England at EURO 2012
Barring a disaster in Montenegro, England should qualify for the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine next summer, and despite a shaky start, Fabio Capello will be pleased with what he has seen from his players during the qualification campaign. Sort Your Sport looks at the likely 23 man squad for the tournament based on the form players have shown so far this season.
Goalkeepers
- Joe Hart will be England’s number one for the Euros
Joe Hart (Man City): Has developed into a top class goalkeeper in the last two seasons, travelled to South Africa in 2010 so has experience of an international tournament and now, with Manchester City, Champions League experience as well. Nobody can question his claims to the number one jersey.
Rob Green (West Ham): Having only been capped 11 times since his debut in 2005 and after his calamitous error in the World Cup opener against USA in South Africa a lot of people question his selection. On his day though, he is a good goalkeeper and will benefit from the absences of Paul Robinson and Ben Foster.
David Stockdale (Fulham, on loan at Ipswich): Has had an excellent start to the season with Ipswich in The Championship and if he can help them to promotion then his place in the squad should be assured.
Defenders
Ashley Cole (Chelsea): One of the first names on Capello’s team sheet and one of the few players in the squad who would make it into any other side on the planet. Has impressed at every tournament England have been to since 2002 and barring injury he won’t miss out this time either.
Leighton Baines (Everton): An excellent understudy to Cole, reliable and energetic in defence and has a wicked left foot in the attacking third. Useful from set pieces as well, Baines will be an important member of the squad.
John Terry (Chelsea): Controversially reinstated as captain but has repaid the managers faith with a series of assured performances since. Influential on and off the pitch, England will need him to be at his best if they are to realise their ambitions for the championships.
Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd): Hasn’t been named in the squad for the Montenegro game but is an important presence in the dressing room and if he can get back to full fitness he is still in Capello’s preferred central defensive partnership.
Phil Jones (Man Utd): The £16m man who is threatening Ferdinand’s place in the United team has been one of the captures of the season so far. Has impressed with his marauding runs forward and tough tackling and is almost certain to make the 23 for the Euros.
Micah Richards (Man City): Established himself as Manchester City’s first choice right back, has been in and out of the England set up under Capello but now, with Champions League experience under his belt, he can make to step up and become England’s first choice in his position.
Gary Cahill (Bolton): Is likely to be fighting it out with Kyle Walker and Chris Smalling for the final defensive spot but has shown good form in a poor start to the season for Bolton. A big move in January could be on the cards to press his claims home further.
Midfielders
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool): Has been struggling with injury but on his day can still change a game in a heartbeat, if we can prove his fitness for the rest of the season, will be a definite feature for England in the summer.
Frank Lampard (Chelsea): Answered his critics with a hat-trick against Bolton at the weekend, his passing and ability to get important goals are still imperious and adds crucial experience to the dressing room.
Can Jack Wilshere give a coming of age performance for England?
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal): Has missed the start of the season through a complicated ankle injury but is one the brightest prospects in world football and Capello seems to agree as he looks to build a team around the youngster. Could Euro 2012 be his coming of age?
Scott Parker (Tottenham): Got his move to Spurs late on in the transfer window and hasn’t looked back making a string of assured, industrious performances. He has been the linchpin of Harry Redknapp’s midfield and will give 100% commitment to the England cause in Poland & Ukraine.
Gareth Barry (Man City): Another important member of the England squad. Tough tackling and simple passing are key strings to Gareth Barry’s bow and his ability to break up play will be important to England during the tournament.
Ashley Young (Man Utd): His move to United was exactly what he needed and has come on leaps and bounds this season. Scored some key goals in the qualification campaign and will be looking to do the same at EURO 2012.
Theo Walcott (Arsenal): Was devastated to miss out on a place in South Africa but has come on leaps and bounds since then. His pace can be a threat to any defence and chips in with goals and assists as well.
Stewart Downing (Liverpool): Another mover in the close season, Downing has proved his worth for Liverpool with his direct running and wide range of passing skills. Offers another option on the left for The Three Lions.
James Milner (Man City): Versatile midfielder who has been in and out of the City side this season but has impressed when he has played. Another option in midfield for Capello.
Forwards
England will need Rooney to be at his best
Wayne Rooney (Man Utd): Has looked unstoppable at times for United this season. His temperament has improved no end and England fans will be hoping he can finally prove his undeniable brilliance on the international stage next summer.
Andy Carroll (Liverpool): The £35m forward looks to have settled in at Liverpool and offers England another dimension with the threat he poses aerially. Should cement his place if he keeps up his form.
Danny Wellbeck (Man Utd): Arguably the most improved player in the league this season. Has scored important goals for United and looks ready to make the step up to the international scene.
Darren Bent (Aston Villa): Consistently Bent is one of the best goal scorers in The Premier League and if he can continue to find the net he can be the one to take up the final attacking space in the squad for the tournament.
Waiting in the wings
Kyle Walker, Chris Smalling, Phil Jagielka, Tom Cleverley, Jordan Henderson, Adam Johnson, Daniel Sturridge, Jermaine Defoe, Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Let us know what you think of our squad on Twitter @sortyoursport
ALL ODDS PROVIDED BY: