As Steven Gerrard mazed into the Polish box last Tuesday night and poked the ball past Wojciech Sczeszny, Roy Hodgson bore the expression of a man who finally looked to be enjoying life in football’s toughest managerial hot-seat.
But Hodgson knows only too well that the real work starts now. He is fully aware that his time as England manager will be defined by this tournament. The biggest challenge of his career awaits him.
Nevertheless, England have made it. We’re going to Brazil. And, whisper it, we might have players to get excited about.
When all’s said and done, England’s World Cup qualifying campaign was a ultimately a smooth one. Only four goals were conceded in ten matches. England survived gruelling trips to Donetsk, Warsaw and Podgorica relatively unscathed. Confident Wembley performances saw them through.
It was announced on Monday that Hodgson’s side would face Denmark in a friendly at Wembley in February. With duels with Germany and Chile already confirmed for November, these fixtures provide an opportunity for England’s youngsters to prove their mettle against opponents the calibre of which England will be hoping to face in the latter stages of next summer’s footballing carnival. Youngsters like Ravel Morrison, Ross Barkley, and of course, Andros Townsend, will surely be given their chance to play their way into Hodgson’s permanent plans.
Elsewhere, it’s time for England’s old guard to stake their claims for Brazil. Can Lampard recapture the form of the world-class midfield dynamo he once was? Has Leighton Baines finally usurped Ashley Cole as England’s finest left back? Is time running out for Theo Walcott to prove his worth for the national side? Sterling, Zaha? Surely too raw?
And what of the likes of Barry, Parker, Lennon, Crouch? Will they ever pull on a three-lions jersey again?
These are all questions that Hodgson will surely welcome with open arms. A month ago, commentators and internet trolls alike were writing England off. Now, we’re pleasantly surprised by the talent to choose from. England may not have the embarrassment of riches of world footballing powers of Spain, Germany, Brazil, or even Belgium. But there’s a decent team there somewhere. Over to you, Roy.
Provisional 23-man squad:
Joe Hart – lack of a proven alternative makes Hart de facto number one. Will top form return?
Fraser Forster – astounding European performances, but playing in SPL probably won’t prepare him well for top opposition.
John Ruddy – Norwich keeper is a safe pair of hands, but injury-prone.
Phil Jagielka – Everton’s captain is England’s most reliable defender of late. Has to be on the plane.
Gary Cahill – You won’t find a more committed defender around, but positioning can be a liability. A work in progress.
Leighton Baines – Tireless work-rate down the left and dead-ball threat make him a shoo-in for starting eleven.
Glen Johnson – Has performed well for England in the past. Still defensively erratic, but experience sees him in.
Phil Jones – once touted as future captain, needs to start performing week in, week out for Man Utd. The talent is there.
Ashley Cole – never write him off. One of the best left-backs England has seen, but surely Baines’ time has come.
Kyle Walker – Flashes of brilliance for Spurs, but has looked weak for England. Lack of viable alternative gets him in.
Joleon Lescott – On his day, an assured centre-half. Provides good back-up despite limited City chances.
Steven Gerrard – Supreme leader and athlete. Deserves to lead England out for one last hurrah. Can be relied on to find extra gear.
Frank Lampard – One of the greatest of his generation, but perhaps more effective coming off the bench.
Andros Townsend – Spurs winger is in the form of his life. Fearless approach and speed make him indispensable on current showing.
Michael Carrick – Utd man can be the ideal foil to Gerrard in midfield, but does he offer enough to the team to warrant a start?
Jack Wilshere – Starting to recapture form for Arsenal. Still yet to reach peak. Can England rely on him against the best?
Theo Walcott – Left out in 2010, but capable of game-changing performances. Unrivalled pace can hurt opponents.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Strength, pace, eye for goal: Arsenal youngster has the goods.
Ross Barkley – Diamond in the rough, but diamond nonetheless. Natural understudy to Gerrard.
Wayne Rooney – A truly gifted player. 10 years on from outstanding Euro 2004, surely he has to peak in Brazil?
Daniel Sturridge – Plays with a sort of guile that England have lacked for years. If form continues, he must start.
Jermain Defoe – Always has a goal in him. Often the forgotten man, he can change games, but he needs game time at Spurs.
Rickie Lambert – Why not have a gamble on the Southampton man? Strong aerial threat and a venomous shot to boot.