There's been plenty of writing about England's Euro exit. Unfortunately, a lot of it has been laced with nuggets of xenophobia or sheer rage that makes it completely void. The failure to evaluate any situation reasonably is one of the biggest problems in the English game, it is hurtful from the top to the very bottom and it is a cultural issue.
However, the players in the national team cannot be absolved of blame. Ultimately, they did play the game and they, for whatever reason, were culpable for a series of mistakes that contributed to the downfall of the team. The biggest concern is the failure to replicate their club form.
Roy Hodgson will get all the stick, as you'd expect, but there is little a manager can do when players are unable to perform the most simple of tasks. Failure to trap a ball should mean you immediately dropped.
What does that say for these FIVE?
Joe Hart
What is there to say about Joe Hart's performance(s)?
His emotional apology was noble, but another huge mistake in a big game for an English goalkeeper just gave too many flashbacks. Hart has always been criticised for being a little on the cocky side and perhaps some time out of the side would do him good.
It's not like England are short of other options between the sticks.
Wayne Rooney
Captain. Leader. Legend.
No, not this bloke. After some Hollywood passes in the group games, Rooney went viral for how dire he was against Iceland as he displayed a regular inability to control, dribble, pass or shoot.
The Manchester United man won't survive five minutes under Jose Mourinho if he continues like that.
Harry Kane
Kane is the future of English football. His quality is not in doubt, whether at club or international level, but it is clear that he needs a rest at some point.
Sturridge and Vardy deserve more of a chance to prove their worth and Kane's display throughout the EUROs was as poor as anyone's in an England shirt.
Shooting with more greed than usual, Kane's mistakes against Iceland broke up endless England attacks, too.
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Raheem Sterling
Sterling has been the national scapegoat so far and, unfortunately for the Manchester City man, that shows little chance of changing.
His move to the Etihad has done his development no good and the hope must be that Pep Guardiola can get the best out of him. After all the promise shown under Rodgers, Sterling is at genuine risk of stagnating as City continue to target players who will compete for his position.
A diamond has to be the way forward for England and Sterling might be best sitting out.
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Gary Cahill
After a disappointing campaign with Chelsea, Cahill was lucky that John Stones hasn't shown his best form, or he may not have been starting in France this summer.
However, Cahill was first choice and he, again, showed that he cannot lead or command a defence. It is something he may grow into, sure, but England need to think about 2018 and it is unlikely that Cahill will still be a prominent figure.
With that in mind, it's time for Stones.
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