Never done anything like this before but I decided to have a stab at my 23 man squad.

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart – He’s been the best English goalkeeper for me despite a few embarrassing errors.

Ben Foster – Second choice is tough. I like Ruddy & Forster but their international experience is limited.

John Ruddy – Pointless having a third goalkeeper in my opinion but rules are rules and here he is.

Right Back

Kyle Walker – He’s my preferred right back. Seems to be struggling with injury though. If he’s not available I would take Jon Flanagan and have Jones first choice.

Phil Jones – I’m leaving Glen Johnson out. I don’t rate him. His attacking is decent but he’s too error prone. Jones’ versatility is good.

Left Back

Ashley Cole – First choice LB for me despite his lack of playing time. Solid player.

Leighton Baines – Really like the lad. Just can’t bring myself to pick him over cole at such a high level. He gets the nod over Luke Shaw.

Center back

John Terry would have been in there for me, so too would have Rio Ferdinand. However I will leave them out.

Gary Cahill – He has been brilliant all season I think.

Phil Jageilka – It gets tricky now, but I think Phil makes the cut.

Chris Smalling – Versatile which is always good. He’s probably the fastest defender too.

Michael Dawson – I like Dawson.

Possibly the worst English defense in years?

Right wing

Adam Lallana – Is he right or left? I’m not sure but he’s in for me.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Tricky one. Sterling and Townsend wanting this place too.

Left wing

Jack Wilshere – Does he even play wing? He does now. Left midfield.

Adam Johnson – He’s a surprise choice but he’s had a great season and I think he deserves it. I would have liked to have had Zaha or Ravel Morrison but their attitude seems to stink.

Center Midfield

Steven Gerrard – Captain and England’s most consistent player?

Frank Lampard – Needs to be in the squad. Question is can he play with Gerrard?

James Milner – Mr reliable and a workhorse.

Ross Barkley – I really like him. I think Rodwell would now be better than him if he hadn’t gone to city.

Michael Carrick – Really tough choice. It was either him, Henderson or Barry.

Forwards

I’m only taking three forwards as had trouble with the 23 man squad. Think I would rather play more in midfield than risk dropping a different position for another striker.

Wayne Rooney – England’s best player when on form.

Daniel Sturridge – Been fantastic this season. I always like left footed forwards too.

Andy Carroll – Tricky one with Lambert, Welbeck and Defoe wanting a place too. But I think Carroll offers more holding the ball up and heading.

Starting 11

GK – Joe Hart
LB – Ashley Cole
RB – Kyle Walker
CB – Gary Cahill
CB – Phil Jageilka
LM – Adam Lallana
RM – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
CM – Steven Gerrard
CM – Ross Barkley
CF – Wayne Rooney
CF – Daniel Sturridge

Conclusion

That was pretty tough choice. Unfortunately it’s tough for the wrong reasons. There aren’t many stand out – world class – players in there like there are with other countries. I think we could seriously struggle to get past the group stage.

On a side note I wish the Premier league enforced a rule where they must have at least 3/4/5 English players. Just imaging how good this squad would be then. You see so many players with potential who sign for big money at large clubs and suddenly disappear off the radar. It’s not because they aren’t good enough, they just aren’t playing!

I’m sure it’s going to be a good world cup though! Can’t wait!

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