Roy Hodgson looks likely to continue as England manager following the sides premature exit from World Cup 2014. Fans are already coming to their own conclusions about how things ended up this way with the finger of course being pointed around in an accusatory manner. Steven Gerrard has been accused by some, Roy Hodgson himself, as well as a host of other factors. But, where do England go next following this disappointing exit?
Mass changes in personnel
England fans have been calling for the death of the ‘golden generation’ for some time now. England have been moving towards a new era of players under Hodgson. There has been much speculation about the future of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, both of whom are now past their respective peaks. It is time to phase these players out. Gerrard suffered a poor tournament and is not best suited to the holding midfield role, given his lack of mobility and lack of tactical discipline. Too often were the holes left for other teams to exploit as England’s midfield lacked control and poise. Frank Lampard has been a decent servant but now does not offer enough to warrant a place in the squad, aside from great experience. His international future hangs in the balance and it’d probably not be the worst thing were he to retire.
How could England begin to set-up?
The major problem England have right now is in defence. The centre-back duo of Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka are 28 and 31 respectively. Jagielka will likely be on the way down by the time Euro 2016 comes about and Hodgson’s role will be to replace him. Phil Jones has looked good at times for Manchester United and could be the logical replacement if he develops under Lois van Gaal this season. Leighton Baines was poor at left back and does not look good enough defensively to warrant a place in future sides, especially if Luke Shaw continues to push on, thus he should be the future for England going into Euro 2016 qualifiers.
The onus needs to be on younger and exciting players. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ross Barkley offer power and drive in centre midfield that England lack whilst Jordan Henderson is a decent option. The latter hasn’t offered anywhere near the same standard of performance for England.
The 4-2-3-1 formation hasn’t brought England much fluidity and instead has caused tactical issues for England with England over-run in midfield. Now England are not a top international team they need to be compact in midfield, which a three man midfield would allow. This poses a problem for Wayne Rooney, who likes to play as a no.10, behind a striker. Hodgson can still utilize Rooney in the squad but may want to look past Rooney now in terms of building his squad around the former United star, who hasn’t lived up to the billing as England’s next great saviour.
Tactical changes are needed. Hodgson needs to build from the back and make England hard to beat whilst adding young and dynamic players to provide the legs in front. England lack great technical players, which is why Adam Lallana deserves a place, as England’s most technical, creative midfield option. There are some decent youngsters in the squad, they just now need to be trusted going into the Euro 2016 qualifiers.
