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.