Fifa World Cup 2014: Five Changes England Must Make Ahead Of Euro 2016

England are once again on the brink of an early World Cup exit after Luis Suarez fired Uruguay to a 2-1 victory against the Three Lions in São Paulo.

After a promising but toothless performance against Italy in their opening Group D game, England reverted to their old insipid ways against Uruguay and are now close to paying the ultimate price for defensive frailties.

As attention inevitably turns to qualification for Euro 2016, here are five changes England must consider if they are to make headway at their next tournament

Defensive overhaul

England were undone by gaping holes in their defence, chasms that need filling. At 28, Gary Cahill is likely to be around for Euro 2016 but it is likely the end of the road for Phil Jagielka. Whether John Stones, Phil Jones or Chris Smalling can cement that second central defensive position remains to be seen. Luke Shaw is a certainty at left back henceforth and Jon Flanagan should be given an opportunity to excel as he has at Liverpool on the international stage.

Unleash Arsenal trio

Arsenal's crocked trio of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott should return for Euro 2016 qualification. With Wilshere anchoring in central midfield partner, England should spring Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott in an attack also featuring Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley.

Drop Wayne Rooney

The Manchester United striker finally broke his World Cup duck and has twice put in characteristic tireless performances. But Rooney is no longer the force he once was and the England team can no longer be built around its fading star. The time has come for England to drop its fifth record goal scorer for the sake of the team.

Replace Roy Hodgson with a technocrat

Hope emerged in the wake of the Italy defeat that England would play a more attacking brand of football, spearheaded by Daniel Sturridge, Sterling and Rooney. To develop this, England should appoint a manager who has successfully ingrained a similar mantra, someone like Arsene Wenger.

More friendlies

Those 'pointless' friendlies nobody cares about? England should play more of them. Premier League managers will scoff at the idea their players face a busier fixture calendar, but for England to succeed there needs to be a philosophy and the only way to adapt is to play more matches.