Joshua Bean hired as the next England manager
In news that shocked the footballing world, Roberto Martinez who enjoyed stints with Wigan and Everton, before taking over from a retiring Roy Hodgson was sacked earlier yesterday morning.
Current Borussia Dortmund manager Joshua Bean, has been appointed on a three year deal, which will see him through the coming World Cup and the 2020 Euros.
It is understood that he will remain Borussia Dortmund manager, much to the relief of the players and fans as they currently sit a top the Bundesliga table, undefeated and still in all cup competitions.
The FA cited
"a lack of player to manager agreement" as the reason for the surprise decision to let their man go, just five months before the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
In essence this is a politically spun way of saying that, the players wanted Martinez out and they got him out. Some have argued that players having such influence is a dangerous thing, but so close to a World Cup the FA believed they couldn't risk a squad of discontented players if they were to have any chance.
The FA move quickly for Bean
According to a source close to the English manager, his club Borussia Dortmund, were in fact contacted by The FA, before the announcement of Martinez's sacking, was even broadcasted on all news channels.
The club knew about the approach for Bean, before Bean even knew Martinez was sacked, suggesting that they had decided some time ago to sack their current manager and instantly chose Bean as the replacement.
It took just over 24 hours, for Bean to arrive in London, meet the interviewing committee, take a tour around Wembley and ST Georges Park and be announced to the press as the new manager after signing his new contract.
Joshua Bean has decided to meet the worlds press tomorrow afternoon, but without a press officer or members of the FA besides him. It is believed he wants this as without them at his side, he is able to have a more open and honest press conference, something he enjoys in Germany.
How will Dortmund cope?
As it was there manager, after giving permission for Bean to speak to the England national team, they simply released the following statement.
"We have been approached by the English FA in relation to the services of Joshua Bean, after assurances that he will be allowed to occupy both roles simultaneously we gave them permission. It is out understand that Bean is on his way to London to complete these talks."
They made it abundantly clear to fans that Dortmund were keeping their manager regardless of what happens with England.
The question is, will Dortmund cope with their manager being away from the club so often?
The answer, is simply yes.
Logically he will keep scouting similar between the two clubs, in other words, he will have his assistant manager and other trusted members of the England backroom staff, watch potential players, while he is managing Dortmund.
The under 21's and under 18's are likely to be run as they are at Dortmund, with Bean allowing the managers to play who they wish, as long as they stick to the tactics and formations of the first team, to allow players to be moulded and ready for first team action.
Of course Bean will be asked if he is able to fulfil the demands of both jobs, but I personally see no reason as to why he can't.
England as they stand
The weirdest part of the Martinez sacking was that while the players were supposedly not enjoying part of his regime, but his form has been impressive. He has controlled 12 matches which they have won 10, drew one and only lost one.
It if form that can't be argued with, they were playing attacking and fast paced football. But for whatever reason, the players had not taken to his hands on approach, some sources claiming that they believed Martinez was always on the brink of destroying their form, by tampering with the tactics too much.
In fact, they had won 10 in 10 and then went on to draw and lose their next two games with players blaming Martinez for messing with the tactics too much.
Bean will be taking over a strong England squad which also boasts a strong influx of youth, which is exactly what Bean enjoys at Borussia Dortmund.
The current squad and rumours of whether they will remain
Here we will be looking at the current England squad left behind by Roberto Martinez and we play debate whether Bean will keep them for the World Cup in a few months.
Goalkeepers
Joe Hart: The current England and Manchester City number one, at 30 years old, Hart has made a reputation for himself as being a reliable shot stopper in his earlier days, but as age creeps, so have the mistakes. He stands little chance of adding to his 79 caps, as Bean prefers younger goal keepers as well as openly stating he is not a fan of Hart last season, when his Dortmund side faced Manchester City in the Champions League.
Jack Butland: This is a man who will be optimistic about Beans's arrival. Before signing Rulli, Joshua Bean openly admitted that he was looking at Jack Butland, but the keeper's asking price was set too high by Stoke City and to the respect of Bean, Butland was keen to remain at the club. Expect him to be the starter.
Fraser Forster: The current Sunderland keeper is of course in contention for the starting spot, with Butland only slightly ahead of him, one could argue a run of good form could see the former Celtic man, starting between the posts.
Fullbacks
Luke Shaw: The 23 year old left back, has been one of the best Premier League player these past three seasons. He has been simply sensational for Manchester United and it is obvious he will remain a key England player, especially with Bean liking younger players.
Nathaniel Clyne: The right back for Liverpool, has been in equally superb form in the past two to three seasons. The 27 year old is hitting his prime just before the biggest few months of his career and it is obvious that Bean will be keeping the Liverpool man around.
Calum Chambers: Another right back and another former Southampton player, now playing for Arsenal. The youngster has enjoyed a steadily growing career at Arsenal and excluding injury to Clyne, he more than likely won't be starter, it would be a surprise if he was not included in Joshua Bean's squad plans. He also fits in at centre back so could be a good, young utility option for Bean.
Kyle Walker: Another right back and another player that Joshua Bean has in the past, openly claimed he is not a fan of. The exact words were along the lines of,
"Yes he is incredibly quick, but that just goes to show how bad his marking and positioning is that he is found out of position so often. He wouldn't be playing under me any time soon." So do not expect the Tottenham man to retain his place.
