Analysing the Three Lions

A month to go and it's World Cup, the favourite time for pundits to comment on the squad and predict the possible starting line-up. It might be the satisfaction of getting it right that makes it fun. The truth is you will never get it all correct.

Roy Hodgson has delivered what he promised --- no surprise selection, but certainly some surprise omission. Who would have guessed Ashley Cole is being left out? It is justifiable given Luke Shaw has had a tremendous season. Also, if Hodgson is determined that Leighton Baines will be his no. 1 choice, bringing Luke Shaw to Brazil is certainly much more beneficial to England's future.

Baines (left) and Barkley first major tournament

Hodgson has bravely named a lot more exciting youngsters in this Three Lions squad compared to that of four years ago. Among those, Raheem Sterling might have the best shot to start in Brazil. With Theo Walcott's absence and Sterling himself finishing the season in strong fashion, the attacking position on the right flank is up for him to grab. Ross Barkley is another serious contender for start XI, although 23 years old Jordan Henderson would be the natural option to partner club teammate Steven Gerrard to offer Hodgson solidity in central midfield.

The squad has mostly been named based on form rather than experience, perhaps apart from whether Gareth Barry deserves a place more than Frank Lampard. Hodgson should also be praised for giving himself a handful of tactical options by naming a group of wide diversity. Getting it right against each opponent would be the next challenge.

The first headache is how to accommodate Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney together. England needs Rooney to start, but is also desperate for some constant presence in the box, which Rooney seldom offers when starting up front alone. His ability of dropping deep in midfield, though, opens up the opportunity for both to start. Nevertheless, goal-scoring could still be a weakness of England, with Rooney's history of struggles in major tournament and questionable finishing touch of Danny Welbeck, Sturridge and Sterling. Sometimes, you only see one chance to score in the entire match and you just could not afford to miss it in a World Cup group match.

While Jack Wilshere should lead the race to stand alongside Gerrard, his fitness issue makes Henderson the favourite. However, it would not be surprising to see all three starting against Italy. Adam Lallana can provide the ever-missing no.10 creativity to England to threaten between lines of defence. Ross Barkley and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be the dynamic duo who are more than able to shift the momentum within a match.

There gone the familiar faces --- Terry (left) and A.Cole

However, how the midfield mix shapes out could be hindered by the loopholes at the back. There is no John Terry, Rio Ferdinand nor Ashley Cole. There is no obvious leadership at the back. Gary Cahill has matured and improved playing alongside Terry at some highest level of competition, but his qualifying campaign partner Phil Jagielka has only just returned to fitness. As Phil Jones also struggles with injury, the assurance at the heart of defence is scarce.

To pinpoint the weakest link in England, unfortunately, is again at the back. Glen Johnson is better known as an attacking full back, but what England really needs is the Gary Neville type of right back --- defence-driven and solid. Even they manage to escape from group stage, undoubtedly this will be the area most easily exposed by the likes of Neymar, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Angel Di Maria.

Will the Liverpool formula work?

Many urges England to follow Liverpool's model to search for triumph in Brazil. They might well should, as obviously their strength does not lie in defence in this group with the absence of veterans and a typical defensive midfielder. With perhaps the weakest team in their group, Costa Rica, lined up at the back of the fixture, it is tempting to fall into the trap of playing safe against Italy and Uruguay. Hodgson must resist the temptation and be determined to starting the tournament in a positive fashion. This can not only settle the nerves of the younger batch, but also inject the belief to the players that they could go all the way. Conservatism has already cost England too many tournaments. A team well-known of suffering in penalty stage, England indeed has the edge to kill off opponents in regular time.