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Along with Cardiff, Fulham was another club that has been relegated from Premier League last weekend. This season they have experienced several off-field event with a new owner (Shahid Khan and his spectacular mustache), three managers (Martin Jol, Rene Meulensteen, and then Felix Magath), yet all that does not make up for the fact that Fulham has been poor in the field this season and the three managers could not help The Cottagers slide towards relegation. Now with the World Cup coming up, let's see whether Fulham's collection of Englishmen will be in Brazil come summer.
Steve Sidwell, midfielder, 31
The only Fulham player to feature in every game thus far this season, Sidwell has put up a solid season though that does not help his club from relegation. From 37 games (35 as starter), Sidwell scored seven goals and provides two assists deployed in the centre midfield role. He's a tough tackling midfielder averaging 3 tackles and 2 interceptions per game, but is tidy on the ball as his 82.9% passing success rate is among the highest at the club.
On the plane or on the beach? The beach. Unfortunately, England has plenty of central midfielders currently vying for spots on the plane. There are even several others that should receive considerations before Sidwell is considered for a call-up.
Kieran Richardson, defender, 29
The former Manchester United and Sunderland man is a player of many positions and it was proven again this season. From 27 games as a starter (he came off the bench three times), he played primarily as a left back (18 appearances), left midfielder (five times), and twice each as both attacking midfielder and left winger. He contributed with four goals in three different positions, while giving out three assists as well. He could be a useful addition for a Premier League side if he decides that Championship football isn't for him.
On the plane or on the beach? While his versatility is an asset, there is just too many names ahead of him in England's pecking order.
Scott Parker, midfielder, 33
In search of regular first-team football, Scott Parker made the move from another London side (Tottenham) to Fulham. While he does get his wish of a regular playing time (28 appearances in the league), it does result in a relegation, the second one he experienced (the first one was with West Ham United) as a player. This season Parker has only scored two goals with one assist. However his other combative qualities such as tacking and interceptions remains (with 2.9 tackles and 1.8 interception per game), his passing success rate of 86% is also highest compared to others in the squad.
On the plane or on the beach? Unfortunately for Parker, playing for a relegated side probably didn't help his chance of getting an England call-up this summer. Again there are plenty of other midfielders who probably deserves a call-up before Parker gets one. At this point in his career, Parker's England days might be nearing (if not already) its end.
David Stockdale, goalkeeper, 28
Stockdale appeared 20 times in the league this season and should he stay at Craven Cottage will most definitely be Fulham's first choice goalkeeper (can't imagine Maarten Stekelenburg playing Championship football). This season he only managed to keep four clean sheets, though his long ball distribution is quite solid at nearly six accurate long balls per game (ranking him 7th among other Premier League keepers).
On the plane or on the beach? Goalkeeper is a premium spot, with only one player able to play and a maximum of three to be included in a squad. With England being stocked from starting goalkeeper all the way to the backups, Stockdale stands no chance.
Darren Bent, attacker, 30 (on loan from Aston Villa)
There is a unique statistics concerning Darren Bent which is that his best season in terms of goals scored always comes in a World Cup season. In 2005/2006, he scored 18 goals in the league for Charlton Athletic (good for 3rd among other goalscorers, and is his second best Premier League scoring season). He repeated the trick one more time with Sunderland in 2009/2010, this time scoring 24 goals (trailing Didier Drogba and Wayne Rooney). But it wasn't the case this season as he only manages three goals in 24 appearances (13 of those as a sub).
On the plane or on the beach? When you can only score three goals and used primarily as a substitute, the omen doesn't look too good does it?
Dan Burn, defender, 21
The defender spent the first half of the season on loan with Birmingham City, where he appeared 24 times (his most eye-popping statistic is his average of 15.7 clearances per game). After the turn of the year, he was recalled in the hope of shoring up Fulham's defense. In nine appearances thus far, he only played three minutes when Fulham kept a clean sheet.
On the plane or on the beach? The beach. Could be a key player for Fulham in The Championship next season.
Matthew Briggs, defender, 21
Only made two substitute appearances way, way back in August.
On the plane or on the beach? Is probably on the beach since September 2013.
Cauley Woodrow, attacker, 19
Made his Premier League debut against fellow relegated side Cardiff back in March, but has yet to score his first Premier League goal and might have to wait another season before getting the chance to do so.
On the plane or on the beach? The beach.
Patrick Roberts, midfielder, 17
made two substitute appearances for Fulham and was also a part of Fulham's FA Youth Cup 2014 team (which lost to Chelsea 7-6 on aggregate). he has featured for both England U-16 and U-17 where he scored four goals in nine appearances (via FA). Rumored to be chased by Arsenal (via The Telegraph).
On the plane or on the beach? The beach, but could be one to watch for the future.
Ryan Tunnicliffe, midfielder, 21 (on loan at Wigan Athletic)
Joined Fulham in last January's transfer window from Manchester United, where he worked with Rene Meulensteen (who at the time was Fulham's manager). But after only two appearances, was deemed by Meulensteen's successor Felix Magath as surplus to requirement and was shipped out to Wigan. Uwe Rosler then tried to sent him back to Fulham but was rejected by Fulham. Ouch.
On the plane or on the beach? Hopefully next season he can stay in one place.
Larnell Cole, midfielder, 21 (on loan at MK Dons)
Came to Fulham along with Ryan Tunnicliffe from Manchester United, Cole only managed to play 10 minutes (ironically against his former club) before being shipped out on loan to MK Dons.
On the plane or on the beach? Same with Tunnicliffe.
Unless noted, all stats courtesy of whoscored.com
