da fazobetai： Despite a pretty horrific Under-21 EURO tournament this summer, England should not overlook the talent that is present in their youth ranks.
da bet7： While the Three Lions try to move on from the generation of John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole they must look towards the up and coming players and give them the chance to experience international football at the top level. From the darkness of Brazil 2014, England’s national side aren’t looking quite so glum anymore with Roy Hodgson having turned the tide a little in qualification.
The current cohort of English youngsters have shown more promise at club level than many groups before them, and hopefully Hodgson is willing to take the chance on some stars who could be stalwarts in the England squad for years to come. Whilst other sides are regenerating and investing in their youth prospects, England continue to rely on players like Jagielka and Jones.
Here are FIVE young guns that England must take to Euro 2016…
Will Hughes
Hughes was one of the players who never quite shone as brightly at the Under-21 EUROs as he, or Gareth Southgate, would have hoped. A Premier League move for Hughes has been mooted for some time and this summer seems ideal for the blonde-haired central midfielder to step up.
Having only turned 20 in April, Hughes is very much a work in progress, but could provide a creative spark for a Premier League team or England with intelligent passing and close control that is surprising to see of an Englishman.
Jack Butland
Finally we seem to be about to witness Jack Butland as a Premier League No.1 with Stoke. Loan periods around the midlands and north have given Butland invaluable experience but he has still only made six Premier League appearances and must improve on that number to hold down a squad place for EURO 2016.
Joe Hart is destined for the No. 1 jersey with England, although any injury or suspension should see Butland fill in next summer. Still extremely young for a goalkeeper at 22, Butland may have a decade until he peaks and England must invest in a long-term replacement for Hart and put pressure on the Manchester City man for his place.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Since his move from Southampton, ‘The Ox’ has struggled to nail down a starting position at Arsenal. Chamberlain flirted with a central-midfield role, but now seems set to continue as a winger at club level.
Chamberlain has been restricted by persistent injuries and faces tough competition for game time in his position at both club and national level. Aside from a wonderful goal at the Maracana, Chamberlain is yet to make an imprint on the international stage, but he could well end his career with over 100 caps for his country.
John Stones
The most un-English of central defenders, Stones has a calm presence on the ball that is rare for any Englishman, let alone a centre-half. Everton’s defender has the versatility to cover at right-back but his future must surely lie in the centre of defence where he will be eyeing up a potential partnership with Gary Cahill or Calum Chambers for the years to come.
His big move is likely to happen in one of the next two summers and Stones needs time to experience international football. Hopefully, patience and faith will see Stones become England captain one day.
Calum Chambers
Another former Saint, and another who can play both centrally and on the right of defence. Chambers is still finding his feet at club level and is likely to play most of the 2015/16 season as cover for Arsenal.
Fortunately, opportunities will be around at Arsenal to stake a claim for first team football and he, like Stones, is comfortable enough on the ball to play out from the back. A Stones-Chambers partnership could be the defensive setup for a changing English style and provide stability for years to come.