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England’s team to face Norway this evening has been named already, and here’s how we rank the XI, in terms of what they can currently offer to the international stage.
GK) Joe Hart – 7/10
A solid international goalkeeper. He’s been playing well for Manchester City and doesn’t look like losing the no.1 spot anytime soon.
DR) John Stones – 5/10
This has no reflection on his potential, but right now, Stones is not a top international fullback. He’s far more comfortable at centre-half anyway.
DL) Leighton Baines – 7/10
Despite a pretty shoddy World Cup, Baines’ attacking prowess down the flank and his sweet left foot earns him a seven.
DC) Phil Jones – 5.5/10
Jones has long been mooted as a player with immense potential, but it’s probably about time he starts fulfilling it.
DC) Gary Cahill – 7.5.10
England’s first-choice centre-back, Cahill is becoming an increasingly vocal leader at the back, and is superb in the air.
MC) Jordan Henderson – 7/10
Endless pressing, and energy in abundance. This is just some of what Henderson provides, but following Steven Gerrard’s retirement, he could be asked to perform a deeper role.
MC) Jack Wilshere – 6.5/10
Wilshere is creative, and has the technical ability to run with the ball and thread teammates through on goal. As of yet though, he’s failed to do it for England – and with Gerrard gone, he needs to step up to the plate.
AMR) Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6.5/10
Devastatingly quick, and with work-rate to match, ‘The Ox’ has been regarded as a future England star for over two years now. Due to injuries and a lack of consistent Arsenal playing time though, he’s not progressed as much Raheem Sterling at Liverpool.
AML) Raheem Sterling – 7.5/10
Despite being only 19-years-old, Sterling is already one of England’s most important players. He can dribble, score goals, and thanks to his intelligence he normally makes the right decision. We’d rate him an eight if he was played in his strongest position, at the tip of a midfield diamond, but with Roy Hodgson likely to use Rooney at no.10, Sterling will be less potent on the flank.
AMC/FC) Wayne Rooney – 7.5/10
England’s new captain, Rooney’s ability shouldn’t perhaps be questioned, but it seems a very long time ago that the player was running with the ball, scoring goals and playing like a man possessed back in Euro 2004. Now, he looks to dictate tempo and thread balls around the final third – but he often goes missing, it’s sad to say. Hopefully the captaincy will help Rooney find his truly brilliant best level again for his country.
FC) Daniel Sturridge – 8/10
The top scoring Englishman in the Premier League last season, Sturridge has all the attributes to make a world-class centre-forward. Technically excellent, rapid, and can finish off either foot – Sturridge’s only weakness is his decision making, but this will improve as he continues to mature.
