A few of England’s current players may face their last chance to win a World Cup as the tournament continues this summer. 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. James gets closer to 40 and Green continues to be unimpressive, and this may mean big things for Hart, who could see a promotion to first goalkeeper, if he makes his way onto Manchester city’s first team or another big Premier League Club team. When he does, it may be some time before England are looking for a new number 1.
Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal, Defender) – Injury has stalled Gibbs career at Arsenal, but the young left sided defender will come back stronger than ever. With an excellent ability to play anywhere along the left flank, Gibbs is only expected to grow more confident as he gains more experience. I wouldn’t be too surprised if we see Gibbs on the bench with the national team in a few years.
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. At 17, Shelvey could probably use a couple years to rise through the ranks at Anfield, but once he does, he could follow in Gerrard’s footsteps and join the England national team.
Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea, Attacker) – Although Sturridge was never really given a chance to prove himself at Chelsea, his future is extremely promising 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? 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. Now everyone is just waiting on his move into the Premier League, and waiting to see what his price will be.
The end for many World Cup stars marks a new beginning for England’s hopefuls trying to write World Cup history.
Tags: england soccer, soccer, World Cup