With the 2010 World Cup finals well on the way, several of England’s players may be facing their last chance to win. Players that will be well into their thirties, and likely not playing at the time of the World Cup in 2014 in Brazil include Ashley Cole, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Gareth Barry, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampert. David Beckham and David James.
So who is Fabio Capello going to be looking at to replace some of these key players in the next few years? Some likely replacements include…
Joe Hart (Manchester City, Goalkeeper) – Hart has enjoyed a superb season on loan at Birmingham and he deservedly forced his way into the squad as third choice keeper for the finals. However with James now nearing 40 and Green not altogether impressive, Hart may well find himself elevated to senior keeper role sooner rather than later, especially if he can start to force his way into the first team at Manchester City, or another big Premier League club. Once Joe Hart secures this, England might not have to look for new number one for a while.
Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal, Defender) – Although Gibbs may have had a rough start to his career at Arsenal due to injury, his future looks bright. A talented player who can play anywhere along the left flank, Gibbs will grow in confidence as he gains more experience. He’ll push Clichy hard for a spot in the Arsenal team next season and should make the step up from England U21’s to the National team at some point in the future.
Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool, Midfielder) – Replacing Steven Gerrard for Liverpool and England is going to be a tough task but Shelvey, whom Liverpool recently signed from Charlton, is the man the Reds feel will eventually fulfil that role. Still only 17, Shelvey may take a couple of years to progress through the ranks at Anfield, but if he does and he can prove to be anywhere near as effective as Gerrard has been over the past few years, it won’t be long before England come calling too.
Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea, Attacker) – Daniel Sturridge, Chelsea’s current attacker, was not able to fully stretch his wings under Anelka and Drogba’s fierce partnership, looks an enormously promising. Sturridge should become a consistent contributor for Chelsea next season and may well push hard to claim Anelka’s spot in Ancelotti’s side. Sturridge’s never-failing ability to make great goals could lead to an impressive role on Chelsea’s and England’s teams.
Connor Wickham (Ipswich Town, Attacker) – If you haven’t heard of Connor Wickham, don’t be alarmed. The enormous talent is being linked to a Premiership giant and is only 17 years old. A clinical striker who has improved a great deal since forcing his way into the first team at Portman Road just a few days after his 16th birthday. Watch for Wickham to join a big team with an even bigger price tag.
While we will be very sad to see our soccer heroes go, we also can’t help but to be excited for the stars of tomorrow.
Tags: england soccer, soccer, World Cup