England young guns ready to pension off old guard

Considering the lamentable efforts of the so-called 'Golden Generation' in South Africa, the words of the Football Association's director of technical development have since seemed to boast almost prophetic qualities.

Unfortunately for those hoping the only way is up for English football, Brooking was actually talking about the 2014 World Cup and not this year's jamboree.

Brooking did qualify his comments by pointing out that there is talent coming through, as proved by the Under-17s having triumphed in May's European Championships and the Under-21s battling through to their own final a year ago.

But, according to the West Ham legend, it is going to take at least another five years before these youngsters are ready to thrive at senior level.

If Brooking is right – and there is no reason to believe one of the game's most knowledgeable and fair-minded individuals is being unduly pessimistic – then it means a possible period in the footballing wilderness awaits.

Just qualifying for the 2014 tournament in Brazil could be an achievement in itself, as difficult as this may be to accept for those among the supporters who seem to believe success is almost England's by birthright.

With Brooking's comments in mind, surely the time has now come for the FA to, belatedly, adopt some long term-planning and foresight when deciding what direction English football should take from here.

This squad has, for all the honours the players have won with their clubs, failed. And failed miserably, meaning the time has come for the next generation to be given its chance.

Anyone doubting the time has come for change should take a glance back exactly 12 months to the events of June 29 in Malmo when Germany's Under-21s thumped England 4-0 in the European Championships final.

Of that team, four featured in Joachim Low's senior side on Sunday and another five have also made the step-up in class. As for England, only James Milner featured at this World Cup.

It is time the glass ceiling holding back Stuart Pearce's Under-21s was removed and the old guard pensioned off.

Frank Lampard, for instance, will be 34 by the time of Euro 2012, never mind the next World Cup. Likewise, Steven Gerrard, John Terry and Emile Heskey are already over 30, and David James will be 40 on August 1. Even if England were to qualify for the next European Championship in Ukraine and Poland, only Gerrard of this quintet is a likely contender.

Ashley Cole, who will then be six months short of his 32nd birthday, is also likely to warrant inclusion come 2012 but, otherwise, surely the emphasis has to be on youth.

Of the 23 who went to South Africa, Milner, Aaron Lennon, Glen Johnson and Joe Hart must be considered to be the future. All have age on their side with the eldest, Liverpool right-back Johnson, still in his Twenties by the time of the next World Cup.

Elsewhere, however, it is time for Capello or his successor to start afresh.

When looking to predict a possible starting XI for the 2014 World Cup, it is difficult to look beyond Hart in goal. The 23-year-old Manchester City goalkeeper enjoyed a fine season on loan with Birmingham City, where his safe handling and agility helped the Blues clinch a top-half finish.

As for the back four, Johnson, providing he becomes more defensively aware, surely deserves another chance at right-back.

The other full-back slot is more complicated with Ashley Cole a possibility, though Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs will, if he continues his current development, surely be a more likely starter.

In the centre of defence, it is to be hoped Chris Smalling's move to Manchester United can turn the former Fulham man into a top-class performer.

As for who partners Smalling, Chelsea's Michael Mancienne showed enough on loan at Wolves last term to suggest he has a bright future. Personally, though, I would plump for Gary Cahill, especially if the Bolton defender gets a move to one of the many big-name suitors that he has been linked with in recent months.

In midfield, if the past fortnight has taught us anything it is that a 4-4-2 formation leaves us exposed.

Far more effective in the modern game is a formation whereby two defensive midfielders are given the task of protecting the back four, allowing the remaining three midfielders to get forward in support of a lone striker.

With that in mind, the Everton duo of Dan Gosling and Jack Rodwell seem a good bet to form a barrier in front of the defence. Further forward, the attacking trio of Theo Walcott, Ashley Young and Fabian Delph can then provide sufficient threat to give even the most accomplished international defence cause for concern.

It is up front where Brooking's words about a lack of emerging talent seem most apt, hence the need for England to adopt a lone frontman formation with Wayne Rooney, despite a truly awful tournament in South Africa, a shoo-in for the role.

The XI may not have the pedigree or reputation of the 'Golden Generation'. But, as we have seen over the past fortnight or so, that need not be a bad thing as England looks to rebuild following a chastening World Cup.