As the dust settles on England’s World Cup semi-final exit many feel West Ham United and Newcastle United stars would have made the difference.
When England lost 2-1 after extra-time to Croatia West Ham and Newcastle fans were among the millions mourning an opportunity missed.
Yes Gareth Southgate’s side restored some much needed pride in the national team but they could have gone at least one better had he included new West Ham signing Jack Wilshere and Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey in his squad.
The overiding feeling after the defeat to Croatia from fans and pundits alike was that England were missing someone to knit things together between midfield and attack.
It was particularly glaring from the second half onwards against Croatia but in all truth it had been there from the start.
Hammers new boy Wilshere’s dribbling skills and ability to link up with the strikers is among the best in the Premier League when fully fit, which he was going into the summer off the back of an improved season at Arsenal.
And Magpies star Shelvey’s vision and penchant for a killer pass could have been key for Harry Kane and co, who were starved of service.
Despite the achievement of making the semi-finals, the tournament will be tinged with disappointment given the opposition and the fact England were just 20 minutes away from the final.
Wilshere and Shelvey would have been better bets than the likes of Fabian Delph and Eric Dier who offered little given England already had plenty of cover in the positions they operate.
Dier in particular was slow and negative in his appearances coming under fire from Three Lions fans.
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