Goalkeeper- Joe Hart- Hart’s had his fair share of downs in
recent times but there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s still clearly England’s
number 1. It would be a huge gamble to try Fraser Forster, untried in Europe’s
top leagues and the likes of John Ruddy are clearly not in Hart’s class.
Right Back- Glen Johnson- This is a very close run thing
between him and Kyle Walker and I think Johnson’s better defensive attributes
just pip it for me. It used to be that Johnson wasn’t noted for his defensive
ability but he was without a doubt improved on that and Walker still has work
to do on his defending before he can be a regular for England.
Centre Back- Gary Cahill- Cahill is without a doubt England’s
best player in this position. He’s gone from strength to strength since joining
Chelsea and despite lack the quality of his predecessors John Terry and Rio
Ferdinand he is a very good defender.
Centre Back- Phil Jagielka- for me it’s between Jagielka and
Dawson for this position and I see very little in this battle. Both are
whole-hearted players who are solid options to have in the squad. Having said
that, there is a clear gap to the centre back options of yesteryear when the
likes of Ledley King and Jamie Carragher were waiting in reserve.
Left back- Leighton Baines- It astounds me that Baines isn’t
the first choice left back over an ageing Ashley Cole. I’d argue that Baines is
one of the best players in the Premier league and that isn’t just in the left back
position. He attacks well, he defends well and his delivery and shooting from
set pieces is up there with the very best.
Centre midfield- Steven Gerrard- Gerrard is still a fantastic
player even if he isn’t as good as he used to be. He still stands out as one of
the stars of this England team when I see them play and the skipper is crucial
to the qualification hopes.
Centre Midfield- Michael Carrick- It’s ridiculous that he hasn’t
got 60 or 70 caps for England, the way he can dictate a game is unrivalled by
other English players available to Roy Hodgson and he also offers a calming
influence in the middle of the park.
Centre Midfield- Jack Wilshere- England’s one big hope for
the future which as I have said in a previous post, looks bleak. This guy has
the ability to become one of the best in his position in world football if he
stays injury free.
Right Winger- Theo Walcott- Walcott often doesn’t perform
for England as he does for Arsenal which is a big disappointment but there’s no
doubting the fact that he’s the best winger in the England squad.
Striker- Daniel Sturridge- The form the Liverpool striker is
on at the moment is lethal and he’s always had the potential to be a quality
player but was often selfish. I think regular football in his favourite
position has been the key reason for Sturridge’s rise.
Left Winger- Wayne Rooney- perhaps the most controversial of my selections as
whilst a place in the side should be there for Rooney we should not base the
team around him. For me, Rooney is not good as a lone striker and its rare in
international football for 2 out and out strikes to be selected. I think he can
perform on the wing having seen him do it for his club and with this front 3
England have genuine threat going forward.
