With the 2010 World Cup finals well on the way, several of England’s players may be facing their last chance to win. By the time the 2014 Brazilian World Cup finals roll around, John Terry Gareth Barry, Rio Ferdinand Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole, Frank Lambert David Beckham and David James will all be well into their thirties so the team will be oh so different.
Who is going to replace England’s greats in the next few years? Some likely replacements include…
Joe Hart (Manchester City, Goalkeeper) – Joe Hart has made a name for himself at Birmingham, where he has been on loan, and is enjoying status as a third choice goalkeeper to be used in the finals. Hart may find himself at first goalkeeper status as James nears 40 and Green fails to perform, especially if he makes his way into the first team at Manchester city or that of another large Premier league club. When he does, it may be some time before England are looking for a new number 1.
Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal, Defender) – Gibbs may have been injured at Arsenal, stunting his career, but the left sided defender is expected to make an outstanding come back. Gibbs, who has the astounding reputation of being able to play successfully anywhere on the left flank, will improve in years to come. Clichy can expect to be pushed hard for a spot on the Arsenal team next season and Gibbs is expected to join the ranks of the national team soon.
Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool, Midfielder) – Shelvey, experts agree, maybe the only one who could replace Steven Gerrard for both Liverpool and England national team. The 17-year-old Shelvey might need a couple of years to advance through the levels at Anfield, but he could end up being as useful to England’s national team and Liverpool as Gerrard has.
Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea, Attacker) – Sturridge has found his progress hampered at Chelsea due to Anelka and Drogba’s partnership but the former Manchester City striker has immense potential. we can expect to see Sturridge grow as he becomes a stronger player in the fiercer contributor for Chelsea in the next season, and he may even be expected to claim Anelka’s place on the team. Still young and naive at times, he does have an unerring knack for goals and could prove to be a boon for both Chelsea and England.
Connor Wickham (Ipswich Town, Attacker) – Not heard of him? Wickham is a prodigious talent and is already being linked with a big money move to a Premiership giant, all at the tender age of 17. The attacker has become a big name on the first team at Portman Road, where he began playing shortly after turning sixteen. It isn’t a case of if Wickham moves into the Premier League, simply when and for how much.
So, while this looks like being the final World Cup for many of Capello’s stars, it also heralds the start of an exciting future for many.
Tags: england soccer, soccer, World Cup