Last Updated on: 14th September 2023, 12:14 pm
It’s currently one of the hottest topics in English football, who will make it into Roy Hodgson’s final 23 man squad for Rio? After the disappointment of Euro 2012, can England kick on and improve in the 2014 World Cup?
For the recent friendly against Denmark he named a 30 man squad and handed a debut cap to Southampton’s Luke Shaw. Shaw, who came on as substitute has been in impressive form for his club and is widely tipped by many to get a place in the squad.
Hodgson also gave first England starts to Liverpool duo Jordan Henderson and Reheem Sterling who have played a vital role in their clubs upturn in form.
Roy has already said that Captain, Steven Gerrard and star man Wayne Rooney will be on the plane (barring injury) as competition for places really hots up.
The England boss has some big decisions to make…
With Chelsea’s Gary Cahill looking like England’s first choice centre half, who will play alongside him? Phil Jagielka seems to be the front runner but both Chris Smalling and Phil Jones will be looking to impress during the remainder of the season in a bid to change Hodgson’s mind.
The left back position also seems to be up for grabs. Does he go with the experienced Ashley Cole who isn’t playing much club football at the Bridge or will it be the ever reliable Leighton Baines who just seems to impress more and more as weeks go on but lacks “Big game experience”.
There is people in the game that say neither of the above, Luke Shaw is the man for the job – Is it too much to ask for the 18 year old to go there and handle the pressure and expectation that comes with pulling on the England football shirt?
Will Frank Lampards’ experience bag him a place in the squad or will youth be given a chance as the likes of Ross Barkley and Jordan Henderson continue to impress.
Wayne Rooney looks certain to be the spearhead of the England attack but it seems the jury is still out on this as many say that the Manchester United man continues to disappoint in an England shirt. In form striker Daniel Sturridge would be many peoples pick. Can they play together? If not, who would you leave out?
So many questions and not much time as Rio 2014 approaches fast!
Can England do it, Can they bring the Trophy home?
Let us know who you think should be on the plane and who should be left behind!
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