Roy Hodgson has named his England team for Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. Here's the full squad...
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Goalkeepers:
Joe Hart (Manchester City) Taking Joe Hart is no shock at all after his impressive displays in recent years not only for England but also on a consistent basis for Manchester City. Hart is Manchester City's number one goalkeeper and his team, thanks to him, conceded the least amount of goals in the 2011/12 Premier League season. His England career began in 2005 when he was part of the U19's team. Two years later he was moved into the U21's where he played 21 games. He made his official senior team debut against Trinidad and Tobago, on 1 June 2008, ever since then he has played 17 games conceding 11 goals. Robert Green (West Ham) Having played 42 games this season in the Championship he is definitely a major part of the West Ham team. His England career has always seen him as second choice, since he arrived in the senior squad in 2005 and has only made 11 appearances in an England shirt. John Ruddy (Norwich) Having played his first full season in the Premier League with Norwich making 28 appearances, although he only managed 2 clean sheets his impressive saves throughout makes him the right choice for the 3rd keeper in the team. He can be considered as an odd choice having never played in England shirt before.
Defenders:
John Terry (Chelsea)- John Terry will be seen as a great influence for the likes of Phil Jones and Cahill, his impressive form for England meant he was always a first choice. Joleon Lescott (Manchester City) There is no surprise that Joleon Lescott has been given a chance with his impressive display which helped his team to reach their first League win in 44 years. Since 2007, Lescott has played 14 games for the England senior team and whilst hes still a new fixture into the national team his consistent form for Manchester City has made him the right choice. Gary Cahill (Chelsea) Having signed for Chelsea in January he has played 10 games, scoring once. He actually has a better record for England, having played only 8 times for his country scoring 2 goals. Cahill has been apart of the England squad since 2004 when he began his U20s career, ever since then he has continued to improve. Phil Jones (Manchester United) Phil Jones has just completed his first season at Manchester United, and with the injury to Vidic he quickly became a regular fixture for the team. Jones played 29 games for his club this season and his impressive display has given him a well-deserved place in the team. Ashley Cole (Chelsea) Ashley Cole has been part of the team for what feels like forever. He was the first choice left-back and is unsurprisingly included. Leighton Baines (Everton) There is no surprise with Baines being included, having seven league appearances for England as well as 33 games for Everton this season he is seen as a reliable player and hopefully will add creativity to the squad. Glen Johnson (Liverpool)- After a disappointing display by his club, Johnson may need to impress quickly to become a main fixture of the team.
Midfielders:
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) Gerrard was always going to be included, his experience is invaluable and will motivate the younger players in the squad. Frank Lampard (Chelsea) Lampard has been really impressive for England in recent years. In 2011 he scored 3 goals in 7 games and if he can continue that form he will be a great player for England in the competition. Scott Parker (Tottenham) Ever since Parker became a Spurs player his determination to succeed has been outstanding, he is a great player who puts 100% into every game and was always a solid choice for the Euro's. Gareth Barry (Manchester City) Playing 33 games in the 2011/12 season and with his 52 appearances for England since 2000, Barry was always going to be on the plane. Ashley Young (Manchester United) In his first season at Manchester United, Young quickly established himself as a key player. His 32 appearances in all competitions as well as his 8 goals mean that Young can be a major threat to the opposition especially with his enthusiasm. Theo Walcott (Arsenal) In recent years Walcott has had to improve his game with competition in the squad, he deserves his chance to since although with other similar players in the squad he could be pushed back if he doesnt up his form. James Milner (Manchester City) Milner was also a main part of Manchester Citys dominance in the league this season being involved in 25 games. His experience at all levels of England makes him a great candidate. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal) Still young and adjusting to top flight football with Arsenal, it can be seen as a risk, yet he could surprise everyone and live up to the hype from his club manager. Downing (Liverpool) - A shock choice for Downing to be in the squad, after Liverpools disappointing season it was hard to pick Downing over Lennon.
Attackers:
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) With Rooney a must, his two match ban means England will be without their top striker for the first two games. His impressive season with Manchester United on the other hand means it was the perfect choice by Roy Hodgson. Danny Welbeck (Manchester United) - With striker partner Wayne Rooney out for the first two games, Welbeck's selection means he has a lot of pressure on his young shoulders. Jermain Defoe (Tottenham) - Defoe has a great scoring record for England and with scoring 11 league goals last season, Defoe is definitely the man to fill Rooney's absence. Andy Carroll (Liverpool) - Andy Carroll has been in disappointing form ever since leaving Newcastle although there was light at the end of tunnel as the striker started to find the form we all know he can achieve. Now he has been picked for the team he needs to impress in the friendlies in order for Roy to start him ahead of the other strikers. Though he is almost sure to start the first two games in the absence of Rooney.