England football team were in transition phase over the last four years. The likes of Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, John Terry along with a few others have called their time on international football after their disastrous showing in Brazil in 2014.
The team failed to qualify for knockout rounds after being placed in a relatively easy group.
But the retirements of some of the biggest names in English football has propelled a new look to the national team with plenty of new faces.
Although they are going into the FIFA World Cup 2014 with plenty of new faces, the England team still has plenty of talent on their roster. Let us take a closer look at England’s potential stars in the upcoming mega event.
Defense
The poor performances of Joe Hart in Euro 2016 had helped the rise of Jordan Pickford.
The young goalkeeper is one of the bests in Premier League in the past couple of seasons. He earned a name for himself with his performances for Everton and eventually entered into the national team.
The back-line looks pretty decent for England with a terrific roster. Kyle Walker and Fabian Delph should be the wing backs for Southgate in the World Cup. On the other hand, John Stones has been impressive with Manchester City. To lead the back line, Gary Cahill would play a massive role.
The team also has very good depth in the defense with the likes of Alexander-Arnold, Phil Jones, Danny Rose and Ashley Young on their roster.
Midfield
The midfield looks thin and could be a cause for concern when they meet superior sides.
Jordan Henderson is expected to be the defensive midfielder alongside Tottenham’s Eric Dier. Both the players have impressed with their respective clubs in the recently concluded season.
Dier was once again crucial in helping Spurs finish in top 4 and Henderson was very impressive in leading Liverpool to Champions League final. On a creative front, Dele Alli should be a starter ahead of Manchester United’s, Jesse Lingard.
The only problem with the midfield is the quality when they meet superior sides like Germany, Spain and Brazil.
Attack
Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling has been a whole different player since Pep Guardiola took over. However, the winger should take additional responsibility in the attack at FIFA World Cup 2018 to enhance England’s chances.
On the other side, Marcus Rashford should start plenty of games considering his playing style at Manchester United.
One of the most sought-after strikers, Harry Kane will be bearing the burden of scoring goals for the Three Lions.
With the likes of Jamie Vardy and Danny Welbeck, Southgate has the decent backup in the attack. He can also use Ashley Young in attack if the situation demands. But all in all, this side lacks the serious quality that other top sides possess and will go into world cup as dark horses.
England Squad for World Cup
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Stoke), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley).
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Fabian Delph (Manchester City), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Harry Maguire (Leicester), Danny Rose (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Tottenham), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Ashley Young (Manchester United).
Midfielders: Dele Alli, Eric Dier (both Tottenham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea).
Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Jamie Vardy (Leicester), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal).