A nation's central midfield question

For as long as fans can remember, the central midfield role has been occupied by the duo of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, although a match made in heaven in theory with their playing styles complimenting one another, the two never truly clicked and delivered the quality fans expected.With England crashing out of the world cup disappointingly in the group stages, both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have decided to hang up their international boots. Their retirements have left Roy Hodgson with a huge gap to fill in the centre of midfield and despite the England manager's preference for youth, there seems to be few candidates that have the ability to step up.

One thing the world cup highlighted was that England, despite the expectation fans have, are miles behind the world's strongest nations such as recent winners Germany in terms of ability. There are a number of theories to why this maybe but, right now the nation faces a real challenge to promote players to the first team that will improve on the previous batch. 

Hodgson has a preference for the modern day 4-2-3-1 formation, with two central midfielders sitting in and supplying the creative three in front of them. No doubt that the retirements of Lampard and Gerrard will mean that Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere will be seriously considered as Hodgson's first choice central midfielders. Ross Barkley will also benefit and is likely to get more game time also but after those three, who else do England really have?  

A huge gap left by two of England's finest players

In the recent European qualifiers, Fabian Delph was handed his international debut and did the job Hodgson was looking for but, hardly wowed fans. "The ginger Pirlo" as Hodgson has labelled him but more commonly known as Jack Colback of Newcastle was also called up to the squad however, injury robbed him of making his international debut. England fans met this call up with hesitance and were left scratching their heads at such a generous comparison. Although, both Delph and Colback still have youth on their side as both are just 24 years of age and can both grow as players. Promoting them to the international first team as back up to begin with could see them both benefit. If Hodgson is handing players international debuts a player hugely under rated is Mark Noble of West Ham. 

Hodgson also has the option to tinker. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, although some will rightly argue that his talents make him far more potent as a attacking player, has shown he can impress in midfield as Arsene Wenger has previously experimented with him in a central role. True, playing Chamberlain in central midfield makes England vulnerable defensively but, Hodgson may have to consider playing him in a deeper role. Ross Barkley can also fill in as a player in central midfield but like Chamberlain, is far more suited to a more attacking role in the side.    

A seriously under rated player that could make his way into the squad

Promoting youth to the English first team and replacing the old guard that exists in the current England side is one of Hodgson's main objectives as England boss. Some may argue it is too soon but, Jay Ward-Prowse of Southampton is one of the brightest midfield talents England have at their disposal. Clever on the ball and gifted with technical ability, Ward-Prowse maybe promoted to the first team in the next round of fixtures and with the way he has developed in the last few years England could have a gem on their hands. Other talents that could one day feature include Nathaniel Chalobah, Nick Powell or even the forgotten talents of Josh Mceachran.  

The players that will feature in next European Championship is anyone's guess but, Hodgson has a real task on his hands to replace the experience that Lampard and Gerrard both brought to the side. Youth will get their chance to prove themselves too, meaning England fans do have reasons to get excited however, the side is some way off winning a international trophy. The Euro qualifiers and friendlies will be the best indicator to who will get the nod from Hodgson to fill in the middle of the park so pay close attention...