Lack of experience might stand in the way of England

The premier league is one of the famous football leagues and watched by many people worldwide. Some English clubs are owned by billionaires who attract best players from all over the world. This is one of the reasons that account for the popularity of English games but unfortunately majority of the stars plying their professional football in England are not English. They are ineligible to represent England but instead play for their home countries. During the recent century, England has not been impressive in world cup tournaments despite of the premier league popularity as the most competitive league on the planet. During the recent world cup events, England has been represented by a brand of youngsters who perform so well in the premier league but fail to replicate their performance in major tournaments like the World Cup and European Championships. During the 2010 World Cup, we saw the likes of Aaron Lenon, James Milner among others who were vibrant in terms of performance throughout 2009-2010 season but failed to impress at the 2010 World Cup. Players like Germaine Defoe, Steven Gerald, John Terry, and Wayne Rooney who were playing at the top of English game flopped as well. They were eliminated from the preliminary rounds and could not get past the group stages. Now four years later, we have seen a group of youngsters coming up in the likes of Reeham sterling of Liverpool, David Barkley of Everton, and Adam Lalana of Southampton among many other youngsters in the current English team. The question remains whether these young players will be able to handle pressure at the world cup as England is drawn in a tough group alongside Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica. When you look at the team strength in depth from England’s big two opponents Italy and Uruguay, you realise the task at hand for English manager Roy Hodgson. Both Italy and Uruguay do possess physically fit and more experienced players who have been playing together for quite a long time. Just like their English counterparts, Italian team did not perform well at 2010 World Cup but this time round seem physically stronger than their English counterparts. Taking an example of midfield comparison of Steven Gerald, Jordan Henderson or Jackwilshere with the Italian midfield of Tiago Motta, Andreas Pirlo or Marco Veratti, you certainly notice the Italians are stronger in this department. Even in the defense, the partnership of Chelsea defender Gary Cahill with Phil Jagielka of everton or John Terry is nowhere comparable to that of Italian trio of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, and Giorigo Chiellini (all Juventus). The three Italian defenders have played together for a long time in same team and i do think they will form a hard rock in defence. Though England does possess potent and highly offensive players like Wayne Rooney, Daniel Studrridge, and Reeham Sterling, they will find it hard to penetrate Azzuri defense. Additionally, Azzuri attack is not naïve as people might expect. Italian strikers Ciro Immobile who has signed for Borrussia Dortmund from Torino, Lorenzo Insigne of Napoli, embattled Mario Balotteli of Ac Milan are not easy strikers to underrate. Additionally, midfielders Antonnio Candreva of Lazio and Alessio Cerci of Torino are very offensive and lethal players in every game. Both players do possess immense shooting power and are very creative especially when playing from the wings. Uruguay was one of the semi-finalists during 2010 world cup and has maintained almost the same squad until presently. They have experienced players in every department of the pitch. Players Edson Cavani and Louis Suarez have been playing at top level for a long time. There is no doubt that the duo will form the strongest striking partnership at the world cup. Besides, Uruguay squad is equipped with many talents who can still reach far in this tournament. The survival of England in this group will greatly depend on how well they cope with Italy and Uruguay. Costa Rica is not also a team to under-estimate and the fact that England was held to a goalless draw by Honduras can give the underdogs in the group hope.