Kieran Gibbs: Currently at Aston Villa, the former Arsenal man has never lived up to his expectation. He is unlikely to retain a place under Joshua Bean.
Centre backs
Chris Smalling: A very strong centre back who has performed well both for international and club sides. If it wasn't for the sudden burst of ability from John Stones then Smalling would be the main man at the back, he will for sure keep his spot.
Gary Cahill: At 32 years of age, the current Chelsea third choice centre back, will more than likely be cut so close to his final World Cup. Bean liking to player younger players as they can fulfil he demands of high work rate is one thing, but 32 is too old for most managers. Alongside the fact that he is struggling to get game time for Chelsea, then it seems a forgone conclusion that he is gone.
John Stones: The 22 year old centre back joined Manchester City in 2016 for £33.25 million and ever since he has been one of the best centre backs in the league and Europe. He is the nailed on starting centre back and players will be fighting to play alongside him.
Phil Jones: The Manchester United centre back is another young English player that has never truly fulfilled his potential. Once tipped to be the best Manchester United player of all time by Sir Alex Ferguson, he has yet to become the best centre back in this current squad. He is a 50/50 as he is a very athletic centre back which Bean approves of.
Wingers/attacking midfielders
James Milner: The workhorse of English football, the man that his split opinions for years. At 32 years old his best attribute of stamina and hard work, is starting to fade. He should be seriously be worried about his place in the side, as Bean looks to test out several younger and quicker options.
Theo Walcott: Yet another former Southampton player, who joined Arsenal at a young age. Now at 28 years of age and 63 caps for England later, he has never really proven himself. Look for Walcott to be shifted to the side if Bean can find a true replacement.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Yet another Arsenal player who has come from Southampton, the winger is another who was highly tipped and has yet to payback those who believed in him. He has the pace but his first touch is very poor for a want to be international player. Expect him to be a 50/50 call from Bean.
Raheem Sterling: The young Manchester City winger has already racked up an impressive 43 appearances at just the age of 23 and his by far one of England's best players
(yeah I know guys I can't believe it either) he is a certainty to be a starter for Bean.
Ross Barkley: Another young Manchester City player and another star player. He will be in the squad 100% but with Bean not playing attacking central midfielders, instead opting for a defensive midfielder to sure up the spine of his team, it will be interesting to see if Barkley is able to gather much game time. He of course could always be an impact substitute from the bench. But that could be a big risk to play.
Central and defensive midfielders
Jack Wilshere: The Arsenal midfielder was tipped to be one of the greatest English players of all time and well, that has just not happened. Not even close. In fact if Joshua Bean was to stick himself in central midfield in the opening game of the World Cup, he would still be applauded for not selecting Wilshere. To make it even weirder that Martinez kept him, he has yet to play all season for Arsenal. This summer he is to become a free agent. Don't expect him to be involved with England at least for this summer.
Fabian Delph: This is another obvious one. Delph will be no where near the World Cup squad under Joshua Bean, he is not even close to being good enough, alongside the fact that he isn't Joshua Bean's style of player. He has next to no chance.
Eric Dier: Arguably England's best player and one of the best central midfielders in the World. Dier has been gracing the turf of Old Trafford for two seasons now and has wowed fans all over the world. He is a certainty.
Dele Ali: The young central midfielder who was discovered by MK Dons, who now is a key player for Tottenham in front of a huge crowd at the 'New White Hart Lane' stadium, he is another certainty for Bean. Whether he starts or not is up to him, but he will 100% be in the squad that is for sure.
Danny Drinkwater: This is a tough one. He performs excellently for Leicester, week in, week out. But is he really international standard? Is it more down to the fact that Leicester have their tactics so well tuned that every player can perform out of his skin? That seems far more likely, regardless, Drinkwater is still someone to think about.
James Ward-Prowse: The very young Southampton player, he has only played four times so far for England. But he is everything Bean likes in a central midfielder. In my personal opinion he will not be a starter this coming World Cup but he will in fact be in the squad.
Strikers
Wayne Rooney: 118 appearances and 48 goals
(how he hasn't broken the record yet I do not know), Wayne Rooney is just two goals away from breaking England's all time goal scoring record, held by Sir Bobby Charlton who has 49. But it may be over for the 32 year old, whose performances have dropped drasticlly in the past two seasons and Joshua Bean is not the sort of manager to hold on to players for sentiment unless he is personally close to them. Expect Wayne Rooney to make front and back page news, as he is stripped of the England captaincy and booted from the squad.
Danny Welbeck: A player who is hugely underrated, but still not quite good enough to the be the mains striker. He could potentially be a squad player for Joshua Bean, but he may want to move on from the Arsenal man and try new faces.
Harry Kane: is certain to be the starter for Joshua Bean if he sticks to his one up top. Harry Kane has played 30 games and scored 34 goals. Yes that is right, 30 games but 34 goals. He is on course to smash the England goal scoring record out of the park and Joshua Bean will be looking to utilise him.
Danial Sturridge: A certain squad player many people would suggest, he hasn't been in the best of form of late, but he is explosive off the ball so he should always be considered.