Monday, July 5, 2010

Squad of the future

Fabio Capello said he will "wield the axe" on the current crop of players. Here is my verdict of who should not be selected and who should be.

Ones to go:
Heskey - clearly not good a player at all. Only good sometimes, though his ariel ability will be missed.
James - His time is up. At the age of 40, he's bound to retire soon.
Upson - Perhaps only time will tell about him, but at the moment he'll have to make way.
Carragher - Told Hogdson this time's return to international duty is a "one-off" thing, which will mean he wouldn't be back anymore. Will be missed though.
Terry - Surprised about this as I still believe he has much to offer. Heavy critisicm on him though.
Lampard - He doesn't seem to perform much at international stage. Still a good player though.
Gerrard - His time is coming up soon too, though his influence will be missed. Suspect that Euro 2012 will be his last, if not World Cup 2014
Ferdinand - Same verdict as Gerrard.
Ashley Cole - Quiet during the World Cup, but same verdict as Gerrard and Ferdinand.

Ones to stay:
Milner - Probably one of the plus points of England's forgettable journey in South Africa. Although he initially struggled in the opening game against USA, he picked himself up again, and certainly has a future to look forward to.
Rooney - Disappointing World Cup, that's for sure, but only at 25, he still has lots to offer. What he needs - I don't know =P
Glen Johnson - Many people want him out as well, but I beg to differ. Unless another right-back rises up, there's no one else for this slot. Hogdson might convert him to a right-sided midfield though - he just seem to do so well there. Enough said about his defending.
Defoe - Like Rooney, he also has lots to offer, but he's one of those who wonders what he's got to do to get into the first team.
Crouch - Big asset. Great record at international level. Same verdict as Defoe.
Carrick - Criticisms on him as well, but I believe his time's not up yet. Capello needs to trust him more. Didn't get a minute at all in South Africa.
Lennon - Did well in this World Cup, though some still critisise him for unknown reasons. If only he could bring his Spurs form to England....

Ones to watch:
Walcott - It's time to step up. Injury has destroyed his chance of making it to South Africa, but he is a bright future no doubt. He just needs games.
A.Young - Played well since his time at Watford, but managers never seem to take him to big shows. For me he's to go directly into the squad.
Ablonglahor - Same verdict as A.Young
Adam Johnson - Surprised when he signed for Manchester City but has ever since blossomed into a deadly left-winger. Think he missed out cz he's still too young. But heck, look no further than Thomas Muller.
Onouha - Currently down the pecking order at the blue half of Manchester, but if he moves on, he might be considered.
Wilshere - Made his debut at the tender age of 17 (if I recall). Not too bad, and if Wenger gives him more games, he'll make it definitely.
Hart - Great season with Birmingham. Already tipped as a star of the future. No doubts.

There are a lot more to be mentioned, but I suspect the likes of Anton Ferdinand, Lescott, Gary Cahill, Bent, Downing, Dawson, Huddlestone and Lee Cattermole might be next to step up. That is, of course, if they continue to play their best.

Enough said.

~eNd~

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