Euro 2012, who to take?

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart

John Ruddy

Rob Green

Out of the twenty Premier League clubs, only four have an Englishman as their first choice Goalkeeper, and two of those have retired from International duty. So it’s slim pickings for top flight Goalkeepers, luckily we have one of the world’s best between the sticks, Scott Carson Joe Hart. The other two spots will hopefully be taken up by players we only see warming the bench, but just in case they have to come on I suppose it would be advisable to choose the next best options. John Ruddy has had a barnstorming season and is the only other available top flight English goalkeeper. Rob Green also comes in, and when has he ever let England down? What? Oh has he, ah. And Rob Green also comes in; he has his own pair of gloves.

Defence

Right Backs

Micah Richards

Kyle Walker

No no Glen, not this time.

Micah Richards was ostracised from the England team by Capello, but I really can’t see Hodgson ignoring him. Richards is a freight train of a man when going forward, and has improved defensively, mainly because he’s so wide that it’s a real struggle to get round him. To give him his full title - PFA Young Player of the Year - Kyle Walker is a man of more than adequate backup. Has made the right-back slot his own at Spurs and will push Richards all the way for a place in the starting XI.

Left Backs

Ashley Cole

Leighton Baines

God I hate Ashley Cole, not just because he’s seemingly a sub-par human, but because combined with that he’s a world class footballer. He's one of the best left backs in world football and *grits teeth* we’re lucky to have him. In backup we have Leighton Baines, the left back included in the PFA Team of the year. Very consistent and provides an attacking threat having weighed in with the same amount of assists and goals as Andy Carroll (that was meant as a compliment).

Centre Backs

Joleon Lescott

Rio Ferdinand

John Terry

Phil Jones

The centre backs of England are currently going through a transitional period. The old guard are nearing the end of their career and as a result their abilities are beginning to decline. Whereas the young up and comers, although have shown plenty of promise, they have not yet reached the standard where you feel confident of placing the expectation of a whole country upon their shoulders.

So I feel a blend of youthful exuberance and the old headed experience will be the best way forward. Joleon Lescott has been one of the stand-out performers at centre back this season and for me would be first choice. Partnering him would be Rio Ferdinand, a player in the similar mould to Kompany who has worked so well alongside Lescott. Backing these two up would be John Terry *spits* and Phil Jones, with the latter being able to cover at right back and defensive midfield if required.

Midfield

Defensive Midfielders

Scott Parker

Gareth Barry

It is rumoured that when the Spurs players try to indulge in a bit of shooting practice, Scott Parker instead sees this as an opportunity to up his blocking skills to level 99. The tenacious midfielder will surely be on the plane to €2012, and should be starting in the defensive midfield role. Backing him up is Gareth Barry. He’s been a consistent figure in Man City’s midfield and offers a valuable air of calm to the midfield with his ball retention. However Gareth if you’re reading this I still haven’t forgotten or forgiven you for your performance against Germany in the World Cup, namely getting obliterated on the wing by Mesut Ozil.

Central Midfielders

Frank Lampard

James Milner

Steven Gerrard

How we will miss Jack Wilshere, the poor man’s Luka Modric is unfortunately injured otherwise he would be guaranteed to start for England. So what other options do we have? Well, we have the rejuvenated Frank Lampard. Neglected by Villas-Boas, but nurtured by Di Matteo, Lampard has shown the nation once again that he’s not quite past it. I’m not sure whether I’m feeling a little sentimental in making this decision, because his league form hasn’t been exceptional, Steven Gerrard. One of the greatest English players of his generation, he could single handily wrangle games from the jaws of defeat. For me his experience and the hope that he might produce something brilliant is why he’d be on the plane. Then for completely the opposite reasons James Milner would be joining him. His consistency, work ethic and versatility make him a must have at tournaments.  

Wingers

Ashley Young

Theo Walcott

Aaron Lennon

I may have coined the now world famous “Theo Walcott is a waste of pace”, but my word what pace he does have. One of the world’s quickest players and, when he feels like it, he can even incorporate a football into those runs. Ashley Young, I detest when you dive for Man United, but although it pains me to admit it, I’d probably protest that you had been cynically fouled if you do that in an England shirt, you’re in! Versatility is key when you have such a closed group of players, so I should probably have picked Adam Johnson, but instead Aaron Lennon has been given the nod. He too can play from either wing and has the pace and ability to come inside or go out. Having recently recovered from a longer term injury he may offer a freshness that other players will as per usual, lack.

Forward

Strikers

Wayne Rooney

Danny Welbeck

Andy Carroll

Daniel Sturridge

Although missing the first two matches we don’t have any other forward of Wayne Rooney’s class, so he’s definitely going to be on the plane. As I mentioned earlier versatility is key which is why the forwards that I have picked all offer something different. In Andy Carroll we have a lumbering idiot powerful target man who will wreak havoc in the air having finally found some form. Daniel Sturridge is one of the more technically gifted players in the squad and can play from the wing if needed. He has also shown that if thrust to the wider areas he can still offer a goal threat. Finally there would be a seat on the plane at the back, probably with not much leg room and next to a screaming baby for, Danny Welbeck. A player whom I think will develop into a top all-round striker, he has pace, power, technique and composure in front of goal, added to this his link up play with Rooney should be well established he could be a surprise package this summer.

Final XI

GK - Hart

RB - Richards
LB - Cole
CB - Ferdinand
CB - Lescott

CM - Parker
CM - Lampard

RM - Walcott
LM - Young
AM - Gerrard

TS – Carroll / (Rooney)

Josh

Read who Owain East and Dave Nicholls think Roy should take to €2012 here and here.