Just under a week until we know who to pin our childhood excitement on, however inevitable failure at the quarter final stage appears. The next in a long line of decisions for Roy Hodgson is who exactly has earned the place on the plane? His recent comments that a last dash of form wouldn't change his mind may be true, but it is worth examining those that seem set to miss out unless they do something spectacular with two to go in the Premier League season.
Goalkeepers
Obviously Joe Hart, but which other two deserve a place on the bench? For me, it is down to three for the two spots. Celtic's Fraser Forster has once again been solid for the Scottish champions this season, as he has for the past few campaigns. The main criticism levied against the ex-Newcastle man is that his abilities are overplayed due to the favourable clean sheet statistics, thanks mostly to Celtic's huge superiority in the league. However, having seen his performances against Barcelona both this season and last, I take such criticism with a pinch of salt. Reliable when called upon, I think he would be my number two.
So who for the last place? For me, despite the talk of youngster Jack Butland making the side, it has to be between West Brom's Ben Foster and Norwich's John Ruddy. The statistics demonstrate how marginal it is. While Ruddy's 11 clean sheets betters that achieved by Foster, who has only managed 7, the Norwich stopper has conceded 6 goals more than his West Brom counterpart. Perhaps that says more about the defence in front of him than his ability, but nevertheless a difficult decision. However, these, and any other stats like saves (which Ruddy also leads) are somewhat skewed by the fact that Ben Foster only managed 5 appearances in the first half of the season, with Boaz Myhill being preferred to the Englishman. Going purely on my gut feeling, I would take Ruddy. He is an excellent shot stopper who has earned the opportunity. Not that Foster hasn't, but his previous experience and mistakes unfortunately count against him.
Defenders
Now it gets interesting. With neither of the usual stalwarts of Rio Ferdinand or John Terry available for selection, a little more reshuffling is needed in the World Cup backline. Beginning at left back, it is a case of two places, three candidates. The left back present in the last three world cups, Ashley Cole, is not assured of his place this time around, having been robbed of his club spot by Cesar Azpilicueta. With the Chelsea defender being talked about as over the hill, it offers flying Everton wing back Leighton Baines the chance to cement that first team spot. Though the Toffees player has not been as effective this year as previous campaigns, he remains our best left back, and I would certainly take him (assuming his home sickness means he can go!).
This is one of the positions where a late run will make all the difference. Despite being sensational in the early to mid season, Southampton's Luke Shaw has flown somewhat under the radar in the last few weeks. Unfortunately for the 18 year old, this has happened just as Cole has returned to the fore for Chelsea in the big games in the Champions League and Premier League. For me, I would take Shaw. Cole has been an excellent servant of England, but his time is over, and it is time to allow the next generation of England players to take the main stage. With Baines into his early 30's, he is unlikely to keep the left back shirt for long, meaning that Shaw is the most likely to hold down the place in the long term.
Going into the centre of the field, it is again tough. I think that Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka have already booked their places on the plane. This is not necessarily as a result of any performances this year, though Cahill has been exceptional this season in particular, but the partnership that the pair have created at the heart of England's defence. Outside of this pair, who is there? Thankfully not Matt Upson, but the likes of Joleon Lescott, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Steven Caulker and Ryan Shawcross have all been mentioned in relation to the contest. Of these, I would take Phil Jones, and maybe surprisingly, Steven Caulker. Lescott has not played enough games this season, while Ryan Shawcross and Chris Smalling are about as consistent as simulation decisions.
Right back is a little more confirmed. Though Liverpool's Jon Flanagan has had a good season, he is not ready for the World Cup. As a result, his teammate Glen Johnson and Tottenham's Kyle Walker seem shoo-ins for the squad. Both have had anonymous seasons, but with relatively little competition, it is certainly the position that England are struggling for now.
Midfielders
Here I will split this into central midfielders and wingers. Beginning with central midfielders, with Steven Gerrard's incredible season this year, he is impossible to rule out. Equally, exceptional years for Southampton's Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson mean that I would take them too. That leaves just two places. So who is left?
Chelsea's Frank Lampard has had a difficult season, with sporadic appearances for Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, and being less effective going forward than he has been in previous years. Nevetheless, his England pedigree means that he cannot be ignored for consideration. Equally, injury has hit Jack Wilshere's England charge this year, with his appearances for Arsenal limited to a handful. Manchester United, despite a horrific season, have a number of English candidates, and Michael Carrick is certainly one of them. The defensive midfielder has struggled this year, after a number of excellent years for the Red Devils. Manchester City's James Milner, often maligned for being dull and boring, is perhaps the most consistent and hardworking player of the lot. What he lacks in flair, he more than makes up for in tenacity. However, his first team appearances have also been limited with the arrival of Jesus Navas. Ross Barkley, the Everton playmaker has shown desire, drive and innovation, but does his youth and inexperience count against him in such a hotly contested position? Tom Cleverley? No. Just no. Too far.
So which two get the nod? Though I would love to see Barkley lighting up the Maracana in July, I just wouldn't take the risk. There are too many experienced and seasoned campaigners to take the young Evertonian, but his time will come. At the other end of the scale, I would discount Frank Lampard. Though he can take a good penalty (always an important consideration with England), his best days are behind him, and he is no longer the 20 goals a season player we are used to seeing. It is so difficult to separate the three remaining, but I would take Carrick and Milner. Both have experienced World Cup football before, and both have the drive and work ethic to succeed in tough conditions. I feel Wilshere, with his well publicised petulance, would be far too easily wound up by the likes of Pepe and the South Americans with their diving to risk taking. Who knows, he may end up swearing at more crowds? Carrick offers reliability, while Milner offers stability in the midfield, which will be essential when playing sides with pace.
Now, to wingers. It's a shame Theo Walcott will not be on the plane, as he more than many deserves the opportunity after a lightning fast start to the season. However, the winger to most benefit from this has to be Raheem Sterling. The 19 year-old Liverpudlian has performed beyond everyone's expectations in the second half of the season, putting defences to the sword and acting as the catalyst for Liverpool's incredible title challenge. He is definitely there. Other than him, it is difficult. No-one else has stood out massively, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Andros Townsend denied games by both injury and more illustrious teammates. Aaron Lennon has been a regular starter, but has failed to fully take advantage. Similarly, Adam Johnson at Sunderland has attempted to show fight, with a few good mid-season performances. However, he has not been consistent throughout the season. For me, I would take the North London duo of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lennon. Despite his excellent performances for his country, Townsend has not done enough to win a place throughout the season.
Forwards
Two of these are already sewn up. Wayne Rooney remains United's shining light despite the trials and tribulations, and Daniel Sturridge, behind just Luis Suarez and Yaya Toure, would be my pick for player of the season. So who gets the last two places? It would have been Jay Rodriguez after a phenomenal couple of years, but his horrific injury has cut that dream short. Despite a late run by Andy Carroll, I would take Rickie Lambert and Danny Welbeck. I dislike Welbeck's play in general, as his touch is often abysmal but he works hard. He is just an English Carlos Tevez, but he does have an excellent scoring record for the Three Lions. On the other hand, Lambert more than deserves his place. His power and aerial ability is important, but he is also more than capable of using either foot, and his dead ball delivery is exceptional.
Full Squad
Joe Hart (Manchester City), Fraser Forster (Celtic), John Ruddy (Norwich City)
Leighton Baines (Everton), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Steven Caulker (Cardiff City), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), James Milner (Manchester City), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur)
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Rickie Lambert (Southampton)
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