England, back against the wall?

Roy Hodgson selected his England squad for the Rio World Cup 2014. His team take on group favourites, Italy and the dangerous Uruguay. Throw in the non too sluggish Costa Rica, and you realise the mountain that England needs to be climb.

If anything, Hodgson’s youngsters have got all to prove and maybe the lack of expectation for England in Rio, can be a blessing in disguise. The team carries talent, however whether they can keep possession will be the tell-tale sign of their success. On losing the ball, England’s defence certainly looks vulnerable.

All to play for in a non too easy group

England squad for World Cup Rio 2014:

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Hart (Manchester City).

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United).

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).

Forwards: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).

Standby: John Ruddy (Norwich City), Jon Flanagan (Liverpool), John Stones (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Andy Carroll (West Ham United), Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC).

Author: Gavin Doyle