Roy Hodgson's first major announcement as England Boss is less than 24 hours away when he names his squad for the Euro 2012 Championships at 1pm tomorrow. When naming a tournament squad you are never going to please everyone fans, critics and professionals alike everyone has a favourite player, a hated player, a system they prefer. Below I attempt to second guess our new England Manager with the players I believe he is going to pick.
Goalkeepers
I personally never see the point in taking three goalkeepers. You'd have to have the worst luck ever in a tournament to lose two of them to injury or suspension. I always feel the 3rd goalkeeping spot could be used for an extra attacking midfielder or striker but I can't imagine such a calculated risk to happen in this squad as Hodgson will go with the three goalkeeper formula. Joe Hart (Manchester City) A shoe in from the get go. No other English born keeper comes near to this world class performer. He could be between the sticks for the next decade to come. Robert Green (West Ham) I wouldnt let him anywhere near an England shirt but he seems to be the confirmed number 2 of late and barring injury will be keeping the bench warm. John Ruddy (Norwich) There's bound to be one or two shock inclusions which won't ultimately effect the starting eleven. With Ben Foster not coming out of retirement for his former Baggies manager I believe Roy will turn to Ruddy who has been an excellent shot stopper in big games and deserves his chance to sit around for four weeks doing nothing.
Defenders
Eight always seems to be the norm in a tournament squad. The big question seems to be if both John Terry and Rio Ferdinand will go? And which two of our truck load of excellent right-backs will be selected. I am assuming Jamie Carragher isn't going to be asked out of retirement again! Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) The 'you've been merked' personality will get Roy's nod ahead of John Terry. I can't see how both will be selected due to Terry's ongoing court case and disruptive influence. Plus basing this purely on footballing matters Ferdinand though losing some pace still reads the game well, whilst Terry seems to be going backwards (being nutmegged by Andy Carroll and letting Jordan Henderson score a goal was perhaps the funniest five minutes I saw this season). Joleon Lescott (Manchester City) Has come on leaps and bounds though obviously playing alongside Vincent Kompany helps! Has as the all important pace that can rescue a centre back at international level. Squad player or starter will be the debate? Gary Cahill (Chelsea) - If fit then he is certain for Roy's squad. Though a little up and down this season not helped by transfer speculation up to January. Phil Jones (Manchester United) Tough one this as I would personally take Phil Jagielka but I think Jones will go as he can cover anywhere across the back line and also play as a holding midfielder (which I think is his best and future role for club and country). Kyle Walker (Spurs) PFA Young Player of the Year with excellent pace and is good going forward. Needs to concentrate a bit better for 90 minutes but has he potential to become world class. Micah Richards (Manchester City) I'd rather take Glenn Johnson but he notoriously fell out with Hodgson at Anfield so I think Richards will get his chance finally. A beast of a player whom like Walker above has it all in abundance if not concentration. Ashley Cole (Chelsea) Cole's had a poor season by his high standards but who else is there? Leighton Baines (Everton) Still don't think he quite cuts it at the very top level defensively, though his set piece delivery is superb. But as with Cole who else is there? I'd rather take Kieran Gibbs as back-up to Cole but I think Roy will go with a tried and tested squad player.
Midfielders
Eight seems to be the magic number. I've a feeling Roy will take certain wide players whom can also play up-front off a main striker (specially as Rooney is banned for those first two games). Both Lampard and Gerrard will go their final swan songs - I just hope they dont start together. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) I'm biased as he is one of my favourite all-time players but I honestly believe Hodgson will make him skipper. Leads by example and when fully fit is still one of our few world class players. Plus as far as we know he isn't shagging any of his team-mates wives... Frank Lampard (Chelsea) The age old debate of Lampard or Gerrard will continue forever until one retires. I reckon Roy will take both as he'll want that guaranteed experience at the top level. Probably using Lamps as more of a super-sub to either chase a game or close out a game. That is how he originally started in the England set-up. Scott Parker (Spurs) If fit then a definite starter. Really is a Roy Hodgson style player works hard, tackles hard, runs everywhere to make up for a lack of skill and never seems to moan. It's a travesty that for years Gareth Barry was picked ahead of him. Gareth Barry (Manchester City) Anyone else think he looks like Captain Scarlett?! As regards my opinion on his footballing ability all I'd say is perhaps Rafa Benitez will one day explain why he wanted to get rid of Xavi Alonso to buy Gareth Barry... because no-one else seems to know! Ashley Young (Manchester United) The last eighteen months at international level he has looked completely at home. Can play either wing or just behind the main striker. Roy will start him every game I reckon. At the very least we can get scorecards ready for his amazing diving technique! Theo Walcott (Arsenal) The presence of Oxlade-Chamberlain suddenly breathing down his neck seemed to wake Theo from his slumber and turn him into the speedy skilful game changer we all knew he could be. Unfortunately an injury stopped this progression but I'm hoping he'll continue that promise into the tournament... That is a big word - HOPE - used for Walcott many a time! Like Young can also play upfront which will work in his favour. James Milner (Manchester City) Again a Roy style player will play and perform admirably anywhere across the midfield without ever being spectacular. Like it says on the tin you know what you're going to get with Milner. Wouldn't be my pick but will be Roy's. Adam Johnson (Manchester City) If Stewart Downing goes I will laugh my head off! So I see it as a straight battle between Johnson and Chamberlain. Now remember Roy likes out and out wingers such as Damien Duff in his teams and Johnson is the one wide player whom will do exactly that hug that byline and deliver crosses. As such he'll get the vote. Unlucky not to have played more for City. I'd love to have him at Liverpool.
Strikers
With Walcott and Young able to play upfront if need be then Roy will take just four strikers. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) We all know his penchant for headlines and red mist moments but no-one can deny that when on form he is our true world class performer. He will be going into a tournament fully fit for once and a bull to a red rag itching to start that 3rd game. Danny Welbeck (Manchester United) Has had a great first 'proper' full season at United. Him and Rooney have worked out a good understanding. Has plenty of pace. Can play across that front-line. May well start in Rooney's absence in a 4-5-1. Jermain Defoe (Spurs) Personally I'd take Daniel Sturridge but I think Roy will want the safety of an out and out 'fox in the box' for certain game situations. Defoe regardless of his lack of playing time this season has never let England down. Andy Carroll (Liverpool) Controversial!!! I can hear everyone scream 'youre joking right?!?!' Well up until a few weeks ago it would've been a joke but the truth is since his FA Cup semi-final goal Carroll has looked a completely different player for Liverpool holding the ball up brilliantly, causing defenders no end of problems, and even scoring now and then, yes even scoring! Hodgson is going to take a target man we all know that so it comes down to Carroll, Zamora or Holt... I think if Gerrard is named captain which I expect him to be then Carroll will go. Whatever happens from tomorrow onwards I wish Roy Hodgson luck. I'm sure like many others we all have doubts about his ability at the very top level but lets give the guy a chance and get behind our team. Who knows the man may pull off the impossible and actually get us into a Semi-Final for us to lose on penalties in glorious failure.
