With the likes of Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard gracing the national side in recent years – England’s next generation of young central midfielders certainly have a great deal to live up to. In the past we have seen numerous young players given an opportunity; failing to prosper, but the current batch of young midfielders seem like they could be the real deal. Three prime examples include: Dele Alli, Ross Barkley and Eric Dier. The players in question have nailed down regular starting places at their domestic clubs, are injury free and have performed in an England shirt as well.
Alli’s wonder goal in his Wembley debut showed that he was capable of handling the pressure of representing his country on the world stage. Barkley has been a consistently strong and creative performer in the England side since his arrival – and Eric Dier, Jack Wilshere and Ryan Mason could compete for a starting place in the centre of midfield for the national side also. Excluding Eric Dier, these players have been unlucky with injuries of late; have performed when given their chance. A crucial part in England’s, lack of, success in previous years, the central midfield role is arguably the most vital. With a mix of creativity and physicality, the England midfield could well be back to its best in the years to come.
To name one, Reece Oxford could be knocking in the door of the senior side in the years to come. With the Premier League’s youth academies doing a job in recent years – there’s no reason why the quality of England’s young players shouldn’t be consistent. With the youth players frequently getting Premier League football this season, experience should not be a problem when it comes to pulling on an England jersey on the world stage.
Keep with The Football Forecast to see Dele Alli’s rise to success analysed in the coming days.
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