da prosport bet： After suffering an all too familiar defeat on penalties only two months ago, England have “an ideal opportunity to see some revolution” as they face Italy once more, Roy Hodgson has claimed. The implication was that this “revolution” would see a youthful side take on the Azzurri, however, the withdrawals of Theo Walcott, Daniel Sturridge, Joe Hart and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain means older players have been called up for duty.
da winzada777： There will still be six previously uncapped players starting the game, but the centre of midfield will be patrolled by Frank Lampard, 34, and Michael Carrick, 31, who share 112 full international caps between them. At the Euros this year, England’s midfield was built on ‘thirty-somethings’ – with Steven Gerrard, Scott Parker, Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard all in Hodgson’s provisional squads, but some pulling out due to injury. With this theme continuing into Wednesday night’s friendly, there seems to be less a glimpse of the future of England on offer, and more a stepping stone leading in the right direction.
Hodgson has never had the opportunity to pick either of these central midfielders, through injury or participation in Champions League, and will certainly be keen to analyse their performance during the game. However, while there is evidence to suggest England have real quality emerging in most areas of the side, central midfield remains a weakness. Finding a dynamic, youthful midfielder over the next few years leading up to Brazil 2014 will be crucial for England.
What do you think about England’s squad for the friendly? Are there any young players you think could make the step up to International duty? Tweet me @dudeyoungy
[ad_pod id=’dfp-mpu’ align=’right’]