England's Euro 2012 Squad Announced 1pm - Who Makes The Grade?

By Joe Cawthorn / May 16, 2012

Update: This article was written before the news hit that Rio Ferdinand and Kyle Walker had been omitted from Euro 2012 selection due to their respective injuries. Tomorrow is the start of a new beginning for the England squad, and the start of Roy Hodgson's involvement in deciding who features for the three lions, and who has had his time. There could be shock entries in the squad, as well as shock omissions, but whichever names get officially released we need to make sure as a nation we get behind them for the good of English football, whether we agree or not. Here is my look at the possibilities Hodgson will have been mulling over, and also my opinion on if they're up to the task of wearing our shirt in Poland and Ukraine.

Goalkeepers

We already have an established number one who plays for the Premier League champions in Joe Hart, but besides him do we have a sufficient cover in case of a freak injury or sending off? Rob Green looks likely to be in pole position as Hart's first back up, after being involved in West Ham's promotion push and overall having a good season. Scott Carson's name has been banded about whilst he has finished mid table in the Turkish league, and youngster Frank Fielding has to be thought about as England's long term backup to Joe Hart after he has become a first team regular. For me Hodgson has to at least attempt to bring Ben Foster out of international retirement as he is probably the most consistent back up we have who has played Premiership football. For me: Joe Hart, Ben Foster, Frank Fielding

Defenders

We are used to arguments about who can be paired together (Gerrard and Lampard) but this one is slightly different. Rio Ferdinand and John Terry could be up against each other in their personal lives, with Terry reported to have racially abused Rio's brother Anton, so would they be able to work together on the pitch? My feeling is probably no, but this is not doom and gloom for England. Neither have been in their best form this season and I have been saying for some time it is about chance other people got a chance. So do we look to? Gary Cahill has grown in confidence with every game he has played for Chelsea, and looked solid for England the last time he played. Phil Jagielka has been reliable all season for an Everton team that once again over achieved, and has always given his all when wearing the England shirt, however his possible rival for back up centre half, Joleon Lescott has played nearly every game for a Championship winning Man City this term. There is a selection dilemma at right back too, with three candidates all in contention instead of the usual one. Glen Johnson's form has been indifferent for Liverpool and he has suffered from a fair few injuries this season. Micah Richards has been in and out of the City team but I think has performed admirably when selected, and has also worn the captains armband a few times. Kyle Walker has won the young player of the year award and rightly so. or me he still has a little bit of improving to do to get to international class but the early signs are very encouraging. At left back there isn't too much competition of Ashley Cole, which is worrying as he isn't the youngest any more and needs someone to be pushing him for a starting role. Leighton Baines has done well in recent friendlies and can take a good free kick and corner, something England struggle to score from. There are also the two young men from Manchester United, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, both of which have had their ups and downs this season but need integrating in to the squad at some point if they are to become first team regulars. For me: Micah Richards, Kyle Walker, John Terry, Gary Cahill, Joleon Lescott, Phil Jones, Ashley Cole, Leighton Baines

Midfield

Past managers have tried so much in midfield, and I don't think one of them can say they cracked the tough question of "What is England's best midfield?". Numerous partnerships were tried in the centre, while Sven even tried Emile Heskey wide left when all else failed, (thank God he's not available for selection this time around!). Does Roy stick with the tried and tested, and failed or does he move on to pastures new, and pass the baton to someone who hasn't had too much of a look in? Micheal Carrick passes the ball superbly and commands a place in a top two team, but never seems to get a mention, but then again so does Gareth Barry and I for one am not 100% sure what he brings to the table. Gerrard has been injured for much of the season and when he has played hasn't looked at full speed, but there has been early rumours that he could be named Roy's captain. On the wings England need a mixture of pace and trickery, as well as crossing ability and stamina. This mix has come a cropper in recent years, and with Roy known for playing one winger and one more narrow I think he will only take a couple of flair players. For me: Micheal Carrick, Steven Gerrard, Aaron Lennon, Adam Johnson, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Frank Lampard, Ashley Young.

Forward

With Wayne Rooney suspended for the first two group matches, Roy has to make sure England have men who can do the job until he returns. I think Rooney will travel with the squad because England will be expected to qualify from their group with Rooney or not, therefore he could be a vital piece of the jigsaw later on in the competition. A lot of young talent has emerged this year in the striker department, with players such as Daniel Sturridge and Danny Wellbeck building on the good season's they had last year. There are probably two candidates for the 'big man' role which Hodgson is sure to pick at least one. Peter Crouch and Andy Carroll will be the men in question. With Darren Bent not sure to be 100% fit and Jermaine Defoe not being a first choice under Harry at Tottenham, I think the only real decision is Crouch or Carroll? For me: Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Wellbeck, Andy Carroll