Who else? Joe Hart has had a tremendous 2012 for both his club and country. One of the most consistent goalkeepers in the world right now, its amazing to think that this time 6 years ago he was joining Manchester City for a mere £600,000, quite the signing for the Blues. And now with a Premier League title to his name, Joe Hart can easily become the best goalkeeper in the world in years to come. Verdict: Definite starter
Right-Back: Glen Johnson
I had my doubts about Johnson coming into the tournament as I felt his performances for Liverpool this season were not good enough for him to be picked ahead of a player such as Micah Richards, who although spent some of this season on the bench for Manchester City, was very solid at the back for the Premier League winners. But Johnson has really shown glimpses of becoming the number one choice at right-back for years to come for the Three Lions with an outstanding performance against France and is starting to become more confident with each game. Verdict: Definite starter
Centre-Back: John Terry
Has come under pressure throughout 2012 due to non-football circumstances however who wouldn't want a defender of John Terry's calibre in their back four? A leader without his armband, Terry has been a rock at the heart of the English defence since the tournament begun and alongside the less-experienced Joleon Lescott has really been a brick wall keeping the likes of Benzema, Ibrahamovic and Shevchenko at bay. Verdict: Definite starter
Centre-Back: Joleon Lescott
Probably wouldn't have been starting this tournament had Gary Cahill not have been injured. However, the City defender has put in tremendous displays for England and really is becoming one of England's hero's of this tournament. Relaxed, strong and reliable he comes out and does what is asked of him. City with the funds they have might have been in the market for a new defender at the start of 2011. Now, Lescott is a regular starter. Verdict: Definite starter
Left-Back: Ashley Cole
Looking at this England side, it boasts perhaps one of the best defences in the world and one of the key players of this description is Ashley Cole. Another player who is always in the media for the wrong reasons, Cole is undoubtedly one of the best full-backs in the world. In fact, Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo claimed that Ashley Cole is the hardest full-back he has ever played against. Quite the compliment for a player of Ronaldo's stature. Cole, 31, has reached the elite of English players being capped almost 100 times by his country. He's still one of our best players without a doubt. This England defence will have to be on task to keep the likes of Balotelli and Di Natale at bay. Verdict: Definite starter
Right-Midfield: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
This was the hardest position for me to call because Roy Hodgson will not change his formation. However, I feel that if England want to be effective in attack, they must opt to start the Arsenal youngster who has delivered every time he's put on the England shirt. Chamberlain who was playing Championship football just a few years ago is now one of Arsenal's shining stars and with Walcott showing glimpses of brilliance against Sweden, can the 'Ox' do the same against Italy off the bench or starting? Verdict: Hodgson will opt for Milner however I have my doubts with Milner as I feel he lacks the pace to win a game from this type of position.
Centre-Midfield: Steven Gerrard
What a magnificent tournament this man is having. The new England skipper has been in many people's eyes England's best player including mine as I feel he has been a huge difference in every England match thus far. Given the task off sitting and shielding the England defence alongside trusty veteran Scott Parker, Gerrard has been a rock in the England midfield and could be the difference between the two sides (England and Italy) this Sunday in the Quarter-final clash. Verdict: Definite starter
Centre-Midfield: Scott Parker
Scott Parker is all about passion and never stopping. He puts everything on the line for both club and country and although he may not be one of the most technically gifted players in the world, he's one of the most passionate players. Parker is a titan for England and his performances have been extremely good during the European Championships. This is Parker's actual first real tournament with the Three Lions, and the 31 year old is looking more confident every game. Verdict: Definite starter
Left-Midfield: Ashley Young
Hasn't really lived up to the hype so far in this tournament so this could be the game where Young really cements his place in the England side. He is one of England's best players on his day with a genius footballing mindset and a brilliant ability to cut a defence open within an instance. Perhaps he's just waiting for the opportunity to pounce upon a defensive error. Young is a talent nevertheless. Verdict: Definite starter
Centre-Forward: Wayne Rooney
Rooney is the poster-boy of English football. His name is the selling point of England's football and he is on his day one of the best players in the world. Perhaps Rooney hasn't put in the performances that many would of expected from him since he's so prolific for club, Manchester United, Rooney can change a game instantly. Don't be surprised if we see Rooney becoming more involved than he did against Ukraine as Italy are more likely to be defensive than Ukraine were. Verdict: Definite starter
Striker: Danny Welbeck
Welbeck's 78-minute goal against Sweden which ultimately won England the game will be synonimous with England's partcipation in this tournament and his rightful place in the side. Welbeck managed to pull off a remarkable goal where he quite simply back-heeled off -balance and won the game for England. Welbeck with Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney alongside him up-front is always commited and is really becoming a world-class striker with a huge talent. Welbeck will start against Italy but may be substituted for the power that is Andy Carroll. Verdict: Likely to start depending on the approach Hodgson takes. There is the side I believe should start against Italy this Sunday. However the bench is just as important as proven when Theo Walcott changed the Sweden vs England game instantly when he came off the bench scored and assisted in a huge England comeback. The question is now, can England pull off another huge accomplishment and advance to the Semi-Finals? Rooney, Gerrard and Terry are world-class players who are known worldwide but un-sung heroes such as Welbeck and Lescott will also prove that England can actually pull off the remarkable. Or will they slip up?
