Team Preview: England will start its campaign as a dark horse this time around

England Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Hart (Manchester City).

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United).

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson (both Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).

Forwards: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).

LIKELY ENGLAND XI 

Best Ever Finish: Winners (1966)

Captain: Steven Gerrard

Manager: Roy Hodgson

Regardless of going through the whole qualifying campaign unbeatable, England supporters were left sweating on whether or not the Britain side was going to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup right up until the last two matches.

The Three Lions stuttered during their initial matches and unsuccessful to set up a winning streak early on. Draws away to Montenegro and Poland, and a tie at their own backyard to Ukraine meant the side were a slight short on self-belief and not capable to set up any sort of tempo. But they got there eventually, with a stern 0-0 draw in Ukraine setting up two must win games against Montenegro and Poland. Stimulated display from England new lad Andros Townsend finally saw Roy Hodgson’s team finish top of their group.

For the first moment in many a main tournament, the overstatement about England potentially elating the cup is missing. As the ‘Golden Generation’ is ushered out, young guys are arriving, and with that has come an recognition that England aren’t actually main contenders for  lifting the trophy. But they are by no way the no-hopers various in the English media make them out to be. There is speed, power and a hint of brilliance in this side.

Progression from a difficult Group D will be seen as success here, and the experience gained by players like Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Jack Wilshere will be vital to their developments. They’ll surely need it if England are looking to victory in 2022!

Key Player - Wayne Rooney

Following a chaotic summer punctured by current transfer rant, you would have been exempt for having worries regarding Wayne Rooney this campaign. But England’s charm enjoyed a very respectable season at Old Trafford.

For many, the Manchester United man is England’s lone world class talent and an immense show at a big tournament is long overdue. Certainly, it is difficult to believe this World Cup will mark a decade since the then-Everton player took EURO 2004 by storm. Ever since, troubles with fitness, form, unruliness and off-field dramas have inundated his main tournament hype.

But he appeared mature, fit and established at Old Trafford this season and there is no reason why he can’t take his splendid form into the World Cup. When he’s on it, Rooney is a extremely stimulating figure for English side, and several strong display in Brazil will go a long way to the England fulfilling their dream to regain the title after 48 years.