With our fearless leader Roy finally announcing his squad for the pre-euro’s friendlies, after being on Welbeck injury wait, we have a rough idea of those who will be going to France. As expected Joe Hart is accompanied by Fraser Forster and Tom Heaton, with Jack Butland out injured. In somewhat of a surprise Roy has only named three centre backs to play in the three friendlies in Stones, Smalling and Cahill. This could be more to do with the uncertainty surrounding the best choice wing backs, with Roy potentially using the three friendlies to decide upon who gets on the plane from Clyne, Walker, Rose and Bertrand. This is a good idea, as with Eric Dier being selected he could always fill in at CB if required, and I wouldn’t be to frustrated if this was Roy’s plan for France.
\r\n\r\nView post on imgur.com\r\n\r\nAlongside Eric Dier the centre of the England midfield is made up with Milner, Drinkwater, Henderson, Alli, Barkley, Wilshere and Delph. The inclusion of Henderson, Wilshere and Delph is more than likely a test of fitness. Getting them in to train with the rest of the squad gives Roy the opportunity to have a look at their fitness and also gives them an opportunity to prove they should be on the plane to France, with only one of them likely to get a seat. With Henderson having played the most minutes this season, he is arguably in the driving seat and Wilshere would have to do something special to oust him in my opinion.
\r\n\r\nThe English have never been blessed with an abundance of wide talent with Roy selecting Sterling, Lallana and Townsend for the friendlies. Whilst Townsend has had a good finish to the season his inclusion ahead of players like Walcott and Antonio in particular is somewhat surprising. But with Sturridge and Vardy selected as well, we do have two somewhat unconventional wide options to support Sterling and Lallana. Sterling hasn’t had the best season, but with injury and adjusting to a new team there are potential excuses. Despite this and whatever you think of him as a person, he is one of England’s brightest prospects and will play a big part in future tournaments.
\r\n\r\nAmong Vardy and Sturridge, Rooney, Kane and Rashford make up the rest of the 26. Everyone fully expects Kane to be starting for England in the opener against Russia, and with Roy’s persistence with Rooney we will see him drop back into a central midfield role more than likely. Rashford’s inclusion is one based on giving him some experience of training with the first team, and I doubt he will see any minutes. Even so this is a good idea from Roy as Rashford will gain invaluable experience that will stand him in good stead for the future.
\r\n\r\nWhilst there are a few surprise in this squad announcement, none of them stand out as being big mistakes and most are obvious choices. As stated earlier, I do believe only one of Henderson, Wilshere and Delph will be in France this summer, with Henderson the most likely at this stage. Rashford will also drop out giving us our 23-man squad for Euro domination (or at least until we get knocked out in the round of 16). Whilst we don’t have the finished product, I am more excited by this squad than any other of the previous England squads. There seems to be a style of play established and a group of young players hungry to prove themselves. Roll on June 11th.
\r\n\r\nArticle by @_MJMN, you can check his blog here: Let's Talk About Football
\r\n\r\nimage: thefa.com