Looking Forward to 2014

Before I get into this, I might as well comment on the defeat earlier today at the hands of Germany. We were thrashed, but at least we gave it a go - had the goal line incident been correctly judged, who knows what would have happened. Probably a defeat, but still respectable. I would much rather we lose with a performance that at least showed some attacking spark and get ruthlessly counter-attacked than limp out in ignominious circumstances, a la 2006.

In this blog I'm going to hypothesise the team for the World Cup in 2014, and I think it will be drastically different to this team. Firstly, likely survivors. From the defence, Ashley Cole and John Terry will both be 33, perhaps young enough, but it would seem unlikely. Glen Johnson would be 29, so still young enough to maintain the level he is currently showing, though his ability to compete even now at the highest level is questionable. Ferdinand, Upson and King will be gone, with the only possible survivor being Dawson, who I still maintain would have been the best partner for Terry. Midfield: Gerrard will be gone, likewise Lampard (played well today I thought) and Joe Cole, with Barry and Milner being the only two with a chance at 2014 - Barry because his position is less dependent on mobility which will decrease with age, and Milner because he is still only 24. Whether he is good enough is uncertain. Lennon will surely still feature, but Carrick and SWP will not be so lucky. Rooney is the only forward that will make the cut in four years time. So, on with the up-and-comers.

Joe Hart, Manchester City (GK):- Absolutely has to be given the #1 spot come the Euro 2012 qualification rounds. His class is undoubted and his position come 2014 certain, but he must be blooded and given responsibilty now. The real deal.

Ryan Shawcross, Blackburn (CB):- I am as yet unconvinced of his abilities, but many others rate him highly. At 22 he will be a good age in four years time.

Keiran Gibbs, Arsenal (LB):- Looks a good prospect and worthy of the comparisons with Ashley Cole. Was part of the England team that was thrashed 4-0 to Germany in the final of the 2009 u21 European Championship, which incidentally, contained four players that featured for Germany today.

Kyle Naughton, Spurs (RB):- Despite playing for my team I have only seen him in action once, but he looked pretty good. If he doesn't make the grade there's always Kyle Walker, also at Spurs, also originally from Sheffield, also called Kyle and also a right-back.

As for other top-class early to mid 20s Centre Backs, I can't think of any. We seem to be royally screwed in this department, but who knows what will happen.

Jack Rodwell, Everton (DM):- Having already chalked up a number of impressive appearances for Everton, it seems likely he will reach his considerable potential. He is able to play in many positions, but his best is yet be acertained. He will perhaps still be a bit young, 23 in 2014, which is more of a problem for defenders than attackers, so perhaps more of an outside bet, but his time will come.

Jack Wilshire, Arsenal (LW):- He'll only be 22 in 2014, but this lad looks the business. Impressive even at just 16, experience at Bolton will serve him well, and I am confident he can flourish at the highest level. If he's good enough, he's old enough.

Adam Johnson, Manchester City (LW):- Should have been on the plane this year, and will surely be a brilliant player in a few years.

Tom Huddlestone, Spurs (CM):- He's taking a long time to really develop his defensive game, but on the evidence of the latter half of this season he looks to have made huge strides. No one on the planet can play long-balls with as much accuracy as Thud, and he retain it on the floor too. Not to mention his mean shot, which frankly could take someone's head off. Keep the faith.

Danny Rose, Spurs (either wing):- it is likely he has already scored the best goal of his career, but that strike against Arsenal aside, his play was good for a player his age. Good enough for the world stage? Not convinced yet.

Theo Walcott, Arsenal (FW):- Notice I listed him as a forward, not a winger. Rightfully denied a place this year as a winger, but I feel he will eventually end up as a striker. He has poor passing and crossing ability, but his pace is fearsome and his finishing Owen-esque. I still rate him as a player, but please, Arsene, play him up front, or he will fizzle out.

Also seriously struggled to find striking quality in the 20-24 age-group from where players will likely be picked. Off the top of my head, Daniel Sturridge looks okay, but not good enough; likewise Danny Welbeck. Promising younger players like Victor Moses and John Obika won't be given a chance.

Conclusion: we're going to get stuffed. Sorry. Too many gaps to fill, not enough talent.