Reason's to be Cheerful for England

In the build up to last year’s World Cup, England typically allowed their hopes and dreams to get carried away with them and believed that at the end of July they could be world champions. Yet as always, the national team failed to deliver on the big stage and failed to get the success their talent warrants. However, now only 8 months away from Euro 2012 there seems to be genuine reason to be optimistic about England’s’ chances. Firstly the team surely can’t do any worse than the disaster that was South Africa. With a new squad mixed with youth and experience, England finally seem to have a balanced squad with potential. Older players of the ‘golden generation’ such as Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Robert Green are being overlooked with promising younger talent such as Phil Jones, Jack Wilshere and Joe Hart emerging. Although there are still teams with better squads richer in talent than Capello has to his disposal, there are players in the England team now who have never disappointed at the international stage. This fresher approach could pay dividends for a consistently underachieving nation. 
 

The recent defeat of Spain and Sweden allowed the youthfulness of players like Jack Rodwell and Kyle Walker to demonstrate how much they have to offer. Having previously been overlooked for tournaments, younger players in England now appear to be grabbing this chance with both chances. Playing with confidence and without fear, there appears to be a genuine amount of pride to be playing for their country from the younger players and a willingness to fight for the teams cause.

Once great defenders, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Ashley Cole have struggled since turning the wrong side of 30 and have lost that extra yard of pace that age inevitably brings and would struggle to defend against Europe’s finest such as David Silva or Cristiano Ronaldo. Phil Jones, Gary Cahill and Christopher Smalling have all proved they would deserve a place in the first eleven with assured performances in recent games. Terry is likely to be kept for his leadership qualities but the likes of Cahill and Jones would benefit his play and add pace to the backline.

The belated entry of Scott Parker to the midfield has been a blessing to England and the inspirational midfielder is revelling in his deserved belated appreciation. Parker’s leadership and commitment have also proven to be the perfect combination with Jack Wilshere’s astonishing talents. Both are truly loyal and passionate to their country and have provided stability to the centre of midfield. Assisted by the wide men of Theo Walcott and Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney is continuing to show his importance to England’s hopes and judging by the recent good form shown when playing alongside Danny Welbeck at Manchester United, the pair could form a deadly partnership for club and country.

England are no longer a group of players with individual talent, they are now a team with talent, desire and potential.