England

Rating England’s Euro 2012 Players

Published

6 years ago

June 25, 2012

Another major international tournament, another heart-breaking exit on penalties. England will fly home from Euro 2012 after their quarter-final defeat to Italy after once again crashing out on penalties. Here’s how I would rate each players overall performance this summer.

Joe Hart

England’s undisputed No.1 did as much as any of his team-mates to drive a limited England side to the quarter-finals. Clean sheets against Ukraine and Italy were secured, albeit with a combination of good fortune alongside some excellent saves, while the Manchester City goalkeeper’s command of his area and vocal presence were a regular feature. 8/10

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Glen Johnson

Although, occasionally out of sync with England’s poor offside trap.The Liverpool right-back was the only player to have a shot on target against Italy, which says a significant amount about England’s display. He showed his composure in defence and offered the side an additional threat going forward, his chances were limited by the team’s lack of possession. 7/10

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Joleon Lescott

Formed an excellent partnership with John Terry at the heart of England’s defence which could well be Hodgson’s preferred pairing heading into the World Cup qualifying campaign, even when Gary Cahill is back to full fitness. The Manchester City defender was strong in the air, composed and composed in the tackle. His goal in the 1-1 draw against France kick-started England’s surge to the top of Group D. 7/10

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John Terry

A controversial selection prior to the tournament given his off-field issues, the Chelsea captain demonstrated he remains a solid performer at international level and justified Hodgson’s faith. Suggestions of a possible dressing room rift swiftly evaporated and Terry embodied the general England spirit by putting his body on the line where required. His passion and commitment this tournament really impressed me, his desire to prevent a goal at all costs certainly aided the team v Ukraine. 8/10

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Ashley Cole

Missed his penalty against Italy, but must not be held responsible for England’s exit as without his displays in defence the Three Lions would not even have reached that stage. Cole won his 98th cap against Italy, before the match he’d made it clear he wanted to earn his century by reaching the final. Cole still remains the best left-back in the country, potentially in the World, I fully expect him to feature in the World Cup Qualifiers. 8/10

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Ashley Young

Unlike his namesake in the penalty agony stakes, Young is more likely to bear the brunt of England fans’ frustration. Any player who steps up in the shoot-out should be respected, but his displays prior to that point were frustratingly ineffective. The Manchester United winger was shrewd in possession, as a result he offered far too little in the opponents final third. 4/10

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Scott Parker

Linked well with Steven Gerrard in the centre of midfield with the Tottenham man well suited to the holding role which allowed the captain greater freedom to get forward. His commitment to the cause was excellent. Every game he kept very busy when England’s inability to keep the ball pushed him closer to the back four. 7/10

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Steven Gerrard

Flourished as England’s captain and led by example with his displays on the field. Created three of the five goals scored by this side at the tournament and provided numerous other chances with his free-kick deliveries. The Liverpool man stepped up to fire home an excellent penalty against Italy. Like many of his team-mates, Gerrard became overrun by the Azzurri in the second half. 8/10

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James Milner

Offers boundless energy and determination, but needs to bring more than just those qualities to the table if he is to remain a member of England’s starting eleven. Milner missed a big opportunity to score in the opening game against France and, like Young on the opposite flank, was another who struggled to retain possession and did not threaten enough going forward. 5/10

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Wayne Rooney

Arguably England’s most naturally talented player, and therefore the greatest disappointment. Rooney found the net in the win over Ukraine but he looked very rusty against both the co-hosts and Italy with his first touch, pace, passing and goal-threat all well below his best. 4/10

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Danny Welbeck

The 21-year-old was thrust into the starting XI for the opener against France and kept his place throughout England’s Euro 2012 campaign. Demonstrated his ability with a skillful finish against Sweden to seal a thrilling victory. With greater experience, which should bring more composure at key moments, Welbeck will become a key player for England. 7/10

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Andy Carroll

Carroll started his first match against Sweden before the striker powered home the opening goal. Everyone knows what Carroll brings to the table and there is no doubt his presence can unsettle even the best defenders, although his all-round game means he remains an awkward selection for Hodgson. 6/10

Theo Walcott

Walcott completely changed the course of the match against Sweden, but could not have the same impact against Italy when brought on from the bench in the quarter-final. At just 23, Walcott should have several more tournaments to come with England. The consistency of his performances remains the big question-mark over the Arsenal forward and may explain Hodgson’s reluctance to give him a starting place in the team. 7/10

