Junior? Or Senior?

As covered in the last post, it's not been the best of tournaments for England's young lions. Here I will take a look at each player, and give my opinion on where these players England careers can go. With the World Cup exactly one year away, I will look at their chances of getting on the plane to Rio.

Goalkeepers:

Jack Butland
Position: GK
Age: 20
Club: Stoke City

Did not make any headline grabbing mistakes, and looked relatively solid. He will go on to play for England for certain. With some Premier League experience, he could push the wobbly Joe Hart for the senior number one jersey in the future.

On the plane? Probably


Jason Steele
Position: GK
Age: 22
Club: Middlesborough

Certainly number two to Butland on the Under 21 scene. It seems he has a long list of senior goalkeepers in front of him too, who are unlikely to be surpassed by Steele.

On the plane? No

Declan Rudd
Position: GK
Age: 22
Club: Norwich City

May make the odd appearance at senior level, but too many better keepers in front of him to make real England career.

On the plane? No Chance


Defenders:

Danny Rose
Position: LB/LW
Age: 22
Club: Tottenham Hotspur

Had a brilliant season on loan at Sunderland last year, and always looks assured when playing for the U21's. As left backs go, he has Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines in front of him. So will find it very, very hard to oust those two.

On the plane? Outside chance

Craig Dawson
Position: CB
Age: 23
Club: West Bromwich Albion

Looks steady, if not a world beater. Did not however have a good tournament, and needs to establish himself in the Premier League before he can even be considered for England next summer.

On the plane? No

Adam Smith
Position: RB
Age: 22
Club: Tottenham Hostpur

I'm a big fan, huge hit on loan at Millwall, and looks very good for the U21's. However, needs to raise his profile, and that means a starting berth in the Premier League.

On the plane? No

Nathaniel Clyne
Position: RB
Age: 22
Club: Southampton

Had a really good debut season in the Premier League last season. Had a shaky tournament, but previous reputation will smooth that over

On the plane? Maybe

Andre Wisdom
Position: CB/RB
Age: 20
Club: Liverpool

Premier League experience, and captained the U21's against Israel. Probably not good enough with the ball to play right back. But looks like he could flourish at centre half. World Cup may be a few years too soon though.

On the plane? Unlikely

Tom Lees
Position: CB
Age: 22
Club: Leeds United

Out of this depth. Lack of ability covered by bravery and passion.


On the plane? No chance

Jack Robinson
Position: LB
Age: 19
Club: Liverpool

Also out of his depth. Looked brilliant for Liverpool at times, but has since struggled badly for Wolves on loan, and in particularly for England.


On the plane? No chance

Steven Caulker
Position: CB
Age: 21
Club: Tottenham Hotspur

Racked up 18 Premeir League appearences for a side who finished 5th, he has good experience. Looks the real deal, and could take advantage of the centre back vacancies.

On the plane? Maybe



Midfielders:


Jordan Henderson
Position: CM/CAM/RM
Age: 22
Club: Liverpool

The captain, most experienced, biggest transfer fee. Henderson has five senior caps, and you can bet he'll add to those with a good season this year. Nobody's laughing now.

On the plane? Yes

Nathan Redmond
Position: LW
Age: 19
Club: Birmingham City

Drafted in late as cover, and looked lively and determined. Premier League move would be acid test.
On the Plane? No


Josh McEachran
Position: CM
Age: 20
Club: Chelsea

Looks to be fizzling out in to mediocrity at best.

On the plane? No chance

Jonjo Shelvey
Position: CM/CAM
Age: 21
Club: Liverpool

Has a full England cap, but seems to be struggling to progress. Perhaps playing too far forward. Looked poor in the tournament itself.

On the plane? No

Jason Lowe
Position: CM/DM/RB
Age: 21
Club: Blackburn Rovers

Looked tidy on the ball, with a nice range of passing. Probably not got the ability to get Hodgson thinking.

On the plane? No

Tom Ince
Position: LW/RW
Age: 21
Club: Blackpool

Will surely get his Premier League move soon, and full England caps will follow.

On the plane? Maybe

Nathaniel Chalobah
Position: CM
Age: 18
Club: Chelsea

Huge potential, flourished at Watford last season, and is still only 18. Spectacular technique and general ability. Most exciting prospect in this side.

On the plane? Unlikely - but he will be a regular when the time is right

Henri Lansbury
Position: CAM/CM/RM
Age: 22
Club: Nottingham Forest

Applies his trade at Championship level, and will probably flirt between the two top leagues throughout his career. Unlucky to be injured for the whole tournament.

On the plane? No chance

Nathan Delfouneso
Position: ST
Age: 22
Club: Aston Villa

Doing well to still stay on the scene.

On the plane? No chance

Marvin Sordell
Position: ST
Age: 22
Club: Bolton Wanderers

Goal shy even at Championship level. Out of his depth.

On the plane? No chance

Connor Wickham
Position: ST
Age: 20
Club: Sunderland

Has potential, and could be a squad member in the future. Needs a good full season in the Premier League to get a healthy goal return.

On the plane? No

Wilfried Zaha
Position: RW/LW
Age: 20
Club: Manchester United

Will without doubt have a key role to play for England in the future. Alone with Chalobah for genuine excitement regarding potential. Had a poor tournament, but he will play for England for years.

On the plane? Yes