Which England internationals deserve to be on the plane to Brazil? Part One – Goalkeepers and Defenders

By on April 26, 2014

For England, as home of the Premier League and some of the strongest football media presence in the world, the controversy of the World Cup doesn’t just start in Brazil, but when the squad which will travel to South America is picked. The job of choosing which 23 professional players is down to one person, manager Roy Hodgson, so Harry Fairman is stepping into his shoes to decide who he would send to Brazil. Here is part one of his two part series, on goalkeepers and defenders:

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart – Joe Hart had an unconvincing start to the 2013/14 Premier League season. A few calamitous errors saw him dropped from the Manchester City starting line-up for Costel Pantilimon. He has since worked his way back into the City team, and is the obvious choice for the England Number 1 jersey, making 67 saves in 27 games for City this season (and recording 10 clean sheets in the process).

Ben Foster – Although West Bromwich Albion have struggled in the Premier League this season; underperforming and finding themselves in a relegation dogfight, Foster has continued to show his experience between the sticks, with 61 saves in 20 games. He has been responsible for some horrid errors whilst playing for England in the past, but his tournament experience could prove vital if Joe Hart is to get injured.

John Ruddy – England’s third choice keeper is highly unlikely to ever be called into action in the World Cup. However, Ruddy has made an impressive 108 saves in 35 games for Norwich so far this campaign, giving him the best saves to game ratio out of all the England keepers in the Premier League. Ruddy is also the tallest England keeper, standing at a staggering 1.93 metres tall. This height advantage could be useful if England got themselves into a penalty shoot-out situation in Brazil…

Defenders

Glen Johnson – Liverpool have been in excellent form this season, and so has their full-back Glen Johnson. His pace and direct playing style have helped Liverpool this season, with Johnson bagging himself two assists over the campaign so far. His only downside can sometimes be his positional sense, but his pace usually more than makes up for that. Also,Johnson’s previous tournament experience will be beneficial to the England dressing room.

Joel Ward – Perhaps the first shock inclusion of my provisional squad; I’m sure not many people would have heard of Ward before the start of this season. However, his consistency throughout this season has helped Crystal Palace secure safety- something many didn’t predicted at the start of the season. Ward has so far featured in every game for the Eagles, and has shown versatility in a variety of positions for the Palace, something which Roy Hodgson needs from his players. He’s not afraid to get forward as well, another reason why he should be in Hodgson’s plans for the summer.

Leighton Baines – Baines has been in excellent form for a very good Everton side so far this season. He has netted 5 goals and contributed with 3 assists for the Merseyside club so far in 29 games, and with 14 clean sheets throughout the year as well, it’s clear to see that Baines offers both an excellent attacking threat and an ability to defend well. His name has been thrown around by some when it comes to the best left back in the world at the moment, and his place in the plane to Brazil is almost guaranteed.

Luke Shaw – Now, some people argue that Ashley Cole should be the second left back going to Brazil, but personally, I think that that would be a great waste considering the fact that Cole has gotten so little playing time over the past few seasons. Shaw is one of many exciting young talents coming through the Southampton set-up, and has been linked with moves to some of the Premier League’s top clubs. Currently, he is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, so it would be ill-advised not to include him in England’s World Cup plans. Upon his first England call-up, pictures were also released of Shaw in tears telling family members, a show of true emotion, and the Three Lions really needs players like Shaw who will give their all for the shirt – no matter how tough the going gets.

Gary Cahill – Cahill has been an important figure in the centre of Chelsea’s defence so far this campaign, and as another extremely committed player, he will be a leader at the heart of the England defence. Also a hard worker, Cahill may be vital when it comes to keeping a score in the later stages in the baking Brazilian sunshine. He also poses a threat when it comes to coming up for corners, with a solitary goal and assist for Chelsea during the course of this season.

Phil Jagielka – During the past few bouts of international games, Jagielka has been Gary Cahill’s central defensive partner in the England side. Before sustaining an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury whilst playing in the game with Chelsea in February, Jagielka was also an important figure at the heart of Everton’s defence. He should be returning to action with by the World Cup, and as another committed player he will be crucial if England have any chance of advancing through the tournament.

Joleon Lescott – Apart from Jagielka and Cahill, there aren’t many England defenders around of world-class quality. Lescott, one of the lesser quality English center-backs, has not been featuring for Manchester City very often this season, but still should make the grade in June. A tall player with a strong presence, he will be suitable cover if called upon by Hodgson during the tournament. The 31-year-old also adds the value of experience in international tournaments, which could be useful for Roy Hodgson’s side.

Steven Caulker – If this squad had to be decided at the start of the season, many people would have included Phil Jones or Chris Smalling as their final central defenders for the England World Cup squad. However, after tumultuous seasons with Manchester United, neither of these players have proved that they deserve to be donning an England shirt in South America. Meanwhile, Caulker has had a decent first season with Cardiff City, and is still a very young defender. Even if Cardiff get relegated, he looks certain to stay in the Premier League, with his strong physical stature and good positional sense appealing to many over the past season. A place in the England squad would not be undeserved for this young man.

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Disagree with any of Harry’s choices? Make sure to comment your changes to his squad below!

About Harry Fairman

Crystal Palace fan. 16 years old. http://the1905.wordpress.com/