COS writers name their England squad. Who’s in yours?
Following last night’s coma-inducing friendly win over Denmark, everyone has been feverishly picking their 23-man England squad for this summer’s World Cup in Brazil. If you didn’t know already, the match at Wembley was Roy Hodgson last chance to see his hopefuls wearing the Three Lions before he names his provisional 30-man squad – which is then whittled down to 23 after two more friendlies.
SEE ALSO: Top 10 Theo Walcott replacements for England at World Cup
Here at CaughtOffside, we couldn’t resist getting in on the action. You may not care what we think, but we care…so read it!
Below Adam, Dan, Tom and Richie name their squads and give their reasons…it’s compelling stuff.
Adam
Joe Hart
Fraser Forster
Jack Butland
Gary Cahill
Phil Jagielka
Phil Jones
Chris Smalling
Glen Johnson
Leighton Baines
Luke Shaw
Steven Gerrard
Jordan Henderson
James Milner
Jack Wilshere
Ross Barkley
Adam Lallana
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Raheem Sterling
Jay Rodriguez
Wayne Rooney
Danny Welbeck
Daniel Sturridge
Rickie Lambert
In goal, Joe Hart, Fraser Forster and Jack Butland. Hart is in by default, Forster due to his Champions League experience and because he’s the man I’d trust if Hart crocked himself, and Butland is the prospect who will benefit from the trip even if he doesn’t play.
I would only bring Glen Johnson as an orthodox right back. Kyle Walker’s a good athlete, but I’m not convinced his footballing brain (copyright Chris Waddle) is up to scratch, and I could see him getting caught out of position against a team with guile and movement. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling can fill in at right back if Johnson gets injured or suspended. At left back, Baines is first choice. Ashley Cole’s lack of first team football and Luke Shaw’s impressive maturity – not least on his England debut – should see the Saints youngster get the nod ahead of the Chelsea man.
I’m dropping Frank Lampard. The Chelsea midfielder isn’t in the first XI, turns 36 in the summer, and given his lack of pace is unlikely to make much of an impact substitute able to turn a game. While Andros Townsend does have such capability, his underwhelming form for Tottenham Hotspur means he loses out. I’d select James Milner as whatever I asked him to do, I know he wouldn’t let me down. Even if I asked him to knit me a jumper. Adam Lallana, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling have all impressed this term, and deserve a chance in this tournament and beyond.
In the forward positions, Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney select themselves. So does Danny Welbeck given his international form. Rickie Lambert comes in as the last resort target man ahead of Andy Carroll (who doesn’t have a good touch for a big man). Given that only Sturridge has scored more Premier League goals than Jay Rodriguez this season, I’d give the Southampton man a chance. His versatility, movement and fine relationship with Saints colleagues Lallana and Lambert could come in handy.