Midfield
England are somewhat spoiled for choice in this area, with experienced veteran Gareth Barry playing the anchor role, and youngsters Jordan Henderson and Jonjo Shelvey on either side of him. Completing the midfield five is Adam Johnson on the right, and Scott Sinclair on the left.
Barry has just secured a loan move to Everton for the season, and this could be exactly what he needs to show his international credentials again, after a difficult time with Manchester City last season. After missing out on Euro 2012 when he would surely have been a starter, it would be cruel for the 32-year-old to have missed his last chance at a major tournament.
With just five caps to his name, Jordan Henderson is not an obvious choice for the England team in Brazil, but there have been some signs of an improvement in form at Liverpool under Brendan Rodgers, and it’s worth remembering the fine potential he showed when he broke through as a youngster at Sunderland. Although some work is done to make him a starter, the 23-year-old may well show himself at least worthy of a place on the bench for Hodgson’s side.
Shelvey will be hoping to avoid being one of many infamous ‘one-cap-wonders’ for the Three Lions, after making his debut in 2012. The former Liverpool man has been a key player for the Under-21 side for some time now, and looks occasionally like showing some great potential, despite struggling for consistency. Now at Swansea, he may be at the best club to continue his development, and crucially, gain more first-team football in this all-important World Cup year.
Johnson has only ever impressed when playing for England, though that was nearly three years ago now when he also seemed to have the world at his feet at Manchester City. After falling down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium, the skillful winger now finds himself at Sunderland, arguably not the best team for him to showcase his true potential. A very naturally talented player, Johnson is capable of great moments that can turn a game out of nowhere, but the 26-year-old will need to start showing that more regularly pretty soon if he is to get a chance for England next summer.
On the left flank, yet another England player whose career has stalled at Manchester City. Now on loan at West Brom, the 24-year-old will need to reproduce his best form that he showed at Swansea to finally earn his first cap, which seems like it’s been a long time coming. Unfairly treated at City, there’s no reason Sinclair shouldn’t manage to establish himself as a genuine option for the national team on the flanks or even upfront.