After England’s dismal performance in the recently concluded World Cup in Brazil, there are people who are already calling for Roy Hodgson’s head. While it is true that the Three Lions were far from impressive in Brazil, one of the main reasons for it wasn’t the manager, but the general lack of talent in the squad. While the 23-man squad did contain a good mix of youth and experience, the X factor simply wasn’t there.
When you add that, along with a lack of defensive discipline shown by some experienced centre backs, you can certainly see why they struggled in Brazil. Ever since their solitary World Cup win in 1966, England have never really looked like winning a major tournament. While they are continually hyped (mostly by their own fans) as favourites, they have seldom looked like contenders for the big prize.
If this has to change, they will need a new influx of players. If they are looking at a club, who can supply them with the necessary ammunition, then they need to look no further than Manchester United. The Red Devils aren’t just the most successful club in England, but are also the club that has consistently provided some of the finest English players in the last two decades. Here are three young players, who are currently exhibiting plenty of promise and look like they have what it takes to be future England internationals.
Michael Keane
An area of concern for the Three Lions in Brazil was their defending. To suggest that some of their defending was bad would be an understatement. But the good news is that there is certainly of plenty of quality coming through at the moment, especially in central defence. 21-year-old Michael Keane is yet to make his senior debut for United, but has already established himself as one to watch out for in the future.
Likened to Rio Ferdinand, due to his calmness on the ball and the ability to bring it forward, the player was tipped by the former England captain himself for greatness. Keane along with his team-mate Tyler Blackett look like being the national side’s future in central defence for the years to come. So don’t be surprised if another Manchester United player named Keane makes headlines, but this time for England.
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