No Shaw? What Should The England Squad Look Like For The World Cup?

Wednesday's 1-0 victory over Denmark was the last chance for England's World Cup hopefuls to impress Roy Hodgson and book their ticket on the plane to Brazil. The right balance of youth and experience is vital to England's chances of progressing through this summer's tournament, and I believe this, based on form for club and country, should be Hodgson's 23-man squad.

GOALKEEPERS: Frazer Forster, Ben Foster, Joe Hart

Probably the easiest position to pick for me was the goalkeepers. Despite a dip in form as of late, Joe Hart is by far England's best goalkeeper and will no doubt be first choice for England this summer and for many years to come.

Celtic's Frazer Forster and West Brom's Ben Foster provide decent cover for Man City's number 1 and England have enough quality in goal to avoid any costly mistakes like Rob Green's howler during England's 2010 World Cup opener. 

DEFENDERS: Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Steven Caulker, Ashley Cole, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Chris Smalling, Kyle Walker

For me, three of the back four picks itself as the outstanding form over the past few years of Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka have seen them become first choice for Hodgson's England, with Chris Smalling pushing the two CBs close for a starting place.

Steven Caulker is my controversial choice as cover due to lack of experience on the national stage but his quality at the heart of Cardiff's defence this season can't go unnoticed. Glen Johnson and Kyle Walker's form towards the end of the season will decide which of the two gets the nod. But for me, Johnson just about edges it due to experience and technical ability, whereas Kyle Walker offers an alternative threat with pace going forward.

Although Luke Shaw's had an outstanding season so far and earned himself his first cap, the safer option of Ashley Cole provides England with enough experience at the back. However, if Shaw continues to impress towards the end of the season and Cole doesn't win his place back for Chelsea, Shaw might just change my mind.

MIDFIELDERS: Jordan Henderson, Steven Gerrard, Adam Lallana, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Raheem Sterling, Jack Wilshere

Captain Steven Gerrard has thrived this season in the holding role for both club and country, and his place in midfield is under no threat. Whether he'll partner Jordan Henderson or Jack Wilshere remains to be seen, as the former has formed a great partnership with Gerrard for Liverpool this season, and the latter remains one of the best midfielders England have.

The experience and goal threat of Frank Lampard is a great option to have on the bench in what could be the 25-year old's last international tournament. Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana are my picks down the wings, interchanging throughout matches, as both have been in fine form and are two of England's most promising young players and their pace, goals and trickery will torment any opposition defence.

Arsenal's Oxlade-Chamberlain has impressed this season and will provide excellent cover for the two wingers and Man City's ever-reliable James Milner brings an experienced head down the wing. Andros Townsend and Ross Barkley have arguably done enough for a place as a wild card this season but in my opinion haven't impressed as much as the likes of Sterling and Henderson. 

FORWARDS: Rickie Lambert, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck 

The Premier League's second top scorer Daniel Sturridge's form will give England fans hope going into this summer's World Cup. The striker has been scoring for fun this season and headed in Wednesday night's winner at Wembley. Add this to the threat of Wayne Rooney and England's attack could prove to be one of the best they've had for years.

Currently two of the best players in the country, Sturridge and Rooney MUST start every game if England are going to do well this summer - the only problem being which position they'll actually play. Wednesday night proved Sturridge's best position is through the middle, but that may mean dropping a man in midfield for Rooney to play in behind him.

Rickie Lambert's form this season for Southampton as well as England gives him the nod ahead of Andy Carroll, for me. Offering a different option from the bench to the likes of Rooney and Sturridge, he'd be a huge threat from set pieces. Danny Welbeck's goalscoring record in an England shirt books him a ticket to Brazil in my opinion, and he'll look to continue his form on international football's greatest stage.

PLAYERS ON STAND-BY: John Ruddy, Luke Shaw, Phil Jones, Andros Townsend, Ross Barkley, Andy Carroll, Jermaine Defoe

Hodgson definitely has a few headaches regarding England's best formation but this pick of players give him great options nevertheless. My first 11 would be a 4-2-3-1 formation lining up like this:

Hart; Johnson Cahill Jagielka Baines; Gerrard Wilshere; Lallana Rooney Sterling; Sturridge  


England supporters, do you agree? Let me know your preferred squad and line up below.

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