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

A shock inclusion for the opening game against France and perhaps unfortunate to then be left out of the next match against Sweden. The Arsenal teenager can be regarded as another player who has the potential to be a key player for England future. 7/10

Jordan Henderson

Henderson was drafted into the squad at the last minute following the injuries to Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry, Henderson was called upon from the bench when Parker began to tire in the games against France and Italy. The Liverpool midfielder was hardly likely to change the course of the game and is short on confidence after a tough season with his club. 5/10

Jermain Defoe

Tough to offer a rating on a 13-minute display against France, which is all the Tottenham striker was afforded during England’s campaign. Showed great fortitude to deal with the death of his father on the eve of the tournament, jetting back on that occasion and again a few days later to attend the funeral.5/10

Roy Hodgson

England’s manager had little time to prepare his squad for the tournament after being parachuted into the role following Fabio Capello’s resignation earlier this year. Reaching the quarter-finals with a limited squad was a decent achievement, with the majority of his team selections and tactical switches suggesting the Three Lions should have little difficult qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. How they will fare in Brazil if they are relying only on organisation and heart remains to be seen. 8/10

Arsenal

Three Arsenal youngsters who could help England bring football home in 2022

The Gunners’ academy continues to develop some of the very best youngsters.

Published

2 days ago

July 15, 2018

Josh Challies

Photo: Getty Images

After a successful tournament got the nation dreaming, England fell at the penultimate at the World Cup and may require Arsenal‘s help in 2022.

Gareth Southgate’s youthful squad exceeded pre-tournament expectations and suddenly Greg Dyke’s objectives for the 2022 World Cup seem within grasp – and the Three Lions now have four years to build towards glory in Qatar.

Come November 2022, when FIFA has confirmed the World Cup will commence, Southgate is likely to call upon a number of the players who starred for the Three Lions in Russia but changes to his squad are also inevitable.

“The two targets I have for the England team are – one, to at least reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020 and two, win the World Cup in 2022.”

– FA Chairman Greg Dyke reveals his ambitious plan in 2013.

Fortunately, English football is breaming with exciting young talent at the moment and Arsenal may hold the key to success with three of their most highly-rated prospects.

Eddie Nketiah

Bursting onto the scene in November 2017, Eddie Nketiah became an instant hit at the Emirates Stadium after netting twice against Norwich City in the Carabao Cup. Since then, the 19-year-old forward has gone on to make three Premier League appearances.

Competition for places at Arsenal is fierce, particularly following the captures of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the past 12 months, which means he may have to be patient to get his chance – but the situation is entirely different on the international stage.

In four England U21 appearances, Nketiah has scored two goals, per TransferMarkt stats, following on from eight goals in eight games at U18 level and four goals in two games for the U17 side. In just over a year, Nketiah rose to Aidy Boothroyd’s U21 ranks from the U17’s and shows no signs of stopping his rise.

(Photo by Bertrand Langlois/Getty Images)

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Becoming a regular for Arsenal in Arsene Wenger’s final season at the Emirates Stadium, Ainsley Maitland-Niles showed his versatility by catching the eye playing as a full-back. His natural position is in midfield though and this is where he could be of value to England.

It is fair to say that England’s options in the middle of the park sitting in front of the defence are extremely limited, with neither Jordan Henderson or Eric Dier doing enough to cement their spot in the position for the long-term.

Maitland-Niles could become the man England are looking for in the coming years and further first-team experience with Arsenal looks set to follow under Unai Emery, as the 20-year-old penned a new long-term deal with the Gunners last month.

(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Reiss Nelson

Arsenal fans have been excited about 18-year-old Reiss Nelson for a while now and saw the teenager break into the fringes of the first-team last term, as Whoscored data shows he finished the campaign with 15 appearances across all competitions.

Eight of those opportunities came as a starter, including two in the Premier League, and there is every chance Nelson could earn further action under the guidance of Unai Emery next term – especially as Alex Iwobi has not done enough to warrant continued action.

Should the Nigeria international continue to suffer with poor form, the eight-cap England U19 international could be Arsenal’s breakthrough star of the year – following in the footsteps of players like Maitland-Niles, Jack Wilshere and Hector Bellerin.

