Roy Hodgson has made a statement of intent by naming a young England team for next month's World Cup.
It is a brave decision from Hodgson to ditch the likes of Ashley Cole and Michael Carrick in favour of emerging players like Luke Shaw and Ross Barkley, and he should be applauded for it, even if England do find themselves on the plane back from Rio after the group stages.
Never has an England side gone into a major tournament with so little expectation, and that may have been a factor in Hodgson's decision.
With that burden lifted slightly, it has become the perfect competition in which to take a chance on youthful but inexperienced players.
Hodgson seems to have one eye on Euro 2016 in France and the 2018 World Cup in Russia, competitions which certainly offer a better opportunity of success for England than a competition in South America.
The inclusions of such exciting young players as Shaw, Barkley, Adam Lallana and Raheem Sterling will certainly stir England fans who have been so disappointed by the Three Lions' poor showings in recent tournament finals.
Their inclusion would suggest England are going to adopt a positive attitude in Brazil, where just progressing from a difficult group will be seen as a bonus.
We could just see an England side play with a freedom that hasn't been evident in previous England sides.ENGLAND WORLD CUP SQUADGoalkeepersJoe Hart (Manchester City): Has restored his reputation this season after a rough time at City, which saw him lose the No.1 jersey. No question he is England's number one.Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion): Has certainly had plenty of opportunity to impress at struggling Albion. Will be glad he reversed his decision to quit international football.Fraser Forster (Celtic): In contrast to Foster, Forster hasn't really been tested in Scotland in a Celtic side that has walked to the title. DefendersLeighton Baines (Everton): England's first-choice left-back has had a great season with Everton. May not be as defensively sound as Cole but offers more in the final third.Gary Cahill (Chelsea): Has been outstanding alongside John Terry in the Chelsea defence, but how much of that has been down to Terry's influence?Phil Jagielka (Everton): Has certainly improved his ability on the ball under Martinez and that will be vital in Brazil.Glen Johnson (Liverpool): Has never really fulfilled his potential but has had a solid campaign for Liverpool. Not really under pressure for his position.Phil Jones (Man Utd): Offers versatility as he can play at full-back and centre-back, or even in midfield as a last resort.Luke Shaw (Southampton): An exciting prospect who will surely take over from Baines as England's first-choice left-back in the future.Chris Smalling (Man Utd): Not had the best of seasons and has looked vulnerable at right back. MidfieldersSteven Gerrard (Liverpool): The captain has such an important role in this squad, and not just on the pitch. Has to lead by example.Ross Barkley (Everton): Football fans love to see all-action, exciting young players get their opportunity and Barkley could be England's secret weapon.Jordan Henderson (Liverpool): Initially struggled when he went to Liverpool but has benefited from playing alongside Gerrard and has flourished this season.Adam Lallana (Southampton): Another exciting player to come from Southampton. He could really make his mark coming off the substitute's bench.Frank Lampard (Chelsea): A few thought he could miss out but Hodgson has gone for Lampard, who has had a chequered England career.James Milner (Manchester City): His versatility will be key. May not have the flair of his colleagues but will do a job when called upon.Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal): When he is fit and firing, his pace causes defences so many problems.Raheem Sterling (Liverpool): Another speedy player who likes to run at defences and could really enhance his reputation this summer.Jack Wilshere (Arsenal): Another who has had injury problems, which have curtailed his progress at Arsenal.StrikersRickie Lambert (Southampton): Offers Hodgson a different option from the substitutes' bench.Wayne Rooney (Manchester United): Time for Rooney to shine and show he is truly a world-class player by performing on the biggest stage. England's key man.Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool): Had a fantastic season at Liverpool and is certainly going to Brazil in form.Danny Welbeck (Manchester United): Can make up for his club disappointments in Brazil. Has pace and power.Stand-by list: Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Andy Carroll (West Ham United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC), Jon Flanagan (Liverpool), John Ruddy (Norwich City), John Stones (Everton).
