A few of England’s current players may face their last chance to win a World Cup as the tournament continues this summer. The likes of David Beckham, David James, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Gareth Barry, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Ashley Cole will all be well into their thirties when the 2014 finals comes around in Brazil and it seems likely that few, if any, of the above will make that trip. Several of these players would feature in Englands greatest World Cup team.
Who will Fabio Capello looked to In order to replace his top players? Here’s a look at some of the likely contenders…
Joe Hart (Manchester City, Goalkeeper) – Joe Hart has made a name for himself at Birmingham, where he has been on loan, and is enjoying status as a third choice goalkeeper to be used in the finals. Hart may find himself at first goalkeeper status as James nears 40 and Green fails to perform, especially if he makes his way into the first team at Manchester city or that of another large Premier league club. When he does, it may be some time before England are looking for a new number 1.
Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal, Defender) – Injury has stalled Gibbs career at Arsenal, but the young left sided defender will come back stronger than ever. Gibbs, who has the astounding reputation of being able to play successfully anywhere on the left flank, will improve in years to come. Clichy can expect to be pushed hard for a spot on the Arsenal team next season and Gibbs is expected to join the ranks of the national team soon.
Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool, Midfielder) – Replacing Steven Gerrard for Liverpool and England is going to be a tough task but Shelvey, whom Liverpool recently signed from Charlton, is the man the Reds feel will eventually fulfil that role. Still only 17, Shelvey may take a couple of years to progress through the ranks at Anfield, but if he does and he can prove to be anywhere near as effective as Gerrard has been over the past few years, it won’t be long before England come calling too.
Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea, Attacker) – Daniel Sturridge, Chelsea’s current attacker, was not able to fully stretch his wings under Anelka and Drogba’s fierce partnership, looks an enormously promising. Sturridge should become a consistent contributor for Chelsea next season and may well push hard to claim Anelka’s spot in Ancelotti’s side. Sturridge’s never-failing ability to make great goals could lead to an impressive role on Chelsea’s and England’s teams.
Connor Wickham (Ipswich Town, Attacker) – Not heard of him? At seventeen, Wickham is already showing great promise and has been linked to a Premiership superpower. A clinical striker who has improved a great deal since forcing his way into the first team at Portman Road just a few days after his 16th birthday. Now everyone is just waiting on his move into the Premier League, and waiting to see what his price will be.
So, while this looks like being the final World Cup for many of Capello’s stars, it also heralds the start of an exciting future for many.
