what do we expect with this squad? Roy Hodgson announced his 23 man England squad and his short list last week. The England manage has been sensible in getting his squad out early in what appears to be a decent squad. There are some weaknesses though, so what can we make of Hodgons’s squad? Defence One of the major weaknesses appears to be in defence. Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill are the two first choice centre-backs. Cahill was in the Premier League team of the year and has by all accounts improved a lot since joining Chelsea, that being said he is still not at the same level of Rio Ferdinand or John Terry in their prime. The back up for England’s first choice pairing is also somewhat weak in Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. Long gone are the days when England had four top class centre-backs to chose from (Ledley King, Jamie Carragher, Ferdinand and Terry). England are no longer spoiled for choice. Jones and Smalling weren’t exactly brilliant for Manchester United this season and neither have really shown that they are of the required quality to step up and play as a regular centre-back (although Jones has been better this season). The right-back area is also a weakness. Glen Johnson has had a good year at Liverpool but has still been exposed defensively at times when he has ventured forward, often leaving space in behind that can be exploited. The same is true of Leighton Baines, who will likely start at left back ahead of young Luke Shaw. England’s defence is simply not as good as it once was, on paper at least. Midfield The midfield is an area where England have a decent amount of options. With a lack of fitness Jack Wilshere was arguably lucky to be selected (and also a lack of form). Frank Lampard will be 36 soon but has been selected as vice-captain (although he probably won’t feature much). Adam Lallana could start given his recent great form for Southampton and his creativity, which is lacking in the other options. Other than Raheem Sterling and Alex Oxlade-Chamerblain there is a lack of pace, which is re-enforced with the absence of Theo Walcott. One would assume that Sterling will start in one of the wide roles so it will be interesting to see how Hodgson shapes up the rest of his midfield, but with the number of centre-midfielders selected (five, seven if we count Oxlade and James Milner as potential central players) it’s likely it’ll be a three man midfield. Forwards Rickie Lambert got a call up after a great season with Southampton and will likely be an option off of the bench given his power and strength, as well as his ability in the air. He was picked ahead of Andy Carroll, who probably wanted to occupy this role and could have done a job. Carroll is not a good goal scorer, having scored just twice all season but he is a real nuisance in the air, winning 8.9 headers per game and also recording four assists. His lack of goal scoring threat probably cost him a place though considering Lambert is a powerful player but also a better goal scorer. Danny Welbeck gives the side flexibility as he can play out wide (England haven’t selected many wide players in the squad). The formation of the squad looks like it’ll be a 4-3-3, with another piece to follow this week with a potential tactical set-up
Posted on: Mon, 19 May 2014 10:39:07 +0000
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