. His exemplary performances, most notably against the midfield passing dynamos of Barcelona, seat him even above his predecessors. His passing, awareness and movement is of the highest Arsenal quality, yet add to that traditional English grit and you find a near complete central midfielder.

Helping to pull the strings in the middle of the park could be one of two Manchester City players. James Milner, although a little older than the rest of the team at the age of twenty-five, adds international experience and leadership. The other option could be to move Adam Johnson into a central attacking role. His pace, agility and natural willingness to cut inside when on the wing means that he could be perfectly suited to provide the magic required when stuck in a dogged, crowded midfield.

If Johnson is not in the middle, he will no doubt express his ability on the right of midfield. However, his repositioning should create a space for a whippet. Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott have similar attributes, therefore putting them at a constant battle for the coveted number seven shirt. Whoever can gain composure in the final third of the pitch will no doubt get the nod.

Left of the midfield three is Stuart Downing. Another accomplished Aston Villa midfielder could provide both stability and fluidity to the team. A natural left-winger provides balance, but his increased composure could mean that he could play in the middle, interchanging with Milner and Johnson at will during the match.

Leading the line at the top end of the field is Liverpool’s £35million signing Andy Carroll. Whether the frontman is worth quite that amount is one thing but he is still a quality striker. His height creates aerial problems for the opposing defence whilst his feet provide clinical finishing.

Alongside Carroll is the explosive Wayne Rooney. Still yet to fully shine on the international main stage, the Manchester United forward still has time to show his talents. His poor season at Old Trafford will not last forever, expect him to star in future international tournaments.

So on paper the English national side looks to be in good health. The rejuvenating process from a lacklustre World Cup can begin, provided the new blood are given the opportunity, and time, to settle. With Freddie Sears, Jay Spearing, Gabi Agbonlahor, Tom Huddlestone, Connor Wickham and no doubt many more prestigious talents all staking their claims for a call-up depth will come naturally to the squad. And if all else fails, we can always rely on the evergreen Kevin Davis.