After the World Cup, Fabio Capello was adamant that he would give the younger players a chance to prove themselves in the national squad. However, the squad that beat Denmark 2-1 wasn’t massively different from the one that failed miserably in South Africa.
The likes of Lampard, Terry and Rooney remain in the side despite their poor performances last summer and Gerrard, Ferdinand and Crouch almost certainly would have joined them, if it had not been for injury. So how do you think that makes the younger players feel, especially those that have been playing so well this season? I’ve had a look at some of those who undeservedly missed out on the squad.
Martin Kelly
OK, so he’s only come into the Liverpool squad this term, but what a season he has had so far. Slotting into the right-back position comfortably, he has been a major part in the upturn of Liverpool’s fortunes recently. His performance during the 1-0 win against Chelsea was definitely a high-point, as he played a big role in keeping out Drogba, Anelka and, of course, Torres. Should he be given the chance on the national stage?
Jack Rodwell
Amazingly, the Everton youngster (pictured) is still yet to earn a call-up to the national side. Capped at England youth level, the midfielder had to settle for a place in Stuart Pearce’s under-21 side this time. Rodwell has been a consistent performer for Everton since breaking into the side and, at the age of just 19, he certainly looks a great prospect. But does he deserve a place alongside Gerrard and Lampard?
Marc Albrighton
Another under-21 squad member, Albrighton has gone from strength-to-strength in his first full Premier League season with Villa. With four goals to his name, including one against Manchester United, it is surprising that Capello has not given him a chance. However, the youngster has a lot to do to fight his way past Milner and Walcott, as well as his Villa teammates Ashley Young and Stewart Downing.
Ryan Shawcross
This one amazes me. Although he managed to break into the England squad in March 2010, he has struggled to get back there. With Ferdinand and Terry reaching the latter part of their careers, we have to look to the likes of Shawcross to come in and replace them. What else puzzles me is Capello continues to pick Joleon Lescott, who struggles to make the Man City side, whereas Shawcross captains Stoke every week.
Nedum Onuoha
The versatile defender has spent the season on loan at Sunderland, and has more than impressed during his time there. Onuoha can play full-back or in the centre of defence, a useful trait in any defender. He is a threat going forward, as Chelsea discovered when he jinked past their whole defence to score one of the goals of the season. He has even turned down an international call-up from Nigeria in the hope of a Capello phone call. Let’s get him in the squad before he changes his mind!
Those are just some of the under-25s who missed on a call-up this time. There are plenty of others who players warrant a call-up, youngsters and more experienced player. However, some may see them as being “too old” to break into the England squad.
The likes of Leon Osman at Everton and Birmingham central defender Roger Johnson probably deserve at least a call-up. Osman is always a tricky player and often chips in with a goal. Johnson played a major part in Birmingham’s impressive season last term, and is also a threat from set-pieces. Should they get a look-in on the national stage?
We all remember how badly the World Cup went and what an embarrassment it was to lose 4-1 to Germany. Capello promised changed, but is still yet to convince many that this is still the plan. Don’t get me wrong, the likes of Terry and Lampard are fantastic players and have great ability. But, perhaps it is time to give the “lesser” players a chance, see what they can deliver. Let’s be fair, it can’t be worse than what we saw in South Africa!