The defeat to Holland at Wembley brought England crashing down to earth after everyone got a bit carried away with a 3-2 victory over world champions Germany on Saturday evening.
Whilst the refereeing decisions were questionable at times, the defeat shows England are by no means a complete side- although it should be noted that there were noticeable absentees and the side that featured at Wembley is extremely unlikely to line-up at the European Championships.
It means that England’s preparations for the Euro’s across the English channel in France this summer are complete, as the next time the Three Lions take to the field it will be against Russia in the opening group stage match.
For Roy Hodgson, it’s time to make some decisions and there will be some big-name absentees from the 23-man squad he takes to the tournament- though we feel that the squad we’ve selected is definitely the side he should choose.
Expect some minor surprises but this squad is the best England have available to them!
Hit Hodgson below to see the 23-man squad he should select!
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Joe Hart
England’s number one goalkeeper, Joe Hart is likely to be the first name on the squad list and one the team-sheet throughout the Three Lions’ campaign. He does have capable players waiting in the wings though, so he needs to ensure he keeps his form levels high.
Fraser Forster
The Southampton stopper is understudy to Joe Hart, due to an untimely injury for Jack Butland, and many believe he should actually be first choice. His performances for the Saints this term have been very good and England will be confident he can fill Hart’s void if necessary.
Tom Heaton
Butland’s ankle fracture has opened the door for Burnley stopper Tom Heaton to come into the squad and whilst his inclusion will be questioned by some, it doesn’t really make too much of a difference who occupies this spot as, barring a disaster, the third-choice stopper won’t see any game-time.
Danny Rose
After impressive performances against Germany and Holland, though he conceded a penalty against the latter, Danny Rose looks likely to be first-choice on the left. With Leighton Baines struggling for fitness and form, the Spurs man should have the tournament to look forward too.
Ryan Bertrand
With the aforementioned Baines, who was a starter at the last World Cup, not quite finding his feet this season, Bertrand should become the second Southampton man within the squad. Since leaving Chelsea’s he’s enjoyed top form and he’ll be ready to step-in for Rose if required.
Gary Cahill
The veteran defender is likely to see Euro 2016 as his last international tournament and the Chelsea man will enter the competition as a first-choice defender and a contender to take the captain’s armband, should anything happen to Wayne Rooney.
Chris Smalling
Chris Smalling has been the shining light in a lacklustre season for Manchester United this term and the former Fulham man is expected to partner Cahill in defence. With a wealth of experience, Smalling is the right man for the job and England have their best defensive pairing since John Terry and Rio Ferdinand were in their prime.
Phil Jagielka
Competing with his club team-mate for action, Phil Jagielka will make the squad in what could also be his last international tournament. Whether he’s third choice or fourth, Jagielka could see game-time, especially in the latter stages of the competition.
John Stones
John Stones is very much one for the future and come the World Cup in 2018, the Everton man will be a starter. For now though, he’s a member of the squad but England will have comfort knowing they have someone to step-in should any injury problems arise.
Nathaniel Clyne
Nathaniel Clyne has firmly cemented himself as England’s first-choice right-back and the Three Lions can look forward to a campaign without Glen Johnson. The Liverpool man is solid at the back and going forward, so he will be a crucial asset.
Kyle Walker
An underrated member of the squad, Kyle Walker presents an alternative to Nathaniel Clyne and he could be a useful substitute. With a wealth of pace, the Spurs man can cause problems moving forward but his defensive attributes can be called into question.
James Milner
Another contender to take the captain’s armband if Wayne Rooney is absent, James Milner has been a bit-part member of the England set-up for years. He’s already threatened to retire before this summer but he’s likely to see the tournament out, before calling time on his international career after England’s involvement.
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling hasn’t quite had things go his own way since leaving Liverpool for Manchester City but he remains a crucial player for England. Previously with plenty of competition for his first-team spot, Sterling is a likely starter for England at the Euro’s as that competition has dwindled significantly.
Dele Alli
England have elected a new golden boy, as is customary before every major international tournament, and Dele Alli will be a crucial asset this summer. Whether he starts or comes on as an impact sub remains to be seen but the exciting Spurs talent is one to watch.
Ross Barkley
Previously one of England’s entrusted golden boys, Ross Barkley has slipped off a bit in the past two years. However, his form for Everton has made some headlines and he could be selected as a starter for the Three Lions- in what is an inexperienced midfield.
Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool captain will be thankful that England’s midfield options have dwindled significantly since the last World Cup, as his form for the Reds hasn’t quite cried-out that he should be an England regular. One of the most experienced options though, Henderson is valuable to Roy Hodgson.
Eric Dier
Another young player to look out for is Spurs ace Eric Dier, who’s involvement at the Euro’s is likely to depend on Jack Wilshere’s fitness. Dier will start if the Arsenal man doesn’t recover but could find himself second-fiddle in any other situation.
Jack Wilshere
Jack Wilshere faces a race against time to be fit for the European Championships, having not kicked a ball this season, but Roy Hodgson recently gave the Arsenal man a boost by stating he’s still very much in his plans. If he is fit, expect him to start.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Going toe-to-toe with club team-mate Theo Walcott for what’s likely to be the last spot in the squad, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is another who can be thankful England’s wide options are less than they used to be. Whilst he’s a bit-part for Arsenal, Roy Hodgson values Oxlade-Chamberlain highly and you shouldn’t be surprised if he gets his spot.
Danny Welbeck
Danny Welbeck will likely go head-to-head with Daniel Sturridge for a spot on the plane but it’s the Arsenal man who should get the nod. Capable of leading the attack or playing out-wide, Welbeck can provide options for two key areas- those it’s his experience out-wide that’s crucial, as he’s unlikely to get a chance as a striker.
Wayne Rooney
The big debate for the summer is whether Wayne Rooney should actually start for England, as the captain has dropped behind two names in the battle for a striking position. On paper, Rooney shouldn’t be a starter but his position as captain makes things difficult. Expect this to be his last international tournament.
Harry Kane
One half of what England fans are hopeful will be an electric strike-partnership this summer, Harry Kane has to show himself as being capable of firing in goals regularly on the international stage having hit 45 goals in 79 Premier League matches. If he finds that form for England, it’ll give the Three Lions a massive boost.
Jamie Vardy
The breakthrough star in the Premier League season, Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy has propelled himself to be the name on everybody’s lips with 19 goals and six assists in the Premier League this term. His inclusion could give England a 40-goal strike partnership for the tournament, which rivals the best out there, but Rooney could be a problem.
