England’s World Cup hopefuls

Tuesday, 19/01/2010

With the Premier League reaching the halfway mark, fans are starting to contemplate a championship challenge, European place, mid-table obscurity or a nail-biting relegation battle. But as important even the most die-hard fan will have this summer’s World Cup in the back of their mind.

England boss Fabio Capello is an ardent advocate of picking players who are fit, playing regular first-team football and on top form, as Michael Owen has found to his cost this season.

If the season stopped now and the Italian had to select his 23-man squad who would be on the plane? Going on current form alone, here are 11 Fabio might pick:

Goalkeeper – Joe Hart
A major part of Birmingham’s impressive season so far, Hart has provided consistency, confidence and a calming influence to the rest of the team. An excellent shot-stopper, the Man City youngster has developed excellent decision making and distribution skills. If he continues in this vein he is a must for South Africa and could claim the number one spot.

Right-back – Micah Richards
After a spectacular start to his career, breaking into the City first- team as a teenager and becoming England’s youngest-ever international defender, Richards’ career stalled. Now given a regular starting birth by Roberto Mancini, Richards appears to be finding his form. Has attacking threat, pace and energy.

Left-back – Ashley Cole
Under Carlo Ancelotti, Ashley Cole has rediscovered the form that made him one of the world’s finest left-backs. His positional play and defensive awareness have continued to improve, but now the attacking instincts have returned.

Central-defender – John Terry
Another Chelsea man at the top of his game. When JT doesn’t play the Blues definitely miss him. As England’s captain, if Terry’s fit then he’ll be on the plane.

Central-defender – Michael Dawson
Dawson has more than filled in for the injury prone Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate this season, making himself a first-team regular. Towering in the air, comfortable on the ground and with a deceptive turn of pace. He may have done enough to be in the manager’s thoughts.

Central-midfield – Scott Parker
A tireless worker for West Ham, Parker has shown great passing ability and creative vision. With the likes of Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole and Owen Hargreaves struggling for form and fitness, Parker’s consistency, drive and hunger make him a possible.

Central-Midfield – Frank Lampard
Despite coming in for some criticism this season, Lampard is beginning to find his feet and goal-scoring touch. His running, passing and attacking instincts tore Sunderland apart and you’d expect goals to flow as the title race hots up. Almost certain to start for England.

Right wing – James Milner (pictured)
Hardworking, reliable and a great team player, but that doesn’t do Milner’s form this season justice. Versatility will make him an attractive proposal for Capello, but his creative spark, natural athleticism and eye for a goal or assist could be just as telling. Aaron Lennon only misses out due to recent injury problems. If Lennon was fit, Milner would be on the left.

Left wing – Matthew Etherington
The Stoke winger will be a surprise selection and his chances of getting anywhere near the squad are slimmer than Peter Crouch after a tummy bug. But his classy displays for the Potters have had the Britannia Stadium faithful purring. Etherington is much more consistent under Tony Pulis and his left-foot is a threat.

Striker – Wayne Rooney
Where would Manchester United be this season without Wazza? Rooney is having his best goal-scoring season at Old Trafford and has shouldered the responsibility of being the team’s talisman following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. One of England’s few true world-class players. Let’s just hope he doesn’t play himself into the ground trying to drag United to the title.

Striker – Darren Bent
The Sunderland man just pips Jermain Defoe as he’s continued to hit the target despite his and his team’s form taking a dip. Bent’s had a few chances with England but will probably miss out on next summer’s football feast unless there’s an injury crisis.

*Do you agree? Or do you think there are other players Capello should be watching? Comment below...

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