Given an opportunity for England.
With the likely international retirement of Gerrard and Lampard, it really is time to rebuild and introduce a new generation of England players. Some are already laying their claims - the likes of Shaw, Barkley, Sterling etc, with others like Stones and Flanagan also making inroads.
But for me there's still some obvious talent that missed out on World Cup selection - fair enough, I wouldn't expect Roy to try and overhaul the squad all in one hit, but if it were me I'd be casting an eye over the "good but not international class" players (Jagielka, Johnson etc) and thinking about who could develop and replace them. Here's some of my picks:
Nathaniel Clyne - For me, a better defender than either Walker or Johnson. Pace to burn and knows how to get forward and deliver quality crosses. Linked to Arsenal as a replacement for Sagna, which would do his international claims a world of good.
Joel Ward - Not a fashionable player by any means, but he was sensational for Crystal Palace last season. Still relatively young, a rightback by trade but has also played leftback and central midfield. Our WC squad lacked an energetic, tough tackling midfielder, would it be worth giving him a try there?
Steven Caulker - Seems to be a bit of a marmite player. Some think he's top notch, others say he's positionally suspect. 22, only going to improve.
Nathan Redmond - If Norwich keep hold of him I'll be amazed. Impressed every time I see him play. Rewind about 8 years to when Aaron Lennon was roasting fullbacks with his pace and actually knew how to cross a ball - that's what Redmond reminds me of.
Who else do you think Roy should be considering?
Players you'd like to see...
posted on 28/6/14
roy should consider topping himself
posted on 28/6/14
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 28/6/14
Danny Ings.
posted on 28/6/14
Gibbs. Never really been that impressed with Baines at international level. I accept that Shaw will probably be Englands first choice left back for the forseeble future amd deservedly so but gibbs would be an excellent back up. Still only 25 but has lots of experience at the top level
posted on 28/6/14
The thing holding Gibbs back seems to be incessant niggling injuries. Will be interesting to see if he can stay fit and overtake Baines in the pecking order.
What do people think of Huddlestone? Nice range of passing and everything, two footed, yes, but doesn't exactly cover the ground quickly!
posted on 28/6/14
Caulker needs to play alongside a more mobile CB but he's great in the air, England player for sure.
Curtis Davies was unlucky to miss out on the squad, Andy Carroll too.. unfashionable names but they deserve a go IMO.
Hudd is quality but pace and agility leave him floundering.. whatever system we played would have to be changed to cover him.. probably the closest we've got to Scholes/Pirlo these days.
Jay Rodriguez, Ward-Prowse, Redmond, and Harry Kane will hopefully be in the squad for France 2016.
posted on 28/6/14
whatever system we played would have to be changed
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Think this is more important than what players to pick. We need to work on a formation that fits.
posted on 28/6/14
Agreed DJ
posted on 30/6/14
We have this kind of discussion at the back end of every World & European Cup - get rid of the dead wood: bring in new talent. Time & time again, this happens and we still fail.
As DJ pointed out: you can have the best English players in the Premiership, but if you can't build on their strenghs and gel them into a team, then you're doomed to failure yet again.
Tactics & formations is key. England managers should stop letting the tail wag the dog, and dump the so-called stars that always flatter to deceive.
posted on 30/6/14
well thats not going to happen with woy ^