The fact that the England camp has been lamenting the loss of Gareth Barry at Euro 2012 tells you everything you need to know about the current England squad. In short there is a dearth of real quality.
We have, of course, been deprived of some real class at this tournament in the shape of Jack Wilshere, Micheal Carrick and Rio Ferdinand. For varying reasons they have missed the boat. Personally I think England will miss these guys much more than Barry.
But, this lack of quality in numbers is exactly the reason why we should get Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in there as soon as possible. We all know what we are going to get from someone like Stewart Downing. He has been in the fold for a a long time and, while he can be a quality player he is not going to win England a tournament any time soon. The same goes for Theo Walcott and James Milner. They are decent players but probably wouldn’t get into a top international team.
Chamberlain, on the other hand, easily could. He has all the qualities of the above mentioned plus one crucial addition. Vision. You could see it against Milan in the Champions League. The lad not only has natural ability in abundance but also the football intelligence that sets a great player apart from a good one. Unlike many England wingers past and present, he plays with his head up. It’s a joy to watch.
Sure, he is young and inexperienced but the only way he can develop is to get some big games under his belt. Walcott, Downing and Milner aren’t going to improve much and haven’t, so far, led England to any glory. So why not start the new dawn now? Get Chamberlain in there from a young age so that, by the time he is in his mid-twenties, he will be as experienced as he is talented.
Unusually for an England player, this boy has the lot. I truly hope that he gets the chance to excel in this tournament because is not only the future of England but already one of the best players that we have.
nicholas
Jun 11, 2012 at 2:08 pm
england can stl make.hower it may not a walk over.i wish them da best.