Another major tournament, another major disappointment. If you have grown up supporting the English national side in the last 15-20 years, you might now be an expert at the art of handling constant dejection.
Like any dedicated fan, I woke up prior to sunrise just so that I could cheer on the Three Lions from my living room couch. What happened in the next two hours was unfathomable and beyond imagination. Roy Hodgson’s side were expected to beat the Icelanders and progress to the quarter-finals, but the team that so many expected so much from just did not show up. Although due credit must be given to Strákarnir okkar, who outclassed their opponents in every aspect.
With boiling points reached for almost every fan, here are the top four English players who should no longer represent their country on the international stage:
Joe Hart
The Manchester City shot-stopper has had a shocking tournament, conceding four goals in the four games that he played. While one can expect to be beaten in big tournaments, the manner in which these were let through was appalling. Hart can be blamed for two big goals conceded, one of which knocked his side out of the tournament. While he has served his purpose as first choice goalkeeper reasonably well enough in the past, there are undoubtedly better choices than the arrogant Man City No.1. Jack Butland, Tom Heaton and Fraser Forster are to name a few of the names that England must consider for the future.
Raheem Sterling
Yes, he is only 21 and has his whole future ahead of him, but judging by his performance in a tournament where the stakes were so high, Sterling simply does not belong in an England jersey. The City ‘talent’ is, on his good day, a stellar player…but those good days seem to come only once in a blue moon. He has been thoroughly inconsistent for one who Manchester City spent £49 million on and until he is not a proven liability, should never be considered for an England call-up.
Jack Wilshere
It may never be fully understood why Jack Wilshere was called up to this England squad in the first place. He started as a promising talent, but quickly developed into an utter nuisance for everyone around. He has been spending his time and ‘hard-earned’ money being injured for most part of the year, although he does manage the odd game or two at the Emirates. While doing his best to be as unprofessional as possible off the field, the Arsenal man has barely contributed to anything for both club and country. Danny Drinkwater and Mark Noble are more than worthy replacements for the 24-year-old.
Jack Wilshere has played more games for #ENG this season (4) than he has for Arsenal (3).
Teacher's Pet. pic.twitter.com/brJsxBpQAF
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 20, 2016
James Milner
The likeliest of the four to be moved on. James Milner might be one of the hardest working individuals in this England side, but it is safe to say that his time has run out. To be fair, he has never done much wrong when he has played, although his chances have come scarcely in the last few years. It is about time England look towards their future stars and there is no lack of talent to choose from, considering that the under-21 team only recently won the Toulon Young Players Tournament.
Roy Hodgson departing has been a refreshing to start in what will hopefully will be a string of changes to this very disappointing England team.
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