The so called "golden generation" of the England football team is fading. The likes Rooney, Gerrard, Lampard, Terry, Ferdinand, Ashley Cole and Gareth Barry have reached their twilight and will require some effort and commitment in order to make it to the next world cup. Euro 2012 saw England at their lack luster best yet again. Even though I support Holland, I would love to watch England play like they should given so many high profile names in their squad. None of them are able to transform club form into international success. It is high time the team goes through some serious changes and include some young promising players into the squad.
Michael Owen made his first world cup appearance in 1998 at the age of 18. Not only was he England's youngest player to play in the tournament but also England's youngest player to score in a world cup. He scored 2 goals in that world cup including a sensational solo goal against Argentina in the quarter finals, which England lost on penalties. He then went on to score in the next three major international tournaments before seeing a severe decline in form and fortune. Owen was one of the last few exceptional young talents to have played for England, also scoring at a good ratio for his club Liverpool at that time. Theo Walcott surpassed Owen's record and became the youngest player to be included in the England squad for a world cup in 2006 at the age of 17, although he did not play. He did not have the same immediate and devastating effect as Owen. The only other player I can think of who has made an impression at a young age is Wayne Rooney. Arguably the best player in England now, he also broke through into the international scene at a young age of 17 years but made his first World Cup appearance at the age of twenty. England now have a contingency of young promising players who are looking to burst into the international scene.
Michael Owen of England goes past Argentina's Jose Antonio Chamot in the 1998 World Cup.
It was good to watch the likes of Walcott, Young, Harte, Chamberlain and Welbeck play in the Euros but the team requires more young and promising players to fill the ranks. Welbeck had a decent run in the side and could prove to be a good option in attack alongside Rooney. Young and Harte have cemented their place in the side. Young had a good season with United and Harte is the best England keeper since David Seamann. Walcott should really be playing more, at least in place of the disappointing Stewart Downing. The only drawback for Walcott is his unpredictability and his poor ball control often creates a doubt in the mind of the manager. Chamberlain on the other hand still has to improve in my opinion but definitely has the potential to be playing on a regular basis. Players such as Gary Cahill and Micah Richards also deserve a starting spot in the England side at center back and right back respectively. They are both fairly young and are doing well with their respective clubs.
Joe Hart for England.
Two players that should be playing for England right now are Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge. Wilshere was out injured which also included a lengthy spell out for Arsenal. He is the closest thing to a playmaker England can hope for right now. Having made some exceptional appearances for Arsenal in the past two years, 20 year old Wilshere is definitely the future of England. The last player with such technical skill was Paul Scholes. The control Wilshere often displays is wonderful to watch and he shows great amount of maturity for his age. He plays in a central position for Arsenal which allows him to fit into the playmaking role. With Nasri and Fabregas no longer in the team, the spot of attacking midfielder is up for the grabs and he is the ideal choice. For England, he would play in a role different from that of Lampard, Gerrard or Barry. Wilshere's role will include a lot of movement and passing which will help in improving England's overall style of play.
Jack Wilshere of Arsenal during a champions league game.
As for Daniel Sturridge, he is mostly promising but often disappointing. Having first showed promising signs for Manchester City at the age of 19, he has improved a lot during his time at Chelsea. With his blsitering pace, he has managed to cause problems for the opposition but his appearances have been limited last year. He made most of his appearances in the league with little playing time in Europe. With the addition of new attacking players at Chelsea, he might see his chances cut short. But the England national team is certainly a place where he can leave his mark. Sturridge can play in many positions such as forward and his preferred position on the right flank. He likes to run at the defense with his exceptional dribbling skills and can shoot fairly well. One drawback of his is that he is often selfish and makes the wrong decisions sometimes. This is mainly due to inexperience which he will have to overcome if he wishes to shine for England.
Daniel Sturridge for Chelsea
Some young English players which I have purposely left out are Jordan Henderson of Liverpool and Ryan Bertrand of Chelsea. I have a great dislike for Henderson. He has a random style of play and we are still to figure what his preferred position is. His first touch and control doesn't indicate that he was England's under 21 captain. As for Bertrand, it will take a bit of time for him to replace Ashley Cole from the England side especially with Leighton Baines waiting in the wings. One thing is for sure, there seems to be a new generation of players that are promising and eager to impress on the pitch. Whether they can prove themselves on the big stage is still left to be seen.
