England manager Roy Hodgson has named a 23 man squad to go to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Here are CaughtOffside’s predictions on the big questions posed to the Three Lions this summer.
Who was most unfortunate to be left out?
ADAM DAVIES:
Jon Flanagan. The Liverpool youngster has proved excellent in both full back positions, and has arguably performed better than his club colleague Glen Johnson for the Reds this term.
Only a lack of experience will see him miss out.
JORDAN CHAMBERLAIN:
John Terry. In terms of pure footballing ability, he should be one of the first names on the team sheet.
Granted, he’s retired from international football, but I find it difficult to believe that if Roy Hodgson hadn’t moved heaven and earth to convince him to return, he wouldn’t have.
Instead, Hodgson will select Phil Jagielka, who to be fair, isn’t in Terry’s league.
STEVEN GREEN:
Fabian Delph. Aston Villa have been awful this season, but in the fleeting moments they’ve played well Delph has been at the heart of it.
His tenacity and energy would be vital in the middle and he can tackle and pass as well as anyone that will travel to Brazil.
He carries a very real goal threat, too; you’d only have to look back at his goals this season to see how deadly he can be.
RICHARD MORGAN:
Michael Carrick was brought out of international retirement specifically by Roy Hodgson, only to be cut at the death.