JACK IS BACK..... Wilshere took a bashing from Paul Scholes recently and says he is willing to learn from the criticism. There is no doubt that he is a fantastic player with great natural ability but does he have it in him to become the heartbeat of our national side? Jack will probably be selected for the Costa Rica game – maybe even alongside Stevie Gerrard – as Hodgson ushers him in. Although there is nothing left to play for Hodgson can still take some positives against Costa Rica. For the first time since 1958 England were eliminated from the World Cup at the group stage after losing their first two matches in the 2014 tournament in Brazil. The Three Lions still have one game left to play in the competition despite their early exit, with surprise package Costa Rica their final opponents. With no chance of making the knockout phase manager Roy Hodgson can field a more experimental team and the players can take to the field without any pressure. Here is how fanatix thinks Hodgson should construct his starting XI against the Costa Ricans. Goalkeeper and defence Despite some shaky moments against both Italy and Uruguay, Manchester City No.1 Joe Hart is still the nation’s best ‘keeper and at 26-years-old that could stay the same for many years to come. That is why we think Hart should continue between the posts and gain some vital experience at the top level of international football. In defence the full-backs have been largely disappointing in South America and against the Italians Glen Johnson and Leighton Baines were particularly poor. Although there is no natural right-back replacement for Liverpool’s Johnson in the squad, we think Phil Jones of Manchester United should be given a chance in the role ahead of club teammate Chris Smalling. Luke Shaw England On the opposite flank youngster Luke Shaw of Southampton was brought along ahead of Chelsea veteran Ashley Cole and having made that decision Hodgson should give the 18-year-old a chance to prove himself. Despite successive 2-1 defeats the feeling towards central defensive partnership Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka has been largely positive and the duo should be given another game together. Midfield It’s been a similar story in the middle of the park as it has been in central defence, with Reds duo Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson having performed adequately, if unspectacularly. The captain has hinted he will retire after this tournament and therefore after earning 113 caps to date should be given one final farewell in an England shirt. Steven Gerrard England Henderson meanwhile has a long career ahead of him at 23-years-old and therefore the midfielder should be sacrificed in the first team to give the more attacking Jack Wilshere of Arsenal a chance. Finally after much hype surrounding Saints captain Adam Lallana’s influence at the World Cup the 26-year-old has earned two uninspiring substitute appearances to date. Lallana deserves a chance from the start and therefore we would replace Danny Welbeck in the XI. Attack Disappointing results aside, Hodgson’s tactic of attacking play and fielding plenty of forwards has to be seen as a positive and generally the forward players have been solid. Raheem Sterling has had varying form, but for a 19-year-old that has to be expected and his pace and trickery should be given another showing in their final match. Wayne Rooney England Wayne Rooney proved his critics wrong by finally netting a World Cup goal against the Uruguayans and the 28-year-old looked good against the South Americans. Daniel Sturridge has also given a good showing, scoring against the Italians and generally looking lively and could well be the focus of the country’s attack for years to come.
Posted on: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 14:12:57 +0000
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