Phil Jones Jones was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson from Blackburn Rovers and made an impressive start to his Old Trafford career, deputizing for injured Nemanja Vidic. His versatility and ability to play at right back or as a defensive midfielder will ensure that there will always be a place in the England team for the exciting 20 year old. Chris Smalling Just like Jones, Smalling too was snapped up by Sir Alex Ferguson to fill his defence. He can also play at centre back or right back and has already made more than 30 appearances for Manchester United. He is expected to become an Old Trafford regular within the next year or two, with Vidic and Ferdinand coming to the end of their playing careers. It was only a groin injury that kept him from featuring for England at the Euro's. Gary Cahill Cahill is yet another of those players to miss out on Euro 2012 through injury. He will be 28 by the time of the World Cup and could well etch a reputation as being one of the sides more experienced, authoritative and commanding figures in the same vein as Chelsea team mate John Terry was. Micah Richards Many say Richards should have made the cut for Hodgson's 23 man Euro squad. He already has 13 England caps, and at just 17 was the youngest ever player to be given an international call up in 2006. He is already vice captain at Manchester City and is one of the most powerful right backs in the league. Kyle Walker The Tottenham right back was named as part of the England squad which competed in the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship competition in Denmark. Despite the fact that England were knocked out in the first round, he was still named in the Team of the Tournament. That alone shows just how impressive he is. Martin Kelly Hodgson received much criticism when on 3rd June, he called up Martin Kelly to his 23 man Euro squad to replace the injured Cahill. At just 22, he has already made 46 appearances for Liverpool, and whilst he failed to impress in Poland/Ukraine, the 2014 World Cup is the real place he should be judged. Glen Johnson Johnson, like Cahill, can prove to be one of those authoritative figures in 2014. He will be 29 by then, and the World Cup will surely be his last major tournament. Still, he has 39 caps to his name, and 14 career goals. Not bad for a defender. Leighton Baines Baines has played for England at under 21 and senior level. He is one of Everton's best players, helping them reach the 2009 F.A Cup Final in spite of limited resources. In 202 appearances for the Goodison club, he has managed 15 goals. Click "part 3" below to read the next entry...
