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
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 the longevity of
him.
Phil Jones
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
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
In his first full season as 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 in years to come.
Jack Wilshere
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.
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