The England Euro 2012 squad, especially now Roy Hodgson has been given the job, has been debated and discussed over and over. Will Roy go for tried and tested previous tournament squads or will he mix it up and pick a team on form over their previous exploits.
This is my personal opinion, not necessarily what Roy will pick. In fact I know he won’t go with such a controversial and untested team, I’d just like the England set up to be shaken up somewhat.
England need the right mix of youth and experience if they are to challenge this summer. My choices are below.
Whether you agree or disagree with my picks, please get in touch with your own in the comments section.
STARTING LINE UP- 4-1-3-2
HART
WALKER TERRY LESCOTT COLE
PARKER
LAMPARD GERRARD
YOUNG
STURRIDGE
ROONEY
My formation leaves Cole and Walker a bit exposed but both are defensively strong enough to cope. Especially with Parker protecting the back four- his work rate will more than make up for Sturridge and Young being given free roles (with little defending). Rooney heads the team with Gerrard and Lampard being brought into the game as Rooney would be playing with his back to goal but playing more advanced than he does with Manchester United. He’ll have a more stationary position in the middle of the pitch (no working back over the half way line). Sturridge and Young are given the job as being outlets from the defence, when received they move the ball forward to Rooney who can then bring Lampard and Gerrard into the game whilst Young and Sturridge work had to get wide and run at fullbacks (both who can also shoot from distance). It isn’t the strongest formation but it makes the most of the players Hodgson has at his disposal.
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My squad is as follows
GK-
1. Joe Hart (Manchester City)
2. John Ruddy (Norwich City)
3. Rob Green (West Ham United)
Scott Carson misses out for me due to a not having a particularly successful season in Turkey (which is about on par with the Championship). Hart is given the number one jersey and hopefully neither Ruddy or Green will have to play but both have had successful seasons and a winning mentality is crucial going into a major tournament – even if it’s only pushing Hart hard in the training sessions (West Ham making the play off final & Norwich having a successful season back in the top flight). I would take Foster ahead of Green and he’d be my second choice but as we know Foster is retired, so that is dependent on him being urged back into playing by his old manager Hodgson.
DEFENDERS
4. Phil Jagielka (Everton)
5. John Terry (Chelsea)
6. Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
7. Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
8. Kyle Walker (Tottenham)
9. Joleon Lescott (Manchester City)
10. Leighton Baines (Everton)
11. Micah Richards (Manchester City)