Michael Owen made his first world cup appearance in 1998 at the age of 18. Not only was he England's youngest player to play in the tournament but also England's youngest player to score in a world cup. He scored 2 goals in that world cup including a sensational solo goal against Argentina in the quarter finals, which England lost on penalties. He then went on to score in the next three major international tournaments before seeing a severe decline in form and fortune. Owen was one of the last few exceptional young talents to have played for England, also scoring at a good ratio for his club Liverpool at that time. Theo Walcott surpassed Owen's record and became the youngest player to be included in the England squad for a world cup in 2006 at the age of 17, although he did not play. He did not have the same immediate and devastating effect as Owen. The only other player I can think of who has made an impression at a young age is Wayne Rooney. Arguably the best player in England now, he also broke through into the international scene at a young age of 17 years but made his first World Cup appearance at the age of twenty. England now have a contingency of young promising players who are looking to burst into the international scene.
Michael Owen of England goes past Argentina's Jose Antonio Chamot in the 1998 World Cup.
It was good to watch the likes of Walcott, Young, Harte, Chamberlain and Welbeck play in the Euros but the team requires more young and promising players to fill the ranks. Welbeck had a decent run in the side and could prove to be a good option in attack alongside Rooney. Young and Harte have cemented their place in the side. Young had a good season with United and Harte is the best England keeper since David Seamann. Walcott should really be playing more, at least in place of the disappointing Stewart Downing. The only drawback for Walcott is his unpredictability and his poor ball control often creates a doubt in the mind of the manager. Chamberlain on the other hand still has to improve in my opinion but definitely has the potential to be playing on a regular basis. Players such as Gary Cahill and Micah Richards also deserve a starting spot in the England side at center back and right back respectively. They are both fairly young and are doing well with their respective clubs.
Joe Hart for England.
Two players that should be playing for England right now are Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge. Wilshere was out injured which also included a lengthy spell out for Arsenal. He is the closest thing to a playmaker England can hope for right now. Having made some exceptional appearances for Arsenal in the past two years, 20 year old Wilshere is definitely the future of England. The last player with such technical skill was Paul Scholes. The control Wilshere often displays is wonderful to watch and he shows great amount of maturity for his age. He plays in a central position for Arsenal which allows him to fit into the playmaking role. With Nasri and Fabregas no longer in the team, the spot of attacking midfielder is up for the grabs and he is the ideal choice. For England, he would play in a role different from that of Lampard, Gerrard or Barry. Wilshere's role will include a lot of movement and passing which will help in improving England's overall style of play.
Jack Wilshere of Arsenal during a champions league game.
As for Daniel Sturridge, he is mostly promising but often disappointing. Having first showed promising signs for Manchester City at the age of 19, he has improved a lot during his time at Chelsea. With his blsitering pace, he has managed to cause problems for the opposition but his appearances have been limited last year. He made most of his appearances in the league with little playing time in Europe. With the addition of new attacking players at Chelsea, he might see his chances cut short. But the England national team is certainly a place where he can leave his mark. Sturridge can play in many positions such as forward and his preferred position on the right flank. He likes to run at the defense with his exceptional dribbling skills and can shoot fairly well. One drawback of his is that he is often selfish and makes the wrong decisions sometimes. This is mainly due to inexperience which he will have to overcome if he wishes to shine for England.
Daniel Sturridge for Chelsea
Some young English players which I have purposely left out are Jordan Henderson of Liverpool and Ryan Bertrand of Chelsea. I have a great dislike for Henderson. He has a random style of play and we are still to figure what his preferred position is. His first touch and control doesn't indicate that he was England's under 21 captain. As for Bertrand, it will take a bit of time for him to replace Ashley Cole from the England side especially with Leighton Baines waiting in the wings. One thing is for sure, there seems to be a new generation of players that are promising and eager to impress on the pitch. Whether they can prove themselves on the big stage is still left to be seen.
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