Every four years in England, albeit the showcase FIFA World Cup, a myriad of expectations grips the entire nation in a ceaseless bear hug. This year too, seems there is to be no exception to the rule and perhaps not the best time to dwell on Simon Kuper’s Soccernomics on why England always fail at the biggest of occasions. As Roy Hodgson’s nervy England edged Denmark in midweek’s friendly by the tiniest of margins, a header by Daniel Sturridge, it perhaps brings time to select the best possible 23 man squad for Brazil in three and a half months time. Will England’s potentially underachieving Golden Generation finally stand up and get counted or will the three Lions come be again heralded as the laughing stock in Football’s greatest stage? Today we here at Soccersouls pick our best possible Squad for the flight to Sambaland.
Goalkeepers and Defense
So which three shot stoppers should board the flight? Definitely Manchester City’s Joe Hart is the number one choice with 39 games on his belt, having kept an enviable 20 clean sheets. Ben Foster should, too get his boarding pass done by the tome he reaches the airport, while it will be a straight shootout between Celtic’s Fraser Forster and Norwich number one John Ruddy. I would prefer the more experienced Ruddy to the 25 year old Celtic keeper given the need to take the place under the sticks if Hart gets injured.
Ashley Cole has no place in my squad as I opt for Everton’s Leighton Baines and Saints’ 18 year old Luke Shaw. For the right back slot I only pick Liverpool’s Glen Johnson, who can also play on the left if required, as he does for Liverpool. Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill have already packed their luggage for me while Manchester United duo Phil Jones and Chris Smalling can start packing too. Joelon Lescott and Kyle Walker sadly have to be satisfied watching from their TV sets at home. The reason for just one right back is Phil Jones, albeit his versatility can play in that slot.