Clyne, Morrison and Sterling: England World Cup 2014 Squad Prediction

After two heart-stopping wins over Montenegro and Poland, England have secured qualification for the 2014 World Cup in style, but for manager Roy Hodgson the difficult task starts now.

Over the next eight months, he must select his 23-man squad for next summer's finals ahead of the 2 June deadline. While many will have already booked their place on the plane to Brazil, several are still competing for the final berths.

Along with the mainstays of the qualification campaign, England managers have tended to select a wildcard, an outstanding talent from the Premier League or an emerging youngster from the England Under-21's.

With the tough decision facing Hodgson in mind, IBTimes UK's esteemed writers have selected their own squads with less than a year to go. Sharpen your knives.

Adrian Back

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, Ben Foster

Defenders: Kyle Walker, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling, Leighton Baines, Ashley Cole

Midfielders: Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Andros Townsend, Ravel Morrison, James Milner

Forwards: Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Jermain Defoe

John Ruddy was unfortunate to miss Euro 2012 after breaking his finger while training with England and unfortunately I think he will miss out on the World Cup as well. The Norwich keeper is well behind Joe Hart and Fraser Forster's stellar performances for Celtic in the Champions League are likely to see him as first reserve. Once Ben Foster returns from injury expect him to be the third stopper on the plane to Brazil.

In defence I can't see any major shocks with Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson both likely to return to the fold after missing the final qualifying games through injury. The only area I can see a shock selection is in midfield where Hodgson may well decide to look for another player with searing pace and bags of ability.

After seeing the impact of Andros Townsend, the Tottenham winger is sure to keep his place, but the surprise call could be Ravel Morrison. The West Ham midfielder has been in sparkling form for his club and is sure to continue to catch the eye for the Under-21s. His ability to play behind a striker or across midfield also makes him a good alternative when England are seeking to change a game.

Raheem Sterling and Wilfried Zaha could get close to consideration but are unlikely to have regular first team football this season, unlike Morrison. Another player with somewhat limited opportunities may well be Jermain Defoe but his natural finishing puts him ahead of Andy Carroll and Rickie Lambert for the final spot.

Arunava Ray

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart; Fraser Forster; Jack Butland

Defenders: Kyle Walker, Phil Jones, Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling, Leighton Baines, Ashley Cole, Ryan Shawcross

Midfielders: Steven Gerrard, Michael Carrick, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott; Andros Townsend, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ross Barkley, Tom Cleverley

Forwards: Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Andy Carroll

England's golden generation is past its prime and the England manager should look to give his young players some experience than persist with the old guard.

For me, Frank Lampard is the one who should be shown the door for the upcoming World Cup. As was evident against Montenegro and Poland, the 35-year-old has lost a couple of yards in pace and resorts to cynical fouls in midfield to keep the opposition at bay. With Steven Gerrard and Michael Carrick also in their thirties, the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere, Ross Barkley and Tom Cleverley can add some pace into a seemingly placid midfield.

England's defence has also looked shaky with huge spaces in between defenders and if not for Robert Lewandowski's profligacy yesterday, could have spelt a day of mourning for Roy Hodgson.

Ryan Shawcross' pace is an asset which is currently lacking in the England defence and should warrant a place ahead of Joleon Lescott who is unlikely to get much joy this season at Manchester City.

England's forward line literally picks itself barring Jermain Defoe, who is well past his prime and should make way for Andy Carroll. The 24-year-old, in spite of having a torrid injury record gives England a viable plan B and his goal against Sweden in Euro 2012 is testament to his ability in the international arena.

Tony Mogan

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, Ben Foster

Defenders: Kyle Walker, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling, Leighton Baines, Ashley Cole

Midfielders: Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Andros Townsend, Ravel Morrison, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Forwards: Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Jermain Defoe

Only a compelling campaign from Cardiff City's Steven Caulker will be enough to disrupt a largely settled collection of defensive options. Similarly, it will take something rather breath-taking from Andy Carroll or West Brom's Saido Berahino to disrupt Roy Hodgson's forward preferences. Jermain Defoe will get the opportunities to do what he does best and find the back of the net this season and his consistent goal threat should see him receive the nod ahead of Southampton's Rickie Lambert.

Andros Townsend's imperious start to life in a starting berth should ensure Aaron Lennon sees his Tottenham opportunities dwindle this season, and virtually disappear at international level. Despite Ross Barkley's increasingly pivotal role in Everton's midfield, it is difficult to envisage the experienced trio of Carrick, Gerrard and Lampard not being on that plane.

Fitness-depending, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's history of delivering unwavering performances for England both inside and wide should guarantee his presence. And should Ravel Morrison continue to bewilder Premier League opposition, England will have a potent wildcard at their disposal. It's one that is no doubt equally rich in risk and promise, but should he continue to learn the trademarks of a dedicated professional while excelling for West Ham United, it may be difficult to look past the 20-year-old.

Nick Howson

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, Jack Butland

Defenders: Nathaniel Clyne, Phil Jones, Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling, Leighton Baines, Ashley Cole, Joleon Lescott

Midfield: Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Andros Townsend, James Milner, Raheem Sterling

Forwards: Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Andy Carroll

The need to continue Jack Butland's education means he must be included ahead of Norwich City's John Ruddy as the back-up to Joe Hart and Fraser Forster. At full-back, while Glen Johnson and Kyle Walker's defensive naivety is showing few signs of letting up, Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne is rapidly emerging as the best alternative, especially with Carl Jenkinson set for a sporadic role at Arsenal.

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones' versatility means Joleon Lescott, who is likely to capitalise on Vincent Kompany's fitness problems at Manchester City this season, is the natural back-up to Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka.

James Milner's capacity to fill in wherever required makes him a valuable asset in a tournament while Roy Hodgson's wildcard should be handed to the effervescent Raheem Sterling, over West Ham United's Ravel Morrison. In attack, the similarities between Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck and Jermain Defoe means the latter will miss out to Andy Carroll's unmatchable physicality.

Vanessa Keller

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, John Ruddy

Defenders: Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling, Leighton Baines, Kieran Gibbs

Midfield: Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Jack Wilshere, Andros Townsend, James Milner, Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley

Forwards: Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Jermaine Defoe, Rickie Lambert

With the World Cup eight months away predictions over who will be in the squad are particularly difficult, but the side that sealed qualification after convincing wins against Poland and Montenegro will be in the best esteem to make their way to Brazil next summer.

England looked particularly dangerous going forward and should Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck continue to succeed with their clubs this season they should be given every chance to be in the squad. Ravel Morrison and Andy Carroll can also stake a claim for a place if their form improves and the latter doesn't suffer any more injury problems.

Townsend's performances certainly justify a place should Andre Villas-Boas take advantage of his improving form and while Joe Hart has shown some frailties recently he is by far the best prospect available to Roy Hodgson.