Much like the hosts themselves, Roy Hodgson has chosen to field a squad which prioritises youth over experience. One notable development was the selection of Englands left-backs staple international Ashley Cole was omitted from the team in favour of the relatively unknown quantity of 18-year-old Luke Shaw. Other youngsters making their World Cup debuts for England include Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (20), Ross Barkley (20), Raheem Sterling (19), Jack Wilshere (22), Danny Welbeck (23) and even Daniel Sturridge (24). The only source of abundant international experience in the squad comes from Frank Lampard (105 caps) and Steven Gerrard (110 caps), both of whom have competed in multiple World Cups. Though this limited experience on the grandest stage of all may seem like a disadvantage, it should prove to be quite the opposite. Most of Englands players will be extremely eager to prove themselves at their first World Cup, proving to Hodgson that he made the right choice in picking them over more experienced options. They also have the potential to play with an uninhibited audacity and swagger which older players have grown past. Other than this lack of psychological hindrance, the speed and athleticism that comes with youth may prove to be a huge advantage when playing in the stifling heat and humidity of Brazil, particularly when competing against older squads like Italys.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
