The English National Team- Exciting Future or Lacking in Quality?

The first two rounds of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in 2014 took place over the latest International break, with England picking up four points from their first two fixtures. While the 5-0 thrashing of Moldova was expected, the last gasp equaliser to snatch a point against Ukraine has left some areas of the media with lingering doubts over the quality of the England national side to mount a serious challenge in South America.

Ever since Roy Hodgson became England manager, the national call has been for the England squad to include more young players, as the supposed ‘old guard’ of Terry, Lampard, Gerrard and co enter the twilight of their careers. This plan of action saw promising signs with the inclusion of Jack Butland, Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck in the Euro 2012 squad. However, the side still only managed to reach the quarter finals, crashing out to Italy on penalties.

And so on to this campaign, with the latest England squad showing more signs of youthful exuberance. Tom Cleverley, Ryan Bertrand and Daniel Sturridge, after impressive performances for Team GB at the Olympics, have continued the progression from the U21’s to the first team, leaving the national side with an average age of 26, compared to 28 at the 2010 World Cup.

All this focus on youth and bringing through young players is all well and good, but questions remain over the quality of the youngsters coming through the ranks in the national side. While playing well  for your club side week-in-week-out is worthy of meriting a place in the England squad, international football is a completely different kettle of fish. Having a squad full of International experience is essential to any side, and putting in too many youngsters at once could see the team lose focus and shape, especially in tough away fixtures such as the upcoming games against Poland and Ukraine.

The main debate though, is whether or not the current England youngsters have the quality to be a force at International level? Tom Cleverley missed an absolute sitter against the Ukraine, and didn’t shower himself in glory with his performance over the course of the game. Add to that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who showed quality in patches, but much like his pace merchant team mate Theo Walcott, failed to produce on a consistent basis.

Overall, I think the signs are positive for the future. The latest England squad saw more youth brought into the squad, with 17-year old Raheem Stirling, 22-year old Jake Livermore and 24-year old Adam Lallana all added to the squad to bolster the exciting options currently coming through. Throwing in the re-inclusion of Michael Carrick following his international exile, we have a strong batch of experience in every position on the pitch, which should allow the youngsters to come through and learn, while of course bringing their own styles to the international stage. Personally, I still think the World Cup in 2014 is a tad too soon for England to show their true potential, but the longer term future looks a very exciting prospect indeed.