World Cup 2014: Projecting England's Starting XI in Brazil 2014

Andrew Jordan@@Andrew_JordanX.com LogoSenior Writer IAugust 9, 2011

World Cup 2014: Projecting England's Starting XI in Brazil 2014

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    Well here we are, less than three years away from the 2014 World Cup that is going to be one of the greatest in football history.

    For England, this tournament will be an indication to show where the national team can realistically be ranked and how much further it needs to go if they are going to win a World Cup.

    Assuming that they qualify, England will certainly need a better showing to please their fans and show the world that they are more than just hype.

    With the 2014 World Cup now around 1,000 days away, here is my starting 11 (in a 4-4-2 formation) for the Three Lions in Brazil.

    For more England news and other content, follow me on Twitter! @Andrew_Jordan

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart

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    Current Club: Manchester City

    Undoubtedly England's best goalkeeper, Joe Hart would be the starter for England in Brazil and for many more future tournaments.

    Hart has continuously showcased his skills with amazing saves for Birmingham City and Manchester City over the last several years and is one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League.

    Even though he would be 27 at the start of the tournament, Hart definitely has the skills to help England advance deep in the 2014 World Cup.

Defender: Glen Johnson

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    Current Club: Liverpool

    He may not be the best defender that England has to offer but Glen Johnson's experience will be a massive reason why he will be starting for England should they qualify.

    Johnson has been a crucial part of England's side during qualification for Euro 2012 and whoever England's manager will be in 2014 probably would choose Johnson to play.

Defender: Chris Smalling

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    Current Club: Manchester United

    The successor for Rio Ferdinand at Manchester United, Chris Smalling has been extremely impressive for the Red Devils over the last year and will in all likelihood play for England in the 2014 World Cup.

    Smalling would be 24 at the start of the 2014 World Cup and would certainly not be the only Manchester United player to suit up for England in this tournament.

Defender: Gary Cahill

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    Current Club: Bolton Wanderers

    He will be 28 by time the 2014 World Cup comes around and Gary Cahill will be a major cog for the Three Lions on their back line.

    Cahill was able to register his first cap this spring against Ghana and is a ruthless defender in the air and on the ground, where he has been known to be a ruthless tackler of the ball.

Defender: Phil Jones

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    Current Club: Manchester United

    Recently signed by Manchester United, Phil Jones is a defender who has an extremely bright future for England.

    Jones was able to excel last year for Blackburn and will be able to get enough playing time with the Red Devils this year to become an exceptional player.

Midfielder: Ashley Young

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    Current Club: Manchester United

    Another pickup by Manchester United this summer, Ashley Young has showed his promise in recent matches for England and is bound to only get better with his new club.

    Young will be 28 once this tournament begins but his experience will only prove to be a huge benefit for an England side that for the most part will not have any World Cup experience.

Midfielder: Jack Rodwell

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    Current Club: Everton

    One of the best players Everton has produced in recent years, Jack Rodwell is destined to be one of the top players for England for many years to come.

    In the 2014 World Cup, Rodwell will bring a physical game that will be coupled with his strong passing ability.

Midfielder: Jack Wilshire

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    Current Club: Arsenal

    The most hyped of all the young players that are on the English national team, Jack Wilshire has continued to impress for both Arsenal and the Three Lions.

    Wilshire's abilities are crucial for England in every match that he will participate in and could easily be the most recognizable face on the English squad once the World Cup comes around.

Midfielder: Theo Walcott

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    Current Club: Arsenal

    An extremely dynamic player, Theo Walcott will certainly make a difference for England in the 2014 World Cup.

    Walcott of course was surprisingly left off of Fabio Capello's 2010 World Cup roster but I doubt that England's next manager would make that same mistake.

Striker: Andy Carroll

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    Current Club: Liverpool

    Known for his expensive transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool last winter, Andy Carroll will be one of the strikers for England in the 2014 World Cup should they qualify.

    Carroll will need to continue to develop and avoid incidents off the field going into 2014. These distractions could easily prevent this great talent from becoming the footballer that many believe that he could be.

Striker: Wayne Rooney

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    Current Club: Manchester United

    In the 2014 World Cup, much will be expected out of Wayne Rooney to avoid a repeat performance of the 2010 World Cup where he failed to score and England were knocked out in the round of 16.

    Rooney has recovered his form that hurt him after getting injured in the Champions League last March but will need to be completely healthy if he is to get England anywhere close to the World Cup final.

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