Lo and behold, the greatest sporting event in the world is almost here. A world cup in Brazil fulfils all sorts of criteria and depressingly it will probably be the last truly enjoyable World Cup for a while. Without resorting to lazy national stereotypes, it is true that the majority of the tournament this summer will have a 'carnival' atmosphere, although the threat of protests, after some truly outstanding incompetence by the Brazilian authorities, will never be too far away. Regardless, I for one am immensely excited for it and so the next question is, how will England do?
Most people would say 'badly' as their answer, and they are perfectly entitled to do so after the draw gave us the very real scenario of not making it out the group. But still the debates rage on as to the 23 men representing us in South America, and Roy Hodgson will be praying no more key players succumb to injury like Theo Walcott did.
Given that the world and its wife has an opinion on who should be on the plane, I thought I would add my thoughts to the most talked about topics. Raheem Sterling or Andros Townsend? Ashley Cole or Luke Shaw? Wayne Rooney or Bobby Zamora? All these questions and more shall be answered, firstly with the keepers.
Goalkeepers
Joe Hart
Background: England's best keeper by a country mile, a supremely confident and agile shot stopper with a real presence between the posts. Communication and speed off the line are just two of the attributes where he ranks among the very best. Collects crosses badly, has average at best distribution and doesn't convince commanding his area at set pieces half of the time, but still our finest keeper since David Seaman.
England Form: It really doesn't matter. Honestly. Hart could chuck the ball in the Man City net 8 times per game for the rest of the season and still make it as first choice. And to be fair to him, he has recovered from his terrible 2012-2013 season to get back to near enough his peak.
Press Perception: One of the best keepers in the world. Occasionally a liability, either way, probably the member of the side who has the most confidence of making the team.
Average Fan Perception: The best we've got. Pretty good, considering.
Twitter Perception: HE DID AN ADVERT FOR HEAD AND SHOULDERS #LOL
Ben Foster
Background: A solid performer for West Brom, his self imposed exile from England duty seemingly ended as soon as his club boss was put in charge of the national team. His injury absence this season is seen as a key reason for the Baggies sub-par performances this season.
England Form: Non-existent. He's almost 31 and yet only has 6 caps to his name. Has only played once for the three lions since 2010- the second half in a friendly against Ireland. Suppose he doesn't have a Rob Green style moment at least.
Press Perception: The second choice, mainly because of Nepotism.
Average Fan Perception: Used to be at United, so half decent. Bit of a dick for 'Retiring'.
Twitter Perception: Doesn't nearly have enough #bantz.
Fraser Forster
Background: A 6ft 7in giant of the Celtic goal famous for some titanic performances in two consecutive seasons in the Champions League. Recently broke a clean sheets record. Remains unproven at the top level week in week out and is not the most agile of keepers. Roy doesn't get to see him that often. His trump card over goalkeepers like Ruddy is that no one really checked his form week in week out.
England Form: Has only made one appearance so far in a 2-0 loss to Chile, too early to judge.
Press Perception: A great young keeper, proven at the highest level, why does he have so few caps?
Average Fan Perception: Plays in League Two for most of the year, then makes great saves from Messi and Iniesta, not quite sure what to think. Needs to play in The Greatest League In The World.
Twitter Perception: OMG look at this Vine of his great save from Neymar!!!!!!! #RESPECT
Jack Butland
Background: Precocious young keeper who leapt into the national consciousness as the third keeper for Euro 2012 after John Ruddy was forced to pull out of the original squad. Made his England debut before his Birmingham one, and his move to Stoke in January 2013 was seen as a good move. But Asmir Begovic surprisingly stayed, meaning Butland has had to be loaned out to get game time. Just turned 21.
England Form: Has played just the once for the Three Lions, the first half in a friendly win over Italy.
Press Perception: The long-term no.1.
Average Fan Perception: If he's that good, shouldn't he be doing better?
Twitter Perception: Why hasn't he signed for myyyy team?!?!
No one else has any chance of making the squad, so barely warrant a mention. Looking at you, John Ruddy.
After writing this, i'm starting to think this would be pretty boring to read. So for the other positions watch this space... or not.
Thanks for reading.
