England Squad Dilemma

At Midday, Roy Hodgson names his squad for the upcoming qualifiers against San Marino and Poland. The main question everybody wants answering is - Who will replace John Terry following his international retirement?

There have been many candidates named, but I believe it is down to two men to replace Terry.

Spurs' Steven Caulker's name was banded around, but yesterday he was called up to the England Under 21 squad, following recent impressive performances. Former captain Rio Ferdinand has been called for a return, but I don't see this possible following recent poor performances and that he is coming towards the end of his career with international retirement looming.

The two men mentioned previously, that Hodgson is expected to name would either Stoke skipper Ryan Shawcross or Newcastle captain Steven Taylor. Shawcross has been called up before by the National team, but he was an unused sub in England's friendly against Egypt in 2010. Steven Taylor was called up to the England squad way back in 2007 for a friendly against Germany, yet again he didn't play a part.



Consistent performer this season, well-worthy of a call-up

Injury plagued in the last two seasons

Personally, I believe Ryan Shawcross is the perfect player to take his position in the England squad for now and for the future. Shawcross is developing and has developed as a footballer, previously I would have questioned his inclusion in the squad, but now he deserves his chance. The Potters skipper is a steady player, who reads the play and breaks play up well, he is also very strong in his own box, as well as the opposition box, scoring 15 goals for Stoke. Steven Taylor has an outside chance, he has been injured over the past two seasons limiting his opportunity, if he hadn't of been injured, he stood a chance to become one of England's best centre halfs for club and country.

In Germany, Michael Mancienne has been tipped to take his place in the squad, following notable performances against Hannover and Monchengladbach. Hamburg's sporting director Frank Arnesen has claimed the former Chelsea defender has been "outstanding", following his transfer to the club last year. Mancienne potentially has more of a chance than Shawcross and Taylor because he can play in two positions in the defensive line, as a centre half and as a right back. Hodgson could potentially call Mancienne up and then not pick a call-up right back to cover for Glen Johnson, meaning Spurs Kyle Walker may miss out.