Roberto Martinez Could Be Good For England

Before we get started, I do not necessarily think Roberto Martinez would be a good manager for the England National Team.

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I am simply looking at the team Martinez has and the players he is bringing in or has been rumoured to be bringing to Everton.

Many foreign managers work in English football, throughout all levels of the game, but many at the top favour signing foreign players to home-grown English talent.

Many in the FA are concerned about the decreasing number of English players in the Premier League, with some clubs focused on winning trophies more than developing players for the international side of the game.

One manager that does seem to be perfectly content with playing and developing more English players is the aforementioned Martinez.

Everton have a number of talented English players on their books, with Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, John Stones, Gareth Barry and Ross Barkley all representing England and playing a key role for their club.

Everton also are showing a willingness to bring in more talented English players into the club, making them a beacon of hope for English players and the England National Team.

Tom Cleverley has recently agreed a deal with the Merseyside club and could compete with Irish midfielder James McCarthy for the starting central midfielder role alongside Barry.

Aaron Lennon, who spent the last six months on loan with Everton, has also expressed his desire to return to the club and could see himself either return on loan for next season or make a permanent move, after Everton negotiate a deal with Tottenham for him.

Both Cleverley and Lennon were on the outskirts of their clubs’ first-team, with Cleverley being sent on loan to Aston Villa after Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal opted for other, foreign, players to fill his role.

Both Lennon and Cleverley performed well over the season and both could begin to fight for places with the England national team, if they have the opportunities to perform at club level.

Everton have shown they are willing to give players this opportunity and it is clearly enticing for English players to play there, as evidenced by Lennon’s desire to only play for Everton if he leaves Tottenham this summer.

And Cleverlery and Lennon aren’t the only talented English players that could find themselves joining Everton this summer.

Reports suggest that Micah Richards could be on his way to Goodison Park, joining Everton’s English army in the summer.

Richards would have to compete with the very talented and consistent Seamus Coleman for playing time, but he has the talent to do that and could be given a realistic opportunity at playing regularly for Everton.

If all three players were to join Everton then they could be sporting a starting 11 that consists of EIGHT English players.

All eight players have represented England at full international level and all will be hoping to play well to win a place in Roy Hodgson’s team once again.

Playing at team that consists of eight English outfield players could benefit the England team in the long-run, with the players able to bond well together and build a strong team-ethic.

If Everton are able to play well next season and earn a 5th place finish, like they achieved in the 2013/2014 season, there could be a lot of consideration for more Everton players to be called up to the England team.

If all eight players play well over a season, it could be the best chance of England forming a strong team to play in next year’s European Championships.

Obviously many star players will be selected ahead of the likes of Aaron Lennon and even John Stones, but if Everton can perform well with an almost entirely English team then the future could be very bright for England and it could lead to changes in team selection.

Could we see a largely Everton-influenced England team next year? Or is it just a dream that gives us hope, however slim it might be?