Five forgotten England players in fine form.
With reports today that West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is backing in-form winger Stewart Downing for a recall to the England national team, CaughtOffside looks at the player’s form and four others who could deserve a chance to shine for the Three Lions again.
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Roy Hodgson’s side were in dire form at this summer’s World Cup and could be in need of some changes to a largely youthful squad that looks like being slow to find its way after the retirement of some highly influential and experienced figures in Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
There are experienced players out there being overlooked by England at the moment, and here is our pick of five former internationals who should be considered for the next Three Lions squad selection:
1) Stewart Downing (West Ham United)
Although there’s no doubt Downing flopped during his time at Liverpool and perhaps deservedly lost his place in the England reckoning after Euro 2012, he looks a player reborn under Allardyce at West Ham at the moment, and has contributed greatly to the Hammers’ fine start to the season. The 30-year-old has weighed in with two goals and four assists in ten games so far, and could surely prove a useful addition to the England team for their next round of international matches.
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2) Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City)
One of the Premier League’s top centre-backs for some time now, it is surprising that Stoke City captain Ryan Shawcross has not built on his one cap for England back in 2012. The 27-year-old former Manchester United man does not even particularly face a great deal of competition for a spot at centre-back at the moment, with only Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka currently looking the best options in that part of the pitch.
3) Ryan Bertrand (Southampton)
A player bang in form after leaving Chelsea on loan for Southampton this season, skillful left-back Ryan Bertrand also looks like he could offer something different to the England team if his form for the Saints is anything to go by. The 25-year-old only has two caps to his name so far, but will surely be adding to them if he continues to play like this, particularly with the left-back slot seemingly up for grabs as Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs recently earned a recall after a long absence from the international setup.
4) Gareth Barry (Everton)
A gamble perhaps, but veteran Everton midfielder Gareth Barry is another experienced player who has been rejuvinated in recent times, since he joined the Toffees from Manchester City last season. The 33-year-old may not be a long-term solution to the country’s problems, but would be a much-needed old head in midfield after Gerrard and Lampard retired in the summer.
5) Michael Dawson (Hull City)
A player who surprisingly only has four caps for England, Michael Dawson is another much-improved player at the moment after leaving Tottenham Hotspur for Hull City this summer. The experienced centre-back is a highly commanding player at the back who could be a smart selection by Roy Hodgson in defence if he looks to make some changes in that area.