THE GOLDEN GENERATION TAKE 2
JAMES BENSON says England’s talent cupboard is far from bare
Despite the start of the World Cup in Brazil being just around the corner, an eye must be cast towards the future of England’s national football team. The summer will see the last remnants of the socalled ‘Golden Generation’ retire from international duty, so the campaign should act as a key juncture for numerous individuals.
With the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole set to bow out once the competition ends – or even before in Cole’s case – a plethora of players will be striving to assert themselves as the men to lead England to glory in the future.
Contrary to the belief that English football is going through a crisis period, with a dearth of talent available to Roy Hodgson and future national team managers, a core of players looks set to emerge. Although England’s spine is not what it once was, there are those within the present squad, as well as others on the fringes of it, that are capable of making an impact in time.
At 26, current Manchester City and England number one, Joe Hart is still going through the developmental stages of his career and has some ten years ahead of him. With the potential to become a truly world class goalkeeper, there is no reason why Hart cannot be one of the cornerstones of England’s squad for years to come. Meanwhile, deputies John Ruddy and Jack Butland are highly regarded in the domestic game, while Fraser Forster’s stock continues to rise, particularly following his Champions League heroics with Celtic.
In front of Hart, England’s defence needs to be built upon solid foundations. Manchester United’s Phil Jones has been played in numerous positions during his short Old Trafford career, though many feel centre back is where he belongs. With Rio Ferdinand’s time at the club dwindling, and Nemanja Vidic leaving, the next few years could see Jones become a central defensive regular, something that can only help England’s cause.
If Jones becomes the defensive lynchpin for club and country, a defensive unit needs to be built around him. Fellow Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is highly rated by Hodgson, while Southampton fullback Luke Shaw’s impressive performances have resulted in many admiring glances.
Already linked to several top four sides, Shaw looks set to be a star of the future. Like Jones and Smalling, Tottenham’s Kyle Walker has shown much promise with his speed and tackling ability. If he can cut out his occasional mistakes and bring consistency to his game, he can become a key figure for England in years to come. The likes of Steven Caulker and Kieran Gibbs also warrant attention as both will look to build upon promising starts to their club and international careers.
Midfield is the area where England require the most reinvigoration once Gerrard and Lampard end their international forays. One cannot look further than the pair of Ross Barkley and Jack Wilshere. Both are looked upon as outstanding talents by their respective clubs, Everton and Arsenal.
Barkley’s performances have drawn comparisons to those of ex-England midfielder Paul Gascoigne. Similarly, Wilshere has excelled at Arsenal, when fit, in a team not bereft of midfield talent. The 22-year old’s
progression seems not to have been hampered by the spate of injuries he has incurred since his 2008 debut and, providing his upwards trajectory continues, he looks set to be a key figure for both club and country.
In the wide positions, there is no shortage of options for Hodgson. Most notably, Southampton’s Adam Lallana has consistently proven himself to be a much more than capable performer at Premier League level, while the development of Arsenal’s Alex OxladeChamberlain warrants close monitoring.
Additionally, Tottenham’s Andros Townsend has exhibited immense ability, while the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Raheem Sterling and James Ward-Prowse have shown signs of greater things to come.
Up front, Wayne Rooney – only 11 goals behind all-time top goalscorer Sir Bobby Charlton’s 49 – looks set to be a prime candidate to take on the captaincy once Gerrard retires and will be integral to the team’s spine for years to come.
Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge has flourished since his move to Anfield and looks set to be a key figure while Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck has added the goals that his game desperately needed.
Despite being the butt of many jokes, Andy Carroll is on course to pick up a career which has faltered since his £35m move to Liverpool in 2011. Despite often being associated with long ball tactics, he provides a different option that England’s other forwards cannot. As an alternative, the pace of Arsenal’s Theo Walcott, once fit again, could prove to be an invaluable asset which, if used appropriately, could be integral to any future England success.
There are a number of other rising stars including Derby County’s Will Hughes, Nottingham Forest’s Jamaal Lascelles and Norwich City’s Nathan Redmond who could break on to the international scene in the none too distant future.
Talk of a crisis in English football are premature with an abundance of talent available to Hodgson and future managers. The next generation may not be as revered as their predecessors, but they could certainly outshine them.