The Rise of Wilfried Zaha

Abidjan. Considered a prominent location in the central hub of Western Africa. Characterised by industrialisation and urbanisation.

A place which is now a mere distant memory to Wilfried Zaha.

The now Crystal Palace striker began life in the Ivory Coast before heading for the bright lights of South London at the age of four.

Dazet Wilfried Armel Zaha is now the subject of attention and has the opportunity for it to be his name cast in lights with a call-up to the senior England squad.

The 20-year-old took some musing time following a phone-call from England boss Roy Hodgson before eventually reaching the decision to accept the offer.

A period of deliberation was necessary as Zaha is currently in the process of choosing which nation to pledge his international allegiance to.

Born in Cote d’Ivoire, raised in England and represented the Three Lions at youth level.

With Wednesday’s match against Sweden a friendly Zaha has not prejudiced his chances to play for his home nation should he feel that way inclined.

A certain pivotal figure in Ivory Coast football, Mr Didier Drogba has already reportedly been on the phone to Zaha in an attempt to convince him to represent his land of birth.

But aside from the international transfer situation and somewhat more prominent is the rise to fame which the attacking winger has crafted for himself.

Take a trip to Selhurst Park and the prince of the Palace it would seem is very much Mr Zaha.

Outside the Championship side’s stadium is a billboard with the upcoming star accompanied by the catchphrase “He’s just too good for you”.

These words are becoming extremely familiar for Zaha as they often ring round the stadiums home and away as the youngster terrorises second-flight defences.

Full-backs have frequently being left spaghetti-legged and humiliated as he swerves and glides through with ease.

Zaha is prepared to set up to the next level and was expected to join the England Under 21 squad ahead of their game against Northern Ireland.

However, the intervention of Roy Hodgson meant a taxi direct from the Football Association at 5AM on Sunday morning beckoned.

The attacker is becoming renowned for his finesse and accuracy whilst delivering at impeccable speed.

Manchester United fans will remember the name of Zaha, with much regret, as they endured first-hand the class of this young talent in their Carling Cup clash at Old Trafford in December.

There was evidence on that evening alone to suggest Dazet the dazzler had the ability to compete at the elite level.

Crystal Palace have raced to the head of the Championship this season but ultimately Zaha’s destiny, if not where he currently plies his trade, is the top flight.

Zaha is only the second Championship outfield player in five years to receive a call up to the senior England squad and is clearly in popular demand.

Wigan Athletic reportedly offered £3.5 million for the attacker before Reading had a £6 million bid rejected on the eve of transfer deadline day.

It has also been suggested in footballing circles that Arsenal and Tottenham have registered interest in the starlet and Palace co-owner Steve Parish claims £20 million may not be enough to convince the club to part with their most prized asset.

But as many defenders lick their wounds and try to disguise the scars left by Zaha on the field and clubs battle for the winger’s signature his international intention remains ambiguous.

All that can be said at this stage is that Zaha has copious amounts of potential.

Will he prove it on the field with England?

Ben Hampshire (@BH92)

Centurions and New Guards

Steven Gerrard will join an illustrious list of footballing greats on Wednesday night when he leads England out on his 100^th cap.

Peter Shilton, Billy Wright, Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and David Beckham are the men who have achieved the accolade thus far.

Cast back 12 years to Gerrard receiving his first call up to the national squad.

The Liverpool midfielder had to borrow his father’s Honda to make the journey from his hometown to London.

How the narrative is vastly different these days for the captain of club and country, worldwide superstar and arguably one of the best midfielders to grace the England dressing room.

Maintaining a permanent position in the national squad is a battle but Gerrard has almost become part of the furniture despite the managerial merry-go-round he has endured.

Roy Hodgson chose him as the leader of England when he took charge earlier this year but it is clear his four predecessors valued Gerrard.

This could be one of the greatest testaments to Gerrard’s career as he has been a favourite for Sven-Goran-Eriksson, Steve McClaren, Fabio Capello, Stuart Pearce and the present man at the helm.

His greatest performances are hard to pinpoint with consistency and dogged spirit being his central qualities.

The goals scored against Germany in the 5-1 Munich thriller, Macedonia in 2002 and Hungary in 2010 are likely to the pick of a vast selection if looking for his best efforts so far.

But Wednesday’s friendly against Sweden is not simply a tale of experienced campaigners.

With three players set to make their international debut it could also be warning signs of a new era for England.

Raheem Stirling, Steven Caulker and Leon Osman are all set to don the Three Lions jersey for the first time.

Stirling (17-years-old) and Osman (31-years-old) combine to create the largest age gap between debutants for England since the World War with 14 years between the duo.

Stirling looks set to be unleashed down the flanks for his first appearance for country and will be expected to cause the Swedish defence plenty of trouble.

The Liverpool attacker has impressed for his club in the Premier League so far this season and merits his call up to the squad.

Across the Mersey at Everton however, Leon Osman has been waiting a long time for the phone to ring.

Despite making his debut at 31, there are few in English football who will not welcome the midfielder to the fray.

Trickery, skill, pace and accuracy are all in the armoury of the central midfielder who has been a highlight of the David Moyes era at Goodison Park.

Perhaps you could say both Osman and Moyes are deserving of more credit than their current stature professes…But the subject of Moyes is another blog in itself.

Finally, Steven Caulker has made his way through the ranks over the last year with notable performances for a number of teams.

Having spent last term on loan with Swansea City the 20-year-old made sure he was noticed in the top-flight and managed to secure a place in the Team GB squad for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Back to his home club Tottenham Hotspur the full-blooded centre-half has registered solid shows this campaign, well worthy of getting the call from Mr Hodgson.

There has been much talk about Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace in the build-up to this international with the 20-year-old finally called up to the squad following injuries.

Having been born in the Ivory Coast the attacker has spent his time musing over whether to commit to his country of birth or pledge allegiance to the Three Lion camp.

Again, this may well be a debate for another time but all the same a talented young player who could well prove his credentials following the exit of Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott, Jonjo Shelvey, Kyle Walker and Aaron Lennon who are all ruled out with injuries.

A mere friendly affair in Stockholm awaits, but all the same a chance to see some fresh faces on the England scene.

Ben Hampshire (@BH92)