Thursday 13 March 2014

5 England Veterans Who Should Be Replaced By Younger Players for the World Cup 2014

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05:  The England team applaud as they remember Sir Tom Finney during the International Friendly match between England and Denmark at Wembley Stadium on March 5, 2014 in London, England.  (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)


With less than 100 days until the World Cup in Brazil, Roy Hodgson will be closely analysing the players in contention for a place on the plane to Rio.

A number of factors will surely be taken into account, but one which may influence the outcome of the tournament is the scorching South American heat.

The hot and humid temperature of Brazil is sure to have an effect on the players playing 90 minutes or more.

It could also be time for Hodgson to take some risks, to inject some flair into the squad and include players who aren't afraid to challenge their opponents.

So, should the England gaffer opt for some young guns, full of energy and life, to compete with the heat?

Here are five England old boys who I think should be replaced for the forthcoming World Cup.

5. Jermain Defoe

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 15:  Jermain Defoe of England is watched by Eugenio Mena of Chile during the international friendly match between England and Chile at Wembley Stadium on November 15, 2013 in London, England.  (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Defoe has been somewhat on the fringes of the England squad for a while now and it may be about time to let him go.

The 31-year-old found himself out of favour at Tottenham and will play in the MLS next season.

Manchester United's Danny Welbeck has already established himself as a relatively experienced England player.

We seem to forget that he is still only 23, young in football standards and possesses a high work rate to go with his solid pace.

Daniel Sturridge has already pretty much guaranteed himself a place in the squad with his recent performances.

Southampton's Jay Rodriguez should also be considered after having scored 11 goals in the Premier League this season.

Defoe's time must be up in the England squad by now, especially with the team in need of more flair and energy up front in Brazil.
 4.James Milner
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 15:  James Milner of England in action during the international friendly match between England and Chile at Wembley Stadium on November 15, 2013 in London, England.  (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Fringe player James Milner could still have a bit-part role to play in Rio, but he lacks any real flair or charisma to warrant a place in the first team any longer.

Whilst he is known for having a good work rate and assisting capabilities, England need a quick, tenacious and more daring wide man amongst the first team.

Raheem Sterling demonstrated this against Denmark when he wasn't afraid to take on his opponents and create scoring chances.

The 19-year-old's recent form for Liverpool has been fantastic too.

Andros Townsend also provides this style of play, darting down the wing with bags of pace and skill.

He has been out for a couple of months with an injury, but is surely capable of bouncing back to his previous form in the closing stages of the season.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, too, is a recognised option on either wing and provides some flair to the squad.

All three are young and not afraid to take on opponents, which is what this England squad needs.
3.Frank Lampard
 LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05:  Frank Lampard of England looks on from the bench during the International Friendly match between ngland and Denmark at Wembley Stadium on March 5, 2014 in London, England.  (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
England's midfield maestro for almost an entire decade may be seeing the end of his international career closing in.

He is still a quality player and he should definitely go to the World Cup, but the 35-year-old is beginning to get past his peak.

Roy Hodgson should be daring and go for someone less experienced in the centre of the park.

Ross Barkley has been outstanding for Everton this season and wholly deserves a place on the plane.

He never stops running, which is exactly what England need against the more technically-gifted sides in the humidity of Brazil.

On top of his work rate, his passing and ability to run at players mean he should definitely be considered.

Liverpool's Jordan Henderson has been improving his game too, earning more first team experience has certainly helped him develop, but he may not merit a starting place ahead of the others vying for a spot in the heart of the midfield.
2.Michael Carrick
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15:  Michael Carrick of England in action during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifying Group H match between England and Poland at Wembley Stadium on October 15, 2013 in London, England.  (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Carrick's deep-lying playmaker role hasn't been as effective as it has been in previous seasons.

Steven Gerrard looks to have that role locked up, meaning Carrick may have to stay on the bench.

England need someone to push up further in midfield and Adam Lallana fits the bill nicely.

He proved his skill and talent against Denmark, revitalising the squad when he came on and setting up Daniel Sturridge for the winning goal.

In possession of flair and excellent passing skills, he has been in supreme form for Southampton this season.

Lallana would slot in behind the Rooney/Sturridge partnership well and could also provide some goals himself.
1.Ashley Cole
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05:  Ashley Cole of England in action during the International Friendly match between England and Denmark at Wembley Stadium on March 5, 2014 in London, England.  (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Possibly the biggest subject of debate as we come up to the squad selection for the World Cup.

Ashley Cole hasn't done much wrong, he is still a world-class defender, but he hasn't received the playing time he used to at Chelsea.

Luke Shaw has been a gem for Southampton this season and at just 18-years-old, things will only get better.

Shaw received his first England cap against Denmark after his impressive Premier League performances and is in contention for the plane to Brazil.

But Roy Hodgson also has Everton's Leighton Baines to choose from.

Picking one of these three brilliant players for the left-back spot is possibly the hardest choice Hodgson will have to make.

Baines has also been outstanding this season and has the ability to create chances as well as score from free-kicks and set pieces.

Shaw, on the other hand, brings youthful exuberance to the side and won't be afraid of taking on his opponents.

Then there's the ever-reliable Cole, who is one of the most consistent defenders in the world.

Tough. Very tough indeed.

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