FROM Stephen Hawking to your barber and every stop inbetween, everyone has an opinion on England.
JOE HART - Manchester City
Age 27, caps 29
England’s number one deserves immense credit for the way he bounced back after being dropped by his club for several games last autumn.
FRASER FORSTER - Celtic
Age 26, caps 1
Beat John Ruddy and Jack Butland to the final goalkeeper’s spot after a fine season north of the border.
BEN FOSTER - West Brom
Age 31, caps 6
Is yet to rediscover the form he enjoyed prior to his injury at the start of the season, but is still England’s best back-up to Hart.
LEIGHTON BAINES - Everton
Age 29, caps 22, goals 1
Has enjoyed a superb season with Everton. Deservedly now first choice for his country too.
LUKE SHAW - Southampton
Age 18, caps 1
The precociously-talented teenager was picked ahead of his boyhood idol Ashley Cole after a fine season for Saints.
CHRIS SMALLING - Manchester United
Age 24, caps 10
Not in the greatest form but has always been in Roy Hodgson’s thoughts. His versatility no doubt helped.
GARY CAHILL - Chelsea
Age 28, caps 22, goals 2
Has been so good this year he has outshone John Terry and kept Barcelona target David Luiz out of the Chelsea team.
PHIL JAGIELKA - Everton
Age 31, caps 24, goals 1
One of the main reasons behind Everton’s push for Champions League football this year. Solid and calm under pressure.
GLEN JOHNSON - Liverpool
Age 29, caps 50, goals 1
Injury to Kyle Walker leaves Johnson, who has played well since his return to fitness after injury, as England’s undisputed first-choice right-back.
PHIL JONES - Manchester United
Age 22, caps 9
Fit to be selected despite a recent shoulder injury. Versatility ensures his selection despite poor year at club level.
ROSS BARKLEY - Everton
Age 20, caps 3
A supremely talented midfielder capable of scoring stunning goals as Newcastle and Manchester City found out to their cost.
STEVEN GERRARD - Liverpool
Age 33, caps 109, goals 21
England’s leader in battle. The skipper has adapted well to a deeper role which allows him to dictate the tempo of the game and spray dangerous long balls.
JORDAN HENDERSON - Liverpool
Age 23, caps 8
Some would have gone into their shell after being mocked for their running style, but Sir Alex Ferguson’s jibe has only spurred the midfielder on to produce the best form of his career.
ADAM LALLANA - Southampton
Age 26, caps 3
Nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award for his wonderful campaign at Saints, he has also impressed in an England shirt. A starting berth in Brazil is a distinct possibility.
FRANK LAMPARD - Chelsea
Age 35, caps 103, goals 29
The best years are behind the midfielder, yet the 35- year-old has an important role to play in South America.
JAMES MILNER - Manchester City
Age 28, caps 45, goals 1
The Mr Versatile of England’s squad, he works tirelessly and is diligent in his approach. Could do with more goals.
JACK WILSHERE - Arsenal
Age 22, caps 15
Another stop-start season due to injuries. Still one of the most talented players this country has produced for a long time though.
RAHEEM STERLING - Liverpool
Age 19, caps 2
The answer to Roy Hodgson’s attacking prayers following Theo Walcott’s knee injury. Has improved wonderfully this term and has pace to burn.
ALEX CHAMBERLAIN - Arsenal
Age 20, caps 14, goals 3
Has been struggling with injury of late, but showed how dangerous he can be with his goal against Brazil in the Maracana last June.
WAYNE ROONEY - Manchester United
Age 28, caps 89, goals 38
England’s biggest threat. A certain starter if, as expected, he recovers from a groin problem. Can he finally score his first World Cup goal at his third tournament?
DANIEL STURRIDGE - Liverpool
Age 24, caps 10, goals 3
Responsible for a fifth of Liverpool’s goals this term. In the best form of his career domestically. Now needs to produce the goods on the international stage.
DANNY WELBECK - Manchester United
Age 23, caps 21, goals 8
The injury to Jay Rodriguez rubbedstamped the Manchester United attacker’s place. Direct style of play and decent finisher with a good return at international level.
RICKIE LAMBERT - Southampton
Age 32, caps 4, goals 2
Not just a target man, the 32-year-old has provided 10 assists as well as scoring 13 this season. This is the latest chapter in his remarkable journey from the lower leagues.
ROY HODGSON - Manager
THE 66-year-old Hodgson started his managerial career at Swedish club Halmstads in 1976. He has previously managed Switzerland and Finland and was appointed England manager on May 2, 2012 on a four-year contract.
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