Who could have changed England’s fortunes this summer?
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After England’s embarrassing World Cup campaign, which has so far seen them register back-to-back defeats against Italy and Uruguay, questions will undoubtedly be raised as to manager Roy Hodgson’s squad selection. Which players were left sitting at home, that could have made a difference?
5) Gareth Barry
England were never going to drop Steven Gerrard, their captain and leader, but perhaps Hodgson missed a trick in failing to name a suitable alternative in his 23-man squad. Gerrard was England’s only out and out holding midfielder, and after a mentally and physically draining season with Liverpool, it became clear against the Italians that the skipper was some way short of his best form. Gareth Barry, an experienced and seasoned England international, with 53 caps to his name, had an excellent season on loan with Everton, after being left out in the cold by his parent club Manchester City, and could have provided another option in Hodgson’s midfield.
4) Andy Carroll
The debate raged on and on throughout the second-half of last season, as to which ‘target man’ striker would best serve England if they were chasing the game in the closing stages. Hodgson opted for Liverpool-bound Rickie Lambert who, perhaps with one eye on his recently completed transfer, has failed to make an impact. Perhaps Andy Carroll, a goalscorer for England against Sweden in Euro 2012, would have offered Hodgson a more daunting attacking option.
3) John Stones
Following England’s World Cup exit, much attention has been directed towards their frustratingly under-par defensive displays, with John Stones’ Everton team-mate Phil Jagielka taking a large share of the criticism. Stones was hugely impressive during the second-half of last season, when he regularly filled in for an injured Jagielka. His form earned him a call-up to the England stand-by squad, as well as his international debut against Peru. The 20-year-old is certainly one for the future, but it might have been worth giving him a chance this time around – alongside the other young players that were selected.
2) John Terry
One of the best defender’s of his generation, the English public are unlikely to ever know the full story regarding his premature international retirement, and whether Hodgson ever had any remote chance of talking him out of it. But surely, surely, with England light on defensive options it would have been worth a call to John Terry. The Chelsea captain had another excellent season as he helped his team reach the Champions League semi-finals, and with 78 caps to his name he could have brought some much needed experience and organisation to England’s back-line.
1) Ashley Cole
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and it is unfortunate for Leighton Baines that he has not had the tournament he would have wished for. Hodgson somewhat gave into public demand by selecting Southampton starlet Luke Shaw as Baines’ back-up. But by leaving out Ashley Cole, England were left without their most experienced defender, a man with over 100 caps who has played a key role in each of the last five major tournaments England have played in. While he lost his place in the Chelsea team during the second-half of last season, a fact that ultimately cost him his selection, he has rarely put a foot wrong when playing for his county, and could have still provided some much needed defensive stability.
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