Last night’s thriller with Poland ensured we all woke up with a smile on our faces. England will be at the World Cup next year in Brazil. Thought will now turn to who will be there with Roy Hodgson, so here are five players from the U21 squad who I think could make it.
1) Jack Butland
Although his move to Stoke this summer probably hasn’t turned out how he would have liked it to, he is now on loan at Barnsley and getting some much needed first team football. The 20-year-old has 16 caps for the U21 side and has made a senior appearance, and should Joe Hart carry on his dodgy form then the former Birmingham shot-stopper will fancy his chances.
2) Luke Shaw
He has proved how able he is over the past year in the Southampton defence and he will be looking to make the jump into the senior side. However, with Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines ahead of his it could be difficult, unless they pick up an injury.
3) Ravel Morrison
The man everyone seems to be talking about right now. The Hammers’ midfielder scored an incredible solo effort against Lithuania and ended the game with a brace.
He has also scored two in six for West Ham this season, including a corker against Tottenham.
4) Wilfried Zaha
There have been rumours aplenty surrounding this winger since his move from Crystal Palace and to suggest he would be in the England squad seems ridiculous, considering he hasn’t played for his club yet this season.
However, he is likely to go out on loan in the new year and a good second half of the season could propel his chances.
5) Tom Ince
With 18 goals and 14 assists last term, the Blackpool winger was always going to be linked with a move back to the Premier League. He has three goals this time round and is still putting in some quality performances.