Roy Hodgson’s latest England squad seems to be one with an eye to the future of the national side, with a number of young players and potential stars of tomorrow called up, seemingly to provide experience on the international stage at such a young age.
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With the likes of John Stones and Nathaniel Clyne again receiving call-ups whilst Ryan Mason and Harry Kane have both managed to acquire their first taste of senior action, we look at just how a potential England XI could look in a few seasons time, potentially as we head to Russia 2018.
See our XI of the future below:
GK: Jack Butland – Stoke City
Not currently first choice with the Potters but a potential star of tomorrow which perhaps explains why Stoke were so keen to pay £3.5 million for a relatively unproven then 19-year-old.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne – Southampton
Incredible progression with Southampton since they returned to the Premier League, so much so he’s been linked with summer move from Liverpool to Manchester United.
CB: John Stones – Everton
Highly rated, ball-playing centre back who will hopefully be a fully integrated and established player in the coming seasons with the Toffees.
CB: Calum Chambers – Arsenal
A versatile defender whose talent was snapped up by Arsenal in the summer for a not too shabby £16 million. Hasn’t yet lived up to the billing but continues to show great form and progression when he’s played.
LB: Luke Shaw – Manchester United
Despite the heavy competition for the role, Shaw will likely be the first-choice left back for years to come for England if he lives up to his promise but will have to re-find his form after a torrid few months at Manchester United.
CM: Jordan Henderson – Liverpool
Taken on the mantle of leader with aplomb that he is now likely to replace Steven Gerrard as skipper in the summer at Liverpool when the Kop legend leaves for the MLS.
CM: Ryan Mason – Tottenham Hotspur
Earned his first call-up to the England squad after a number of injuries forced players to withdraw but in the end an impressive season for Spurs man has been deservedly rewarded.
LM: Raheem Sterling – Liverpool
Could be the star man of the England attack and the man who a side should be built around after a brilliant season for Liverpool.
RM: Ross Barkley – Everton
A dramatic drop to the kind of form we saw last season but there’s no doubting his prodigious talent.
ST: Daniel Sturridge – Liverpool
Regarded as England’s main man, but that might change given the progression of one Harry Kane, Sturridge has yet to fully shine for the Three Lions and will see the next few years as a crucial period to make his mark on the international stage.
ST: Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur
The man of the moment who will get his first chance to shine for the Three Lions during this international break. Much is expected of the 21-year-old but given his stellar form this season you’d expect him to make a mark on his debut.