Roy Hodgson's selection headache is a blessing for English football

England manager Roy Hodgson recently confessed that he had a selection headache

England manager Roy Hodgson is so impressed with the bevy of promising English youngsters making their mark this season that he admitted that he would have a selection headache if he was asked to pick some of them for future matches and possibly even the World Cup. The England bosses confession will be a major relief to FA chairman Greg Dyke who had admitted that he was worried about the future of English players in the Premier League due to the large number of foreign players plying their trade in England. There were even rumors of a cap on the number of foreign players in England but hopefully all that will be put to rest after Hodgson’s statement.

Ravel Morrison, Saido Berainho, Andros Townsend, Phil Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are some of the youngsters that kicked up a storm in England this year. Saido Berahino, who recently signed a new contract with West Bromwich Albion, is a truly gifted English striker who has scored 6 goals in 9 appearances for the Baggies this season. The 20-year-old made a huge impact for the England Under-21 team this year and managed to find the back of the net 6 times in 4 games. Ravel Morrison of West Ham United is also having a stellar season and has managed to bag 5 goals in 18 appearances, including his teams final goal against Tottenham in a memorable 3-0 victory. Tottenham winger Andros Townsend has had a stellar season for both club and country and even managed to score on his international debut in the World Cup qualifying game against Moldova. Manchester United’s Phil Jones has also received critical acclaim for his ability to play in the teams defense as well as the midfield.

The high competitive nature and the desire for instant success from big clubs is the main reason why English players have not been given a proper chance in recent years. Big spending clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea hardly ever make use of their youth players in spite on having some talented youngsters on their books. Manchester City had a talented striker in the form of Daniel Sturridge but hardly ever used him. Sturridge was then sold to Chelsea who once again failed to give the striker a chance to prove himself. The 24-year-old finally found his footing after he was transferred to Liverpool in January this year and is now one of the best strikers in England. Sturridge could have blossomed much sooner had he been given a proper chance. Ryan Bertrand is another example of a player who has been deprived of a chance to shine. The talented left-back has been with Chelsea since 2005 but has made only 28 appearances for the first team so far. Ashley Cole has been shunned by Jose Mourinho this season but Jose Mourinho has still not given Bertrand a chance.

Manchester United, Arsenal and most recently Liverpool are the only big clubs who truly give their youngsters a chance to shine. These 3 clubs have had a tradition of putting faith in their youth which has been greatly beneficial to the national team over the years. Smaller teams live Southampton and West Ham United who have won praise for nurturing young talent are also important to the Three Lions.

Roy Hodgson is certain to have more selection headaches, with Luke Shaw and Adam Llana steadily progressing this season. Other teams should take an example and give their youth players a chance on the world stage. The young talents mentioned by Hodgson are sure to gain confidence after being recognized and up their playing level. Here’s to more young English players emerging from the woodwork and giving Hodgson more headaches!!!