England's Fall - Onwards To Brazil 2014

England's demonizing defeat at the hands of Italy on Sunday was a heartbreaking way to end what has, ultimately, been a promising start to Roy Hodgson's reign in charge. Undoubtedly they deserved to go out, but having topped a tough group there is certainly something to look back on with some form of pride. But, with some ageing stars, and some younger talent coming through, how will England be looking to line up in the next major tournament, the World Cup in Brazil in two years time? TacticalBet here takes a look at who might be coming onto the scene, and who can aim to keep their place from these European Championships.

Goalkeeper 

Joe Hart, provided he stays fit, can look forward to an extended spell as the country's number one and is even perhaps a future captain. A good showing in all four games, he can leave Ukraine and Poland with his head held high and look forward to focusing on the next tournament, and hopefully those beyond it.

Defence

Going from right to left, Glen Johnson did enjoy a relatively successful tournament performance wise, but will find himself under serious threat from Kyle Walker, who got injured in the build up to the tournament. Johnson is suspect, and always has been defensively, so in terms of the next World Cup, you'd have to think Walker will be lining up as first choice right-back. In the middle, John Terry, despite everything, was undoubtedly England's best player in the defeat to Italy, and excelled throughout. However, he is now already 31, and with his up and coming trial for allegedly being racist to Anton Ferdinand, it looks like that will be it for Terry. Moving forward, Lescott also turned in a series of dependable performances, so for England it looks like the way forward could well be a Lescott and Cahill axis in the middle of defence. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling can apply competition, and might even be able to force themselves ahead of either Lescott or Cahill. Left back will remain Ashley Cole's position, and nobody else in the country is anywhere near his level. Yes, his penalty was extremely poor, but he should not be held accountable for England's exit in any way. Kieran Gibbs can be his understudy, but in 2014 Cole will still be around.

TB's Pick - Walker, Cahill, Lescott, Cole

Midfield

Theo Walcott showed more than enough in his cameo appearances this tournament to suggest that he should be given the chance to nail down that right midfield slot for England. Milner worked hard, but in the end was sub-standard, and was lucky to retain his place for the quarter-final. In the centre of midfield, Steven Gerrard was another of England's impressive performers, and will surely continue to captain the side up to Brazil at least. However, at times he was running a one man show, as Scott Parker is simply too defensive minded to operate in a four man midfield. It is all well and good blocking shots and throwing your body on the line, but the truth is Parker must take a large share of the blame for England's failure to keep the ball in the midfield, when in possession he simply went missing. Jack Wilshere will be around the squad, provided he is fit, from now on and he could have that position his own. Gareth Barry and Michael Carrick will also be touted for the role of partnering Gerrard, but the oppotunity seems Wilshere's to make it his own. On the left, Ashley Young certainly underperformed, but has shown at Manchester United that he has talent and should continue in the role in the immediate future. However, Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be applied serious pressure, having shown promise. In terms of the rest of the squad, string alongs like Stuart Downing are going to have to work exceptionally hard to play a part in the England future, and at the moment Jordan Henderson is simply nowhere near the standard needed. Jack Rodwell is one who could come in, and maybe even Tom Cleverly.

TB's Pick - Walcott, Gerrard, Wilshere, Young

Attack

Wayne Rooney, despite his under-performing against Italy and lax display in possession against Ukraine, is England's best option going forward and is the future. Danny Welbeck impressed and can expect to continue in his berth as the furthest forward man. There are many other options in this current day and age, with players like Daniel Sturridge who didn't even make the squad pushing. Andy Carroll, despite a goal against Sweden, just is not good enough at this level at the moment. He will need to start turning in consistent performances at club level for Liverpool, and in all honesty shouldn't have even been in this squad. Jermaine Defoe was limited to a minor role with personal tragedy hindering him, but if he continues to score at a domestic level he can expect to still have a role to play. Perhaps he may need to move away from Tottenham in order to get a better run of starts.

TB's Pick - Rooney, Welbeck

Roy Hodgson has many issues to address in the light of England's exit, but the fans must not be disheartened. With a relatively straight-forward qualifying group, there is room for great optimism ahead of a surge to Brazil 2014, and the next World Cup.

HA