England reaction: positives intermingled with more questions raised
The heat of Miami, Florida proved a better trial ground for England than the comfort of Wembley. Their 3-0 win over Peru did not do much to rid the supporters of their questions and concerns in the run-up to Brazil – if anything, the performance today caused further questions to be raised despite the one or two bright spots.
Phil Jones (right) was equally as poor as Jones in the center of the defense. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
It is all well and good for Roy Hodgson to experiment with his squad, but perhaps it was in the manner of which he experimented that raised initial questions before a football as kicked today. The inclusion of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling was correct in regards to gauging their readiness for Brazil, but the Manchester United pair were both woeful in their performance, causing many to wonder how Curtis Davies, Steven Caulker or even Ryan Shawcross were not preferred above pair.
The curious deployment of James Milner at right-back for the day was quickly touted as one of the worst choices in recent memory, as he was made to look amateurish all afternoon. Promising left-back Luke Shaw performed well enough, but despite the heights he is expected to reach, it is clear he has not found his footing in the national team set-up just yet.
“Mr. England”, Wayne Rooney, managed to get himself on the scoresheet, but much like against Peru and his performances at Euro 2012 and World Cup 2010, Rooney was invisible. Even for his goal, he tapped in from inside one yard after a Rickie Lambert handball was not called. Rooney was deployed on the left today, and while he did do a serviceable job pulling a defender or two away, he did not do much to solidify confidence in him. Despite his poor showing, Rooney will surely start, simply because of who he is rather than letting his performances do the talking.
Two players that did put on performances that thrust them into the debate on who should start were Ross Barkley and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Barkley was simply sensational throughout – early on he struggled to find a final pass, but once he found his footing, he was involved in every single England move going forward, unafraid to take players on and dictate the attack. Barkley was instrumental in Lambert’s sizzler for England’s second as well, and it is entirely possible the Hodgson will strongly consider Barkley as the starter in the central attacking-midfielder role.
Ross Barkley put on an influential performance for the Three Lions. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
As for the Ox, his display was quite solid – he did an excellent job stretching the back-line, taking players on and using his pace to its maximum effectiveness. Unfortunately for the youngster, an injury in the second half and possible ligament damage may ruin his chances this summer and potentially for Arsenal in the early stages of next season.
With Daniel Sturridge on the rise for club and country and his ownership of the starting role at striker, new-teammate Rickie Lambert did put in a solid shift. His ability to get forward, have a strong presence in the box but also roam from his position and open space for others with his eye for a pass may beg the question if Hodgson should find a way to incorporate Sturridge, Lambert and Barkley in the same XI for England.
Today’s performance has solidified the following for England; 1. Jagielka, Cahill, Baines, Johnson and Hart are all a lock for their starting roles, 2. Lampard and Wilshere can provide very solid depth at midfield, 3. England’s depth in the attacking midfield positions is probably their biggest strength, 4. Wayne Rooney’s role in the team needs to come under even heavier scrutiny to the point where he should lose his place, 5. England have options at striker, which offers something different based off their opponent. In the hilarious words of co-Editor Young “Rick-Ross is the new tandem England need to use”, but if you do not catch that pun, then shame on you
"England XI based off performances in friendlies, fitness and general cohesivenessGK: Joe HartDF: Glen Johnson, Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Leighton BainesMF: Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson; Adam Lallana, Ross Barkley, Daniel SturridgeFW: Rickie Lambert"
One thing is absolutely certain when it comes to the England team and the decisions that will prey on the mind of Roy Hodgson – no United player should be anywhere near the starting XI. Neither Rooney, Welbeck, Jones or Smalling has done much of anything to put to bed the notion that they can find form on the back of their poor season at club level. This is the summer that England must select their team based off merit, not based off who they play for or, in the case of Rooney, who they are.