It seems as if he lost out in the ‘target man’ role to Andy Carroll. More on Carroll later but with Hodgson only selecting four strikers and one of which a suspended Wayne Rooney, I struggle to see why Crouch has been left behind.

Others who also contentiously missed out:

Adam Johnson – Although his talents are obvious, like Richards, a lack of playing time has ultimately been his downfall.

Daniel Sturridge – Endured an up and down season at Chelsea, fluttering in and out of a largely inconsistent side in the league. Similar style to Danny Welbeck, who just got the nod.

Darren Bent – Although a proven and natural goalscorer, many don’t believe he is cut out for international football. He ruptured ankle ligaments in February (which coincidentally mixed with Villa’s slide down the table) and has only just returned to fitness. Hodgson must have his doubts over this, and although I do think he would have been a risk, I would have taken him.

Phil Jagielka – Phil is very unfortunate in my opinion. A solid player who has often been overlooked for England despite his consistent and impressive performances for Everton over the years. He can operate at full-back as well as centre-back. I would have taken him.

Paul Scholes – The hopes were false. Many thought that since he came out of retirement to play for Manchester United, the ginger prince would do the same for England. Unfortunately this is not the case as Scholes has stuck to his word and will watch the tournament at home.

Players who made it

After leaving out a number of big names, Hodgson has raised the eyebrows of some by selecting a few debatable players.

The main criticism he received was the call-up for Stewart Downing. After a rumoured £20 million move to Liverpool last summer, Downing has flattered to deceive this season in an equally struggling side. With a grand total of 0 goals and 0 assists in 36 Premier League appearances this season, you can see why Hodgson has taken a lot of criticism for this selection.

Even before this terrible season for the attacking left-winger, most people have questioned his ability for England anyway.

Roy’s decision regarding strikers is also another mysterious and interesting debacle. As previously mentioned, the choice to take just four strikers, with Rooney one of these and banned for two games adds to this.

£35 million pound ‘target man’ striker Andy Carroll made the squad. Often laughed at and ridiculed this season from football fans across the country, Carroll has hit some form just at the right time. Indeed he does look like a man transformed from earlier in the season. Maybe now he will use this tournament to justify his enormous price tag. So although a brave call from Hodgson, I can see why he has done it.

Equally, Carroll is still only 23-years-old and vastly inexperienced at international level so Hodgson’s decision to favour him over the older and wiser Peter Crouch is intriguing. Some suggested that Grant Holt, who endured a successful first season in the Premier League by scoring 16 goals with mid-table Norwich City, should have made the squad but I think these shouts were a bit premature as Carroll and Crouch were always more likely to be called-up.

The choice of the other two strikers – Danny Welbeck and Jermain Defoe are also compelling. Welbeck has enjoyed a relatively successful season with Manchester United, breaking through to a starting berth. His partnership and understanding with Rooney must have had some say in his selection and I can see Hodgson’s plan.

Jermain Defoe’s chances for Tottenham this year have been slim. Often used from the bench, I can see him occupying that role next month. It’s interesting how some players missed out (Richards, A. Johnson) after a lack of game time while Defoe, who has endured similar circumstances, made the squad. A proven goalscorer at club level, Defoe has produced for England as well.

The interesting thing in this is who will start upfront against France and Sweden? If Hodgson chooses 4-4-2 then a Carroll and Welbeck partnership seems most likely but they are largely inexperienced gambles playing against stern, experienced defenders. He could also play 4-3-3/4-5-1 but then who do you play a) upfront b) in midfield.

Other contentious inclusions/factors

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