England: 6 Players Who Need To Be Given A Chance Against Denmark

5. Ross Barkley

Ross Barkley has definitely been one of the success stories of Roberto Martinez' reign at Goodison Park. Largely held back by Martinez' predecessor David Moyes, Martinez has instead released Barkley on Premier League opposition and watched him become one of the most highly rated young talents in England. At the age of just 20, Barkley has represented England at every level from Under-16 to 3 caps for the senior team, but he deserves more of a chance to take control of the midfield than simply coming on as a substitute against Moldova. Barkley's form in the second half of the season hasn't quite matched his blistering early performances, which may say something about his lack of experience given that this is really his first full Premier League season, but he is young and full of energy to attack opposition defences. The traditional central midfield core of Lampard and Gerrard has never worked out successfully. Both players are definitely past their prime. While Gerrard is still likely to lead England out in Manaus, it would be well worth Hodgson having a younger, keener alternative, equally capable of bringing the ball out of the middle and launching powerful attacks going forward.
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