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| Taken from The Whitehouse Address |
After last Sunday’s Euro 2012 exit at the hands of Italy, England fans and the English media came to the realization that they aren’t quite at the level of the likes of Spain, Germany, Italy and others.
Some are even demanding that there are some widespread changes, if not a complete overhaul of the FA and how it runs its operations. However, in this article I’ll be going through the players who could turn England’s fortunes around in the coming years.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
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| Taken from The Sun |
When the line-ups were announced for England’s first Euro 2012 game against France, I, like many others, was very surprised to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s name on the team sheet. The Arsenal man had a relatively quiet game as England were pinned back in their own half for most of the game and he spent the rest of the tournament on the bench.
However, it’s important to remember that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is still only 18 years old, and he is unquestionably one of England’s most exciting young talents with incredible pace and excellent timing.
At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he’ll still only be 24 years old which highlights his longevity.
Phil Jones
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| Taken from the Daily Mirror |
One year ago, Phil Jones signed with then English champions Manchester United from Blackburn with many heralding the youngster as a player with the potential of becoming one of the best defenders in English football in the coming years.
The 2011/12 was a mixed one for Jones as injuries as well as uncertainty over whether he was best as a right back or a centre back, became an issue for him.
In my opinion, his immense physical presence means he’s best at the heart of the defence but can be a makeshift right back. Due to his leadership, he reminds me and many others of a young John Terry and with some more experience, he could well reach his full potential sooner rather than later.
Tom Cleverley
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| Taken from Eurosport |
Just like Phil Jones, injuries were a major factor in him not reaching the levels of expectation placed on him. In the opening games of the season, Cleverley impressed many with his assurance on the ball, silencing many doubters who claimed he wasn’t at the standard suitable for Manchester United.
Despite the ankle injury that restricted him to just 15 games in all competitions last season, I believe that Cleverley showed enough talent to warrant the hype surrounding his future.
Kyle Walker
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| Taken from Today GH |
In his first full season at Tottenham, the Sheffield-born Kyle Walker was truly magnificent. His superb season was rewarded by him winning the prestigious PFA Young Player of the Year award, as well as earning a place in the PFA Team of the Year.
Sadly for Walker, injury led to him missing Euro 2012, with many saying he would have started most of England’s games as opposed to Glen Johnson.
But the 22 year old Walker still has plenty of time to feature in a major international tournament, and as long as he maintains the form he showed in the 2011/12 campaign, he should have no problem getting into England’s starting eleven’s, for years to come.
Jack Wilshere
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| Taken from The Guardian |
As England fans watched their own team’s miserable performances at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, many of them must have thought to themselves, “If only we had a player like Xavi or Iniesta”. But many felt they did in the shape of Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.
The 20 year old had a superb 2010/11 season and famously gave Xavi and Iniesta a very tough game during a Champions League tie against Barcelona. However, the 2011/12 one was essentially non-existent, due to a multitude of injuries suffered which denied the youngster any chance of getting into England’s Euro 2012 squad.
Hopefully for both England and Arsenal fans, Wilshere will soon recapture his best form to lead England into the next four or five, perhaps even six tournaments.
Written by Joshua Sodergren
Follow me on Twitter @chelsealad1365
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