What is next for England?

Costa Rica's 1-0 win over Italy sealed England's fate after 2 narrow but disappointing results against Italy and Uruguay. A long awaited Wayne Rooney goal at a World Cup gave Roy Hodgson's side hope and momentum going into the final 15 in Sao Paulo only for some clinical finishing from Luis Suarez to all but send England home 5 minutes from time. On both occasions England had leveled against their opponents in Manaus and Sao Paulo respectively only for some slack defending to snatch any positive result away from England but what preparation will take place in and around St. George's park ahead of the European Championships in France in 2 years time?

Sadly it could be an end of an era for England's old guard with the likes of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney all approaching the end of their international careers. There is a bright future on the other hand for the Three Lions. We caught glimpses of what is surely to come in the future for England in Brazil, with the exciting young talent that Roy Hodgson injected into his squad this summer. With Raheem Sterling particularly shining in Brazil and the likes of Ross Barkley, Luke Shaw and Danny Sturridge all giving respectable performances for themselves. The potential new England squad has a bright future ahead of them and with 2 years preparation under their belts on the international scene, France 2016 looks exciting.

Do we need a new man to lead us into the Euros? I think we do. All be it the squad is simply not good enough to compete with the big boys,but Roy Hodgson isn't the right man in charge. With reports recently from St George's Park and Hodgson himself suggesting that he is set to remain in charge, it looks like we are stuck with the former Fulham man, at least for the time being.

If it is indeed the end for the likes of Wayne Rooney and Gerrard, specifically the latter, who will lead England out in France? As Glenn Hoddle pointed out, no one has demonstrated the leadership and character that the Liverpool skipper demonstrates for club and country but with this two years Roy Hodgson has to rally his players before they go again in France is experiment the armband if it is the end of the Liverpool man's international career.

With exciting times ahead, as fans the important thing we have to do now is be patient. We are currently experiencing a very drastic transition period from the old guard to the new much like Germany did back in 2000. After their 3-0 defeat to Portugal in Rotterdam which sent Die Mannschaft home bottom of the group, Rudi Völler replaced Erich Ribbeck as head coach of the national side. This then began the introduction of Bastian Schweinsteger, Phillip Lahm and Miroslav Klose and the players that we see today. England's transition period has only just begun and if we reflect the German's success then maybe just maybe, the Three lions will roar once again.