England National Team: Key Issues to Address Before the 2014 World Cup

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: February 7, 2013

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England picked up another impressive result last night with their 2-1 victory over Brazil. 

Having also beaten Italy in a friendly since the Azzurri dumped them out of Euro 2012 on penalties, it looks as if Roy Hodgson’s team are moving in the right direction. 

Yet the victory over Brazil was far from a perfect performance and there are still issues to address before the World Cup (assuming that England qualify).

In goal, Joe Hart hasn’t been in quite the impervious form this season for Manchester City as he was last term, but he is still undoubtedly England’s No. 1. 

With some promising young keepers such as Fraser Forster and Jack Butland also progressing, it looks as if England could soon be boasting their strongest collection of goalkeepers for many years.

The one position in defence where there are no issues at all is at left-back. In Ashley Cole you have one of the best left-backs in the world and if you want more attacking verve, then Leighton Baines demonstrated last night just how effective he can be getting forward.

England are less strong at right-back. Glen Johnson is neither as good going forward as Baines, or defensively as Cole. Last season Kyle Walker looked destined to make the position his own but has since regressed. 

Don’t rule out Walker’s fellow Tottenham starlet Adam Smith from making a late run for the squad in Brazil. Smith has been highly impressive at Millwall this season, was superb for the U21 side in midweek and is set to return to Spurs for next season.

Central defence is the most problematic area of the England team. The era of England being able to choose between John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Ledley King and Jamie Carragher is over.



The next generation of central defenders—Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Joleon Lescott and Michael Dawson—just aren’t as good...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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