England XI – World Cup 2014
The Road to Rio
Forget about 2010 when the England team will be crap, too old, still hindered by the Lamps-Gerrard conundrum. Let’s fast forward to 2014 when the Three Lions will have a real shot at the cup…
Following the disappointment of narrowly losing to France in the final of Euro 2012, England, with boss Martin O’Neill at the helm, arrive in Brazil buoyed by a near perfect qualifying campaign and amongst the favorites to go the distance this time around.’
England go into battle armed with bright talents, quick minds and time honored experience. The chance to create legend is only a handful of victories away.
England XI - World Cup 2014
Goalkeeper:
Joe Harte (27) – Commanding prescence. Tired of playing back-up to Shay Given at Manchester City, Harte joins Tottenham and never looks back. Going on to enjoy cup success with Spurs, Harte brings experience and composure to the England goal.
Defenders:
Michael Mancienne (26) – Cool and collective. Having made his Chelsea debut at the age of 21 and first called up to the squad by former manager Fabio Capello, Mancienne dislodges Ashley Cole at Stamford Bridge before seizing his England spot.
Micah Richards (26) – A controversial choice. Richards’ numerous brushes with the law have often overshadowed his enormous football talent. Moved to Liverpool after being frozen out by then Manchester City manager Frank Rijkaard, he provides muscle, passion and speed to the back line.
Glenn Johnson (29) – Well traveled pro. Started his career with West Ham United, Johnson spent time at Chelsea, Portsmouth and Liverpool before signing at Aston Villa and establishing himself as the most consistent right wing-back in the league.
Fabian Delph (24) – Young starlet. In the end Ken Bates couldn’t hold on and the Leeds man jumped ship for the bright lights of Manchester United. Took a while to bed into the senior squad but following high praise in the qualifiers, Delph has established himself as a first choice.
Midfielders:
Ashley Young (28) – Old head. Following several outstanding seasons at Villa, Chelsea brought Young back to London following a Premier League record 38 million pound move. And Young did not disappoint delivering back-to-back Premier League titles. One of the first names on the team sheet, Young is a model professional on and off the pitch.
Dan Gosling (24) – Tireless composure. Former Plymouth star and current Everton favorite, Gosling produced several solid displays for England during Euro 2012 and has been keeping the more experienced James Milner out of the team.
Jack Rodwell (22) – Tower of Power. Another Everton youth product, Rodwell made the climb up from the U21 squad with ease. Despite contract negotiations with the Toffees stalling amid recent interest from Newcastle, Rodwell’s performances have not suffered. He provides strength and agility in midfield.
Theo Walcott (24) – The Jewel in the crown. Walcott established himself as one of the best players in world football when he was voted European footballer of the year following Arsenal’s triumph in the Champions League. Long time vice-captain, Walcott, despite his young age, has the most England caps in the starting XI.
- World Cup 2014 – Brazil (Mineirao Stadium)
Forwards:
Wayne Rooney (29) – British bulldog. England captain and former Manchester United striker, Rooney’s 42 million pound move to Barcelona shocked the world of football. But, he has not disappointed. Top scorer in La Liga in his first season, Rooney’s all around play has improved since his move to the continent and he recently picked up his second Champions League medal.
Daniel Sturridge (24) - Manchester United sensation. Having made the short and controversial journey across town to Old Trafford from City, Sturridge formed a deadly partnership with Wayne Rooney before Roney’s move to Barcelona. His outstanding 0.78 goals to game ratio over two seasons with the Red Devils stand him amongst the greats in recent United history.
Subs:
Daniel Welbeck (24 – Forward), Aaron Lennon (27 – Midfielder), Steven Taylor (28 – Defender), James Milner (28 – Midfielder), Scott Loach (26 – Goalkeeper), Steven Gerrard (34 – Midfielder), Gabriel Agbonlahor (28 – Forward)
2 Responses to “England XI – World Cup 2014”
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Excellent post. Best one yet. I love the Rooney and Sturridge write-ups. You could also mention Jack Wilshire, Stewart Downing or even John Terry who would be 33. The addition of Steven Gerrard at 34 is very clever.
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