England

Who will bring football home? England’s predicted World Cup 2022 squad

Players from Everton, Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester United and even Bristol City feature.

Published

2 days ago

July 15, 2018

Mathew Nash

England were desperately close to making it into the World Cup final, after defeat to Croatia in the semi-finals.

The Three Lions did however bring back some pride and promise from the long-suffering England fans.

With England also the World Under-17 and Under-20 Champions, the future is brighter than ever.

So who will be at the World Cup in 2022?

It seems impossible to guess four years in advance. Not many would have suggested the likes of Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire or Jesse Lingard four years ago.

(Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

The squad, hopefully, will not change much and the experienced players in the squad will likely still be around.

However, for the sake of the article and debate, anyone who will be over 30 in 2022 has been ignored. That leaves Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, Kieran Trippier, Gary Cahill, Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Jordan Henderson, Fabian Delph, Jamie Vardy and Danny Welbeck in the cold, even if some of them will likely be present.

Eric Dier also got nudged out, as his form recently has been a concern and Nick Pope has been replaced.

So who makes the XI and the overall squad of 23?

GOALKEEPERS

Jordan Pickford

The Everton stopper cemented his place as England’s new number one during the quarter-final triumph over Sweden. Highly-rated by club and country and with excellent distribution it will be no surprise if he remains England’s first-choice in 2022.

(Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

Jack Butland

What a deputy. The Stoke City goalkeeper could easily be our number one. The Potters relegation will hopefully not set him back and he should push Pickford for years to come.

Angus Gunn

The son of a Scotland international has so far rejected their international calls. Recently joined Southampton for £13.5 million and will hope to cement his place as a Premier League regular.

Honourable mentions: Nick Pope, Freddie Woodman, Dean Henderson.

DEFENDERS

John Stones

Despite one lapse of concentration which cost England crucially against Croatia the Manchester City man was excellent in Russia.

If he maintains a starting place at City and his career is not derailed, then Stones will be one of the leaders in Qatar.

Harry Maguire

Became a national hero this summer. A swashbuckling defender with an eye for a goal and a great meme. Should be a multi-cap England international.

Joe Gomez

Replacing Kyle Walker as the pace-man in a back three is Liverpool’s Gomez. If he can combat his recent injury troubles he will be a certain future England player. Remember how he shackled Neymar back in November.

Jamaal Lascelles

For many people, the Newcastle captain should have been in Russia ahead of Phil Jones or Gary Cahill.

Rightly so. A brilliant leader who would slot into a back three perfectly and deserves to be in the England fold for the next four years.

(during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St. James Park on April 15, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Dael Fry

The Middlesbrough defender is one inclusion that may cause derision. But this lad is extremely talented.

A reliable defender, good with the ball at his feet and a favourite at St George’s Park. Fry will hope to emerge as an England hopeful in the years to come.

Honourable mentions: Eric Dier, Alfie Mawson, Michael Keane, Ben Wilmot.

FULL-BACKS/WING-BACKS

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Already in the England picture and shone v Belgium. Will likely play in the ¾ play-off this weekend. In four years he might be playing in the final.

Jonjoe Kenny

A tough call this but the Everton defender is like the Kieran Trippier to Alexander-Arnold’s Walker-like characteristics.

Whilst the Liverpool man has the pace and the power Kenny is more deliberate and his crossing is fantastic.

A favourite with the England youth management and the eventual successor to Seamus Coleman at Goodison Park.

Honourable mentions: Kyle Walker-Peters, Dujon Sterling, Steven Sessegnon.

Ryan Sessegnon

A shoe-in for 2022 if he remains fit and healthy. The Fulham star is perhaps England’s most exciting prospect.

He might even be considered an attacker by 2022 but for now, he would be an excellent left wing-back and will hopefully make his England bow this season.

(Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Joe Bryan

This might be the biggest swing and potential miss in the squad. The Bristol City star is wanted by a host of clubs this summer after his fantastic form at Ashton Gate.

But he is a hard-working and super-fit young man who, given the right opportunities, is easily capable of playing for his nation.

Honourable mentions: Lewis Gibson, Luke Shaw, Ben Chilwell

MIDFIELDERS

Lewis Cook

Absolutely adored by the England camp the Bournemouth man has already made his England debut. More positive in his passing than Jordan Henderson and more dynamic than Eric Dier, he is surely the future of England’s composed holding role.

