Are England Going Forwards or Backwards?

The future of England, in my opinion anyway

Many pundits and fans alike believe that it is a never ending downwards spiral for England after their early World Cup exit and poor form coming into the European Qualifiers. However, I myself see it quite differently.

With young guns such as Ross Barkley (Everton), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), and a few more experienced players such as Wayne Rooney (Man United) and Joe Hart (Man City). England look like in two to three years time that the nation itself could be very successful in world football.

Modern football nowadays, in my opinion anyway, pace is key. No pace, no game. Players such as Sterling and The Ox, provide pace in a vast quantity, there are not many players who could keep up with the Three Lion's wingers.

The downfall of England is there defence, Cahill needs to pick up form, and his centre-back partner could change every week due to the fact, no one has really impressed playing there since John Terry retired a long time ago.

Moans and groans are always heard about the English midfield. Barkley, Wilshire and Henderson are all more than capable of slotting into that central midfield role, with maybe 2/3 being good to very good quality in that position. The trio are all still quite young also, with many years ahead of them.

Maybe, just maybe, it's Hodgson. Well more than maybe.

The formation that could be the Three Lion's saving grace

He is tactically not good enough, he still hasn't found his winning formula after a long while in charge. I personally believe that a 4-3-2-1 would suit England perfectly, with Rooney and Sterling slotting in behind a striker such as Sturridge. However, no tactics could ever cover the fact that we still need to magically find a new centre-back.

How long this will take, no one knows...