Capello's Choices
English football has been searching for its soul in the aftermath of the disastrous FIFA World Cup 2010. South Africa was supposed to be the coming of the English team, the moment when the Golden Generation would strip off years of disappointments and under-achievements to bring glory to a nation of hopefuls.
We all know how this crusade for World Cup glory ended for the English team. Tactics were termed as outdated, the 4-4-2 was called out to be retired in the face of flexible, modern systems like 4-2-3-1, players were lambasted and the reputation of Wayne Rooney was considerably hit by an event where he was supposed to display the second coming of the 'White Pele.'
Thoroughly outclassed by an efficient, youthful German side 4-1, the three Lions came home humbled and humiliated.
Now it is time for manager Fabio Capello to chart a course for the future. The old guard or the so-called golden generation has been found wanting. What is so enticing about Capello's next selection is that he will have to trim down on some big names in order to bring in players who will be the future of the England team. So the team is announced on Saturday night, be prepared for surprises but not overnight changes. Capello is a man of method and will not wield the axe at all the players.
Ashley Cole, despite questionable personal character, remains one of the best left backs in the world. Rooney, despite a dismal world cup, is still a class above and must carry this team while Aaron Lennon is young enough to be given another chance. There can, however be calamitous casualties in the fall out.
The former captain and skipper of Chelsea, the Lion-hearted John Terry could find himself out on the curb. During the world cup, Terry tried to initiate a one man campaign to have Joe Cole reinstated into the England team after the Three Lions had drawn nil-nil with lowly Algeria. That interference in Capello's methods may be the final coffin nail on his international career, at least under, Capello's reign.
Frank Lampard may also be axed, given that he is almost 32 and has not done too much during his international career. Steven Gerrard, who is much younger, might be given a reprieve, at least until the Euros 2012. Emile Heskey and Jamie Carragher have already retired from international football and will be spared the embarrassment of being omitted from the squad. Robert Green and David James will most likely find themselves out of the squad in favour of younger keepers such as the excellent Joe Hart and Ben Foster.
Axing key players for their poor performances sound like justice but such an action will have no solid foundations if the replacements do not improve the fortunes of the team. Just who will find themselves in the squad? Below is a list with explanations given as to how they will fare in the international squad -
Theo Walcott: Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Walcott admitted he broke down after failing to make the cut for the World Cup Squad. After a dismal England performance, Walcott's value has sky rocketed. He may not have added significantly to his searing pace but he will most certainly need to if he is to escape another bout of crying.
Jack Rodwell: Covetous glances have passed at this Evertonian by a luminary such as Sir Alex Ferguson. The strongly built lad can play in midfield as well as at centre back. Marrying technique and strength, Rodwell will undoubtedly become the pillar of England in the future.
Jack Wilshere: Despite his tender years, his talent has been wowing crowds already. Blessed with that rare English quality, technique and first touch, Wilshere provides balance, poise and a touch of class of England. Having bulked up at Bolton Wanderers on loan last year, if he is nurtured carefully, Wilshere will most certainly become the face of English football in the coming years.
Kieran Gibbs: The left back showed his class after performing in Arsenal's team at the tail end of the season before last. Despite his horrendous slip against Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung in the Champions League, Gibbs showed good pace and positional understanding. With no viable alternatives to Ashley Cole in the left back position, Gibbs will be the natural heir.
Adam Johnson: Manchester City may have spent spades of money this season yet their most shrewd buy came at a modest fee of 7 million pounds that they paid for Adam Johnson. The English winger has a left foot and can actually play football - two ingredients the English have been clamouring for ages. Johnson was very close to the 2010 squad and will most definitely be featuring in the first team in the years to come.
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