This is the first in a series of articles exploring the potential England players of each of the Barclays Premier League teams, in the order that they finished in the 2008-09 season. First up, the Champions, Manchester United:
Ben Foster – Goalkeeper
United goalkeeper Ben Foster was on the standby list for the England squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He struggles to earn a first team place at United behind Edwin van der Sar, but helped them to win the Carling Cup last season in a penalty shootout. He also enjoyed a run in the team at the start of the 2009-10 season, due to van der Sar’s injury. Although this helped him to regain some form, it also exposed a possible weakness in his ability with the ball at his feet – taking too much time and being charged down by strikers in many games. This led to a Gareth Barry goal in the Manchester derby, and could be a cause for concern. However, the 26 year-old still has plenty of time to prove himself, and could be an option for the future.
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Gary Neville – Defender
Previously a permanent fixture in both the Manchester United and England teams, Gary Neville has struggled to earn places in either of the two since a season-long injury a few seasons ago. At 34, it appears that his stamina is beginning to worsen, and without first team consistency at club level, it is hard to see Neville regaining an England place any time in the near future.
Rio Ferdinand – Defender
When fit, Rio Ferdinand has been a permanent fixture in the England defence alongside Chelsea’s John Terry. There is no doubt that Ferdinand has an authority in defence which ensures that things stay organised. Although recent performances for both club and country have shown a slight dip in form, this comes after Ferdinand suffered a series of niggling injuries, and after more consistent football he will no doubt regain his usually sterling form.
Owen Hargreaves – Midfielder
The Canadian-born Owen Hargreaves has no lack of England experience; he has played in two World Cups and a European Championship for his country, and was voted England Player of the Year in January 2007. However, recent injury problems have disrupted his appearances for England, and he is currently out with a knee injury which won’t see him return until December. Hargreaves’ inclusion in the World Cup 2010 squad will largely depend on how quickly he can regain his form when he returns for Manchester United later this year.
Michael Carrick – Midfielder
A regular in the Manchester United midfield, Michael Carrick has continued to show himself to be an accomplished midfielder since leaving Tottenham. He has more Champions’ League and Premier League medals than Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard combined, and, some would argue, rightly so. However, there is some concern that Carrick lacks the character of the ‘big two’ English central midfielders. With only nineteen caps at the age of 28, it is up to Carrick to prove to Fabio Capello that he is worthy of a trip to South Africa next year.
Michael Owen – Striker
Although his career seemed to have turned a corner when he left the relegated Newcastle United for Manchester United this summer, Michael Owen has made it clear that his priorities lie with his club and not his country. Despite this, it is possible that if Owen continues to put in high-quality performances for United, he may find himself on Capello’s squad list next year.
Wayne Rooney – Striker
One of the first names on the team sheet for both Manchester United and England, Wayne Rooney has a record of 25 goals in 60 England appearances. When he is on form, Rooney can produce goals from nothing. Although there are sometimes concerns over his discipline, as he has a tendency to lose his temper when opposition players wind him up, this aspect of his game seems to have improved in recent years. There seems to be no doubt that – ruling out an unfortunate injury – Wayne Rooney will appear at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Which of these players would you take to South Africa? And is there anyone left off who also has a chance, e.g. Wes Brown?
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