England’s potential XI for the 2018 World Cup…
CaughtOffside picks its starting team for the opening match of England’s 2018 World Cup campaign, which is heavily dominated by stars from Liverpool and Arsenal. Check out the XI below:
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GK) Joe Hart (Manchester City)
The Manchester City stopper will only be 31, a prime age for a goalkeeper, and a lack of top-class competition should see him comfortably retain his spot in the team.
RB) Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton)
An exciting young-full back, who will be 27 by the time the World Cup comes around again. He should be at his prime by then, although he will face competition from the likes of Eric Dier.
LB) Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Will only be 22 by the time the next World Cup arrives, and having already played at the tournament will be in the prime position to kick on and perform well in Russia.
CB) John Stones (Everton)
The youngster goes from strength to strength at Everton, and is already a regular in the England squad. He will be 24 at the next World Cup, and ready to show everyone what he can do.
CB) Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
The Chelsea man will be a veteran by the time England reach Russia, and at 32 it could well be his last chance at a major tournament. He could even lead the side out as captain if Wayne Rooney loses his spot.
CM) Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
The midfielder will likely be Liverpool captain by 2018 – if not before – and will be well-set to lead England into the tournament, at the prime age of 28.
CM) Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Another player who is already well accustomed to the England setup, despite his young age, he will be 26 in Russia and will have hopefully developed into a truly world class player.
RW) Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
The Arsenal man is shockingly yet to play in a World Cup – having been an unused substitute in 2006, he was not selected in 2010, and was injured last summer. He will be 29 in 2018, and it will likely be his last chance.
AM) Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
The sky is the limit for Raheem Sterling, and in four years time the teenager could easily be one of the best players on the planet. There is at least a couple more World Cup’s in the tank for the Liverpool man.
LW) Danny Welbeck (Arsenal)
The Arsenal man is rapidly improving at his new club, and should be in his prime as a 27-year-old by the time of the next World Cup. He may have to be content with a wide role due to the presence of Daniel Sturridge.
ST) Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)
And it is the Liverpool forward who completes our team, edging out the veteran Wayne Rooney, who could be deployed as something of an impact substitute. Sturridge will be 29 in 2018, and it could be his last World Cup.
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