SHORT of the stars aligning and a minor miracle occurring, England are OUT of this World Cup.
Wayne Rooney has come in for plenty of criticism from England fans[REUTERS]Looking forward to Euro 2016, Express Sport charts the players you should be AXED.
1) Wayne Rooney (Age 28, Manchester United, 93 Caps)
Rooney's goalscoring record for England is simply not good enough in major tournaments. He may have netted his first ever World Cup goal last night, but he also failed to put a direct free-kick and a point-blank header on target.
Let's not forget that howler of a miss against Italy either. At this level, Wayne has consistently missed far more than he has scored - simply not good enough.
Who should replace him?
Daniel Sturridge, who currently starts upfield from him and should be considered the main outlet for goals. Raheem Sterling appears comfortable in the number ten role and could slot in behind his club team-mate with ease as a centre forward.
Both players possess the pace and skill to stretch defences, allowing space for a target man in the form of Rickie Lambert or wingers cutting in from the flanks, either Danny Welbeck, a fit Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or a pushed-wide Ross Barkley.
Steven Gerrard has hinted he will retire from international duty after the World Cup [AP]2) Steven Gerrard (Age 34, Liverpool, 112 Caps)
Although a talismanic midfielder for Liverpool and England in his prime, Gerrard's time is up. Major errors have cost big games for Liverpool and England this season and at 34 it is time to encourage a younger player to fill his shoes.
Who should replace him?
Ross Barkley and Jordan Henderson. Henderson can play in a holding role comfortably, but lacks both defensive commitment and probing awareness.
Barkley has lost possession intermittently with his mazy runs but does have a calm head. Some starting experience in midfield and he could develop into a fearsome international player.
3) Phil Jagielka (Age 31, Everton, 27 Caps)
Jagielka's international appearances have come towards the end of his career as a result of a lack of better options for England. Whilst at times a committed and sound player, he has been shaky as of late, notably playing Luis Suarez onside for his first goal last night.
Who should replace him?
Phil Jones may have moments of ill-discipline and poor composure, but the one thing you can never doubt is his commitment.
Having seen a shaky Jagielka amble about the pitch against Uruguay, Jones seems like the man to pair a similarly committed Gary Cahill.
4) Leighton Baines (Age 29, Everton, 25 Caps)
Baines enjoyed a rich vein of form a season or two ago, but his run seems to have ended with simple mistakes and defensive vulnerability creeping into his game.
Who should replace him?
Ashley Cole should never have been left out as a solid defensive presence, but in the knowledge that Cole will probably not see Euro 2016 through, England need to look to youth.
Luke Shaw will only improve the defensive aspects of his game with age and tournament experience and with the attacking options that the 18-year-old offers, he's worth throwing on against Costa Rica in a must-win game.
5) Glen Johnson (Age 29, Liverpool, 53 Caps)
Johnson's oft-given accolade of "an attacking win-back" has been exposed as a bit of a myth of late. Bar a competent setup for a Wayne Rooney tap-in, the Liverpool man has demonstrated little over the past year that he deserves to line up for the Three Lions, especially considering his primary role is to defend.
Who should replace him?
Similar to Baines, Johnson isn't getting any younger and England need to find an option for the future.
Hodgson brought two to Brazil in the form of Jon Flanagan and John Stones, both of whom are only on backup duty.
Time for a promotion for the youngsters who have impressed already in the Premier League last season.
No comments:
Post a Comment