Whether most people realise it or not I’m unsure, but in the last week Roy Hodgson has taken a giant leap towards choosing his squad for the World Cup this summer. 30 players were selected for this week’s friendly at home to Denmark, and with that being the last before Hodgson names his provisional 30-man squad for the tournament itself it seems that time is short for anyone new to force their way into the picture.

 

 

 

Of course, there are often one or two surprises. But traditionally league form counts for little compared to time spent in an England shirt, and anyone who has been left out now will be faced with a tough task to force their way into the frame using the remaining league games.

 

In goal it appears that it will be three from four that make the flight to Brazil. In the current squad regular number one Joe Hart is joined by Ben Foster, Paul Ruddy and Fraser Forster. It appeared likely that whoever spent the most time on the pitch during the Denmark game other than Hart would surely be the at the forefront of Hodgson’s plans, but as Hart played the entire game we are none the wiser. With all four stoppers in decent form it really is a toss-up at this point as to who will make the squad and there doesn’t appear to be a fifth option who can force their way in at this late stage.

 

In defence, things are a lot more unclear. The days of Rio Ferdinand and John Terry (or anyone for that matter) being automatic starters are long gone. The current squad surprisingly houses just 3 recognised centre backs; Gary Cahill, Steven Caulker and Chris Smalling. Phils Jones and Jagielka miss out through injury and are also likely to be involved come the summer. Their injuries seemed like an ideal time to involve Curtis Davies who has been in extremely impressive form for over-performing Hull City this season.

 

With only three centre backs chosen Davies can rightly feel hard done by with his exclusion this time around. It’s quickly re-kindled rumours that playing for an ‘unfashionable’ club like Hull can see you over looked. Similarly, in midfield, Tom Huddlestone and to a lesser extent Jake Livermore have been in fine form for Hull and also miss out.

 

Meanwhile Manchester United’s Tom Cleverley has been handed a call-up despite not being in the best of form for his club this season. Cleverley seems to have been the most polarising of picks in the current squad, even leading to a much publicised online petition calling for him to withdraw which had gathered over 10,000 signatures and the anger of Roy Hodgson.

 

Call-ups for Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard would suggest that Roy Hodgson isn’t willing to give up on the old guard just yet, and rightly so. But this would lead you to believe that Gareth Barry, rejuvenated during a loan spell with Everton this season, could have been considered as well.

 

Another experienced player whose England days could be numbered is Chelsea’s Ashley Cole. Once upon a time it would have been unthinkable to go into a major tournament without Cole. But the fact is that he simply isn’t playing enough to justify his selection. Leighton Baines and young debutant Luke Shaw are both playing regularly and playing well. It would be difficult now to leave one of them at home to make way for Cole, who has probably only found his way into this squad due to the defence being short-handed with injuries.

 

Up front Hodgson’s options are still unclear. Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge linked up with this squad knowing that only injury would keep them from the World Cup. Elsewhere within this squad there is nothing but uncertainty.

 

Jay Rodriguez and Rickie Lambert of Southampton are unproven at this level, Danny Welbeck is far from his best form and Jermain Defoe can count himself quite lucky to have been included. Defoe is in the squad purely on past accomplishments having barely kicked a ball for Spurs this season. He will find it hard to do enough to keep himself in contention in the MLS as he begins life with Toronto FC.

 

Defoe’s inclusion with no form behind him has highlighted the issue that England aren’t blessed with established attacking talent. Afterthoughts like Gabby Agbonlahor, Peter Crouch and Andy Carroll must feel they still have an outside chance of getting involved if Defoe’s selection cannot be justified.

 

 

One thing that will give these fringe players a much needed boost is England’s performance as they stuttered to a 1-0 win over Denmark on Wednesday. This week 30 players had the chance to secure a place in England’s World Cup squad, Wednesday’s performance would suggest that no one has quite booked their ticket yet.