England Have Hope

Disappointment yet again for the national team as England will soon be heading home, crashing out of the World Cup in Brazil after only two games.

However, it is not all ‘Doom & Gloom’ for Roy Hodgson’s side who did show promise in defeat against both Italy and Uruguay. Having been on the wrong side of two consecutive 2-1 defeats, England showed promising play but couldn’t get the points to go with it.

Following England’s exit from the competition, it seems Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard may now bow out of the international scene boasting 220 England caps between them. A big opportunity looms ahead of Euro 2016 – if both the previous mentioned retire – to take up the captain’s armband, at the moment the successor is unclear. In previous years, the stand-out candidate would have been Wayne Rooney but his role in the side is also uncertain.

The initial announcement of Hodgson’s team for Brazil didn’t cause too many concerns - bar the exclusion of Ashley Cole - consisted of numerous young players along with a backbone of experience in Lampard, Gerrard, Rooney and others.

A good mix who took quickly to the manager’s philosophy and formation, couldn't muster up enough to defeat any of their Group D opponents.

Familiar faces in Luis Suarez and Mario Balotelli both had a big hand in condemning England out this summer’s World Cup, a blow made only more bitter as against both Uruguay and Italy the result could have ended much differently.

The baton now passes over to the youthful likes of left-back Luke Shaw, Phil Jones and midfielders Jack Wilshere, Ross Barkley, Oxlade-Chamberlain, John Stones and more to forge a more productive free flowing national team to reinstate England as international hierarchy on the next stage, Euro 2016 in France.

Following them into the fore of Euro 2016 are likely to be James Ward-Prowse, Nathan Redmond and others who step-up from England’s Under-21’s side.

Euro 2016 is scheduled to be Roy Hodgson’s last quest as England manager based on his current contract. This will likely be extended if he can continue implementing a successful philosophy but only if more wins are gained from it. The FA will mostly likely intervene if all fails in France by dismissing the former West Brom boss.

As for now, the players face the wrath of the press – as whenever England bow out of an international tournament – once they arrive back in England, time to heal and recover will be required but Hodgson’s men have turn up the heat again as soon as the Euro qualifications come around.

Regardless of the expected departure of two of England’s most experienced players, the current young group of players are still a tough bunch and I expect them to come out fighting from this experience.

Hopefully sooner rather than later more domestic players will be given an opportunity in the Premier League to support the cause of the national team, yet I believe this will only come from action from the FA.

The future captain in my opinion has to be Joe Hart. The dependable, respectable and experienced senior player has the leadership skills to help our younger players grow and can guide them through games, having a view of the other players from England’s box.

 Others are likely to prefer other options but Hart would be my captain, if I were England manager……..if!

To summarise, England fans don't lose faith!

I believe Hodgson has more to give our national team with a very encouraging group of players who are going to require support of the nation once more, do not give up hope yet as success may be on the horizon of 2016.