England’s 2014 World Cup squad: The 23 stars that should be on the plane to Brazil

Phil Jagielka, Everton

It’s been a gradual rise to prominence for the centre-back, who now at 31-years-old is the Toffees captain and a regular for the national side.

Glen Johnson, Liverpool

Just when it seemed as if the right-back was fading, the defender proves everyone wrong and has been in fine form for the Reds this term.

Phil Jones, Manchester United

One of the most exciting young, English prospects in the country at the moment and a useful player for a squad because of Jones’ versatility.

Kyle Walker, Tottenham Hotspur

There is still a defensive fragility to the right-back’s game, but going forward from the back there are few better and Walker is more unpredictable for opposition than Johnson.