England still attempting to work out midfield kinks

England boss Roy Hodgson will no doubt look at his midfield options after an unconvincing display from his midfield quartet against Slovenia

England made it four wins out of four Euro 2016 qualifiers yesterday with a 3-1 victory over Slovenia at Wembley.

A tame first half was followed by a far more entertaining second period, when Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson headed past his own keeper, Wayne Rooney scored from the penalty spot and Danny Welbeck scored a brace.

Midfield

A part of the England team that is still attempting to settle down is the midfield area. The centre of the park is the Three Lions most inexperienced area of the pitch.

The experienced duo of Frank Lampard and more notably captain Steven Gerrard retired from international football in the summer after the World Cup. That left England with just inexperienced and young players to fill the midfield roles.

Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere started alongside Liverpool trio Henderson, Adam Lallana and Raheem Sterling in the now customary midfield diamond against Slovenia. At 22 Wilshere was the most experienced international in that midfield, caps wise anyway, with 25 appearances for the Three Lions.

Unconvincing

The midfield really did not produce the most convincing display against the Slovenians. The inconsistent Wilshere was probably the Three Lions most effective player in the centre of the park, as the others brought their club form to the national team.

Last season Jordan Henderson was one of the most consistent English midfielders in the Premier League. He looked like he was finally able to shake off the pressure of his £20million price tag and fulfil his potential.

However, this season the former-Sunderland star has been woefully short of form, as Liverpool have struggled to find form as a team. Reds teammate Adam Lallana has not always been a regular starter at Anfield since his summer switch from Southampton.

Last season Lallana was in top form and looked like he could provide the England national team with a bit of flair and creativity. However, this season he has struggled to find his form and he did not enjoy his best game for England.

Raheem Sterling is the youngest of the quartet, but arguably has the most the most potential. He burst onto the scene in the second half of last season and produced displays that were difficult for England boss Roy Hodgson to ignore.

Sterling’s promising performances at the World Cup were probably one of the few bright spots for England in Brazil. His alarmingly loss of form this season must be a worry for club and country.

At 19, Sterling is still a young man and like any young football he will have times when he struggles to have an effect on games, especially if he is overused. The youngster may be rested for the friendly against Scotland on Tuesday night.

If Sterling is to fulfil his immense potential then he has to be handled in the correct manner. If not then he could be another promising English talent who slips through the net and does not live-up to the hype surrounding him.

Options

England boss Roy Hodgson has not been using the midfield diamond for long and I am sure he is constantly looking at his midfield options. There are a few players who have just come back from injury that may change his thinking for future games.

Everton starlet Ross Barkley has just returned from an injury layoff, which has curtailed his season and would definitely be a contender for a role in midfielder. He is regarded as a very promising talent and is most comfortable playing behind the strikers.

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has also just returned to the Arsenal squad after nine months out of action. The former-Southampton star is likely to stake a claim for the place in the starting line-up for future international matches.

Walcott’s Arsenal teammate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is another option that Hodgson has at his disposal. The youngster is another player who is regarded as a star of the future. If he stays fit he could be a very useful asset for Hodgson.

The ever dependable James Milner will always be an option, while the recalled Stewart Downing could still have a part to play for England in the future.

Doubtful

England boss Hodgson is likely to ring the changes for the Three Lions friendly with Scotland on Tuesday, a game which they are odds of 21/20 to win. The England boss will not be convinced by his midfield quartet’s display and other players will likely be given their chance to shine against the Scots.

I very much doubt that the midfield quartet that started against Slovenia will be the one that lines up in France in 2016, assuming England qualify. At least Hodgson has the option to change things around in midfield and will no doubt look to find a more effective combination ahead of the European Championships finals.

Should the midfielders that started for England last night be first choice?