Following yet another disappointing major tournament at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, England fans really seem to me to be full of doom and gloom. People seem to have now realised not to expect as much from their nation, with every European or World Cup Finals in the last 46 years resulting in failure. Despite a successful Euro 2012 Qualifying Campaign, England fans have been constantly talking of how their team really does lack quality, and they must accept that they are not the footballing giants they once were. It seems that in the eyes of most England fans, a long period of mediocrity awaits this once great footballing nation. However, is this doom and gloom really appropriate?
In my opinion, it seems that England have their best set of young talent climbing through the ranks since the so-called "golden boys" of the Beckham, Gerrard and Lampard generation. Look at some of the men on the fringes of the current English team, and they are young, talented players still developing and improving. Staggeringly, this seems to me to be slipping under the radar in a way completely contrasting the hype that the "golden generation" of Beckham, Gerrard and Lampard never lived up to.
Look at some of this talent and the level they are now playing at despite their age; the negativity really is staggering. I agree that the current England team is not the standard the country has come to expect, yet I feel England must sacrifice a period of mediocrity for the next 4 years or so in order to give the experience to the generation of players that in 5 or 6 years really could be serious contenders for a major tournament.
Just look at this for a possible England team for the 2018 World Cup and imagine the ability these players will have in 6 years time. In brackets are the ages these players will be in 6 years time.
Joe Hart (30)
Kyle Walker (27) Phil Jones (25) Chris Smalling (28) Leighton Baines (33)
Theo Walcott (28) Jack Wilshere (26) Jack Rodwell (26) Adam Johnson (30)
Daniel Sturridge (28) Danny Welbeck (27)
Squad Members: Frank Fielding (29), Micah Richards (29), Gary Cahill (32), Martin Kelly (27), Tom Cleverley (28), Jordan Henderson (27), Josh McEachran (24), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (24), Victor Moses (27), Andy Carroll (29)
To me, that really is a squad oozing with talent. The only possible weakness could be Left-back, with a 33 year old Leighton Baines possibly being sub-standard, yet surely someone else will have emerged by that time.
The defensive unit really would be outstanding. Kyle Walker is one of the brightest talents currently emerging, with his superb pace and crossing leading me to believe experience will see him establish himself as one of the brightest stars in the World by 2018. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have already managed to break into the Man Utd team despite their age, and playing at the highest level will see them develop a real defensive partnership that any team would envy in my opinion. Micah Richards sitting on the bench in my team surely proves the strength England will have throughout.
The midfield possesses a wealth of talent. Jack Wilshere is already an incredible player who I believe will definitely be one of the top 5 players in the world once he reaches his prime. Theo Walcott really does possess the attributes of a top player, and by the time 2018 comes around his decision-making and crossing that currently let him down will surely have improved. Jack Rodwell has already shown his talents and his defensive support and break-up play would see him as a key figure of the England team of the future, whilst Adam Johnson is already showing what stunning technical skills he has in his armoury.
Up front, Daniel Sturridge really is a rising star for Chelsea, and like so many of this team has the ability and attributes to reach the very top. Danny Welbeck is also a very useful player with a great eye for goal. These two could work extremely well together and develop a superb partnership in the future.
This team would certainly be full of goals. Sturridge and Welbeck are both talented finishers, whilst a midfield containing Walcott and Johnson would never be short on goals.
Substitutes such as Cleverley, Henderson, Carroll and McEachren really do sum up the great wealth of talent England currently have coming through. Additionally, it strikes me that most of this potential squad already find themselves breaking into top 6 Premier League teams. Playing at the highest level with players of the best ability will certainly allow these men to develop extremely well, and by the time of 2018 most will be hitting their peak of between 26 and 30 years of age.
So, despite the fact England may seem to be currently underachieving, I am certain that this is just a transition period. Even though this may seem frustrating, I am very confident that with the great crop of players breaking into the England set-up as we speak, in 5 or 6 years time we will be talking about one of the greatest England sides we have watched in a great many years. So why all the doom and gloom? Look at this potential squad and you will realise it is not justified. The best is yet to come for England, mark my words! |
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