Harry Winks

Set for a big break at Tottenham this season he has the potential to be an England star. If he can overcome his current injury trouble he would seem like being a shoe-in for 2022.

Phil Foden

England lacked a midfielder who could pick the locks of the Croatia defence in the semi-finals. This is the young man to do just that. The Manchester City youngster needs to break into the first-team fold but given what he has already achieved that should not be a problem.

(Photo credit should read DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images)

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

A lot depends on his next move, as Chelsea does not seem to be the right place for RLC to develop.

Showed in all his England performances that he is a talent to keep an eye on for the future and England will surely nurture him.

Dele Alli

May not have set the world alight in Russia, but the Tottenham star’s talent cannot be overlooked.

If he can get to the level he is capable of, then Alli is a 100-cap man with ease.

Jesse Lingard

Can he continue to prove people wrong for another four years?

Excellent at the World Cup and been in fine form for Manchester United. If he continues to progress in this way, then he should still be in the England set-up four years from now.

James Maddison

A tough choice considering the wealth of attacking midfield talent but the Leicester newbie seems the most likely to reach the levels necessary to play at a World Cup.

The £24 million talent can play a number of positions and is a special talent the Premier League will enjoy watching next term.

Honourable mentions: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Nathaniel Chalobah, Ross Barkley, Jack Grealish, Kieran Dowell,

FORWARDS

Raheem Sterling

He divided opinion among some at this summer’s World Cup. But under the guidance of Pep Guardiola he will continue to improve.

Whether out wide or through the middle, England will surely stick by the attacker.

(Photo credit should read MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP/Getty Images)

Harry Kane

The nation’s current captain and front-runner for the Golden Boot award at this summer’s tournament it is hard to see how he won’t lead the line again in four years time.

If he keeps going at his current rate, Kane will surely take Wayne Rooney’s goal-scoring record for England.

Ademola Lookman

Some felt the Everton attacker was unlucky not to go this summer. After thriving on loan at RB Leipzig it seemed he might make a late lunge.

This summer is big for Lookman. He needs to decide where is best to carry on his career which could be key to a future England career.

Marcus Rashford

The Manchester United talent can surely only get better. If he can become a regular starter, wherever he happens to play his club football then the teenager will hope to secure a place in Qatar.

Honourable mentions: Dominic Solanke, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Eddie Nketiah.

Who did we miss? Can England bring football home in 2022?

England

Three Everton players who could help England bring football home in 2022

Everton have a long list of top talents coming through that could make it into the England team.

Published

5 days ago

July 12, 2018

Mathew Nash

England are out of the World Cup following defeat against Croatia in the semi-finals last night. But the future looks bright for England. They had the second youngest team in the tournament and are the current under-20 and under-17 World Champions.

So who could help them bring football home at Qatar 2022?

When looking at Everton’s current crop, it is hard to pick just one.

Ademola Lookman is an excellent attacker, although could be on his way. Callum Connolly’s versatility makes him a manager’s dream whilst Tom Davies had a brilliant 2016-17 season, even if last term was less impressive.

But here are the three Everton players who might have a chance of heading to Qatar in four years time.

(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Like England’s summer hero Harry Maguire the 21-year-old came through the ranks at Sheffield United. Since joining Everton his progress has been astonishing.

He is already a hero for England. He scored the winner for England’s under-20s last summer as they won the World Cup.

With striking positions set to be up for grabs in four years time, DCL will no doubt be in the running.

(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Kieran Dowell

The spindly playmaker is adored in the England and Everton set-ups for his God-given natural talent.

Stormed into a loan spell at Nottingham Forest last season, which admittedly dwindled toward the end.

But with his dexterity and ability, only injury and himself could hold Dowell back from making it to Qatar.

(during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton at The King Power Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Leicester, England.

Jonjoe Kenny

Dowell’s best mate and England’s trusted right-back at youth level. His cross-city rival Trent Alexander-Arnold may be catching the eye but Kenny is no slouch.

An exquisite crosser of the ball and defensively sound he is the Trippier if Alexander-Arnold is the Walker of England’s future right-back choices.

Like Dowell, eligible for Ireland, so England, must ensure the Everton pair are aware of their pathway.