Hart and Cahill also score high, unlike dodgy Man United centre-back and injury-prone Liverpool full-back.
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It would be fair to say that it has been an eventful year for England’s national team.
Roy’s boys began 2014 with a 1-0 win over Denmark in March, followed by a 3-0 victory over Peru in May.
However, the Three Lions were unable to continue their fine Wembley form in Brazil.
After drawing with Ecuador and Honduras in pre-tournament friendlies, England were eliminated from the World Cup during the group phase, having mustered just one point from their games against Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica.
Captain Steven Gerrard and long-serving midfielder Frank Lampard retired following the World Cup, with Wayne Rooney taking over as skipper.
Rooney’s reign has been flawless to date, with England winning all six games under his leadership. As a result, the Three Lions find themselves well-placed in Euro 2016 qualifying and high on morale, having just beaten fierce rivals Scotland in Glasgow.
The win over Scotland was England’s final fixture of 2014, so here’s our end of term reports on each of Roy’s boys.
Joe Hart – 8/10
England’s best goalkeeper by a huge margin. Four clean sheets in five matches says it all.
Ben Foster – 5/10
Played just twice in 2014: a shaky display in a 2-2 draw with Ecuador, followed by a steady showing in the 0-0 with Costa Rica.
Fraser Forster – 6/10
Some excellent club performances – first for Celtic and then Southampton – earned Forster his first England start of 2014 last week. He looked confident against Scotland and he is now Hart’s main – perhaps only – rival.
Glen Johnson – 4/10
A combination of poor form and lack of fitness have seen the Liverpool full-back omitted from the last couple of squads. He has probably played his last game for England.
Gary Cahill – 8/10
Cahill is probably England’s most important player. All those games playing alongside John Terry for Chelsea appear to be doing wonders for his leadership skills.
Phil Jagielka – 4/10
One of the main reasons that Cahill is so important is because England’s other centre-backs are far from convincing. Jags can mix it with Estonia and San Marino, but he was way out of his depth at the World Cup.
Leighton Baines – 5/10
Did brilliantly to displace Ashley Cole as England’s first-choice left-back, but a poor World Cup has put that position in doubt.
Luke Shaw – 6/10
The world’s most expensive teenager had an amazing campaign at Southampton. He has yet to replicate that form with Manchester United, but, once he does, he will surely make the number three shirt his own.
Ashley Cole – 6/10
Should have gone to the World Cup. His decision to retire after being omitted from the World Cup squad made sense.
Calum Chambers – 6/10
The 19-year-old probably should remain with the Under-21s for the time being. Saying that, he did a decent job at right-back when called upon against San Marino and Estonia.
Chris Smalling – 4/10
Another frustrating year for a defender who has all the necessary physical attributes to be a top defender, but clearly no idea what to do with his talent.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7/10
The Southampton defender has only played two games for England, but he was thoroughly impressive in both.
Phil Jones – 5/10
Still an injury-prone hopeful who needs to decide what he is!
John Stones – 6/10
If he continues to improve at a steady pace, he could be one of England’s starting centre-backs at Euro 2016.
Jon Flanagan – 5/10
Made his debut with a 30-minute cameo against Ecuador. A nasty knee injury has halted his career for now, but the Liverpool youngster has time and talent on his side.
Fabian Delph – 7/10
His call-up was a surprise to many, but he bossed the midfield against Switzerland. Just the sort of player England need in the centre of the park.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7/10
A knee injury prevented him from playing at the World Cup, but he has been excellent since returning.
Jack Wilshere – 7/10
Finally fulfilling his potential. Has thrived following the retirements of Gerrard and Lampard.
Stewart Downing – 5/10
Deserved his call-up based on West Ham United form, but his performance in the first half against Scotland was tame.
Steven Gerrard – 5/10
Made the right decision to retire. Better to bow out, instead of being dropped – which he would have been!
Frank Lampard – 4/10
Probably should have called it a day 12 months earlier than he did.
Raheem Sterling – 7/10
Sterling’s fearless and pacy performances brought much hope to England fans. However, the excellent start to his senior international career was slightly dented by his foolish decision to tell the boss he felt too tired to play Estonia.
Ross Barkley – 6/10
Probably hasn’t been given the game time he deserves, based on his superb showings for Everton. Nevertheless, Barkley is a big part of England’s future, for sure.
Jordan Henderson – 6/10
Putting his recent own goal to one side, Henderson has done well for England. He seems to be one of those players who saves his best performances for his country.
James Milner – 6/10
An excellent squad player. Worked hard and never quibbled at being used out of position.
Adam Lallana – 6/10
Lallana’s £25m price tag has seen many judge him too harshly. Considering that 2014 was his breakthrough year with England, he is progressing nicely.
Andros Townsend – 5/10
Played a key role in England’s qualification for the World Cup, but missed the tournament through injury. Has struggled to get a game at Spurs this season. He needs to work harder.
Danny Welbeck – 7/10
Welbeck has always worked hard, but now the goals are flowing too. He has been England’s main man since the World Cup.
Wayne Rooney – 8/10
Continually criticised despite closing in on becoming England’s all-time record goalscorer. He featured in all 13 of England’s games this year, finding the net eight times.
Daniel Sturridge – 7/10
Three goals in six international games. Injury has intervened, but he’ll be back.
Rickie Lambert – 5/10
The former non-League striker got to live the dream by playing for England – at the time, on merit. However, the fairytale is close to the end. He won’t be going to Euro 2016, so Hodgson should look elsewhere in 2015.
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