World Cup: Rooney pushed wide left in projected England line-up
Published:With only one more England outing lying between now and the World Cup, workplaces and taverns nationwide are awash with football-loving folk deliberating on who should make the grade for the first Group D clash against Italy.
Having witnessed two England auditions against South American opposition, news.Ladbrokes’ Christian Crowther reckons he’s seen enough to pick his proposed Three Lions XI to take the field in Manaus on June 14th.
Roy Hodgson’s troops are currently the narrow 21/10 outsiders to start proceedings with victory against the Azzurri and that should be infinitely achievable with the below line-up!
Do you agree? Tweet your responses to @ChristianCrowth
GK – Joe Hart
No question marks surrounding England’s number one. The Manchester City stopper is the best England have.
LB – Leighton Baines
While Hodgson’s decision to call up Luke Shaw as his understudy now looks dubious after a shaky display against Ecuador, Baines is a classy operator, especially from dead balls.
CB – Gary Cahill
Arguably England’s most accomplished defender, Cahill has carried his excellent Chelsea form into international football.
CB – Phil Jagielka
Ideally, this berth would have been reserved for John Terry, but the Toffees skipper is a dependable figure for England.
RB – Glen Johnson
James Milner’s right-back cameo against Ecuador ensured there is no threat to the Liverpool player’s position on the right of defence.
DM – Steven Gerrard
Correctly rested against Ecuador, the skipper will be Hodgson’s first name on the teamsheet in a deeper midfield role.
CM – Jordan Henderson
A potential injury and another ragged display from Jack Wilshere in Miami means Henderson’s elevation to England-starter is complete.
AM – Ross Barkley
The Evertonian’s power, pace and skill when running with the ball at his feet is one England’s greatest assets and he must get his chance after that showing in the SunLife Stadium.
RWF – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Similarly to Barkley, the Ox played a starring role against Ecuador with an exhilarating display of ball carrying and if he’s fit he should start. Adam Lallana gets the nod otherwise.
LWF – Wayne Rooney
A goal proved a welcome tonic for Wazza in the Miami heat, but if he’s to maintain his place then he’ll have to settle for the left-hand side of England’s three-pronged attack.
CF – Daniel Sturridge
Rickie Lambert reminded Hodgson he’s a great back-up option to lead the line, but Liverpool’s other hot-shot is a sure starter in Manaus after notching a worldy versus Peru.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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