A breakdown of Hodgson’s England squad

 

Roy Hodgson named a 23 man squad with a strong mix of youth and experience for Euro 2012 this summer, the only major surprise being Rio Ferdinand missing out.

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart (17 caps) – certain to be number 1 this summer and for many years to come. Since displacing Shay Given in the Manchester City goal 2 seasons ago Hart has distinguished himself as a top goalkeeper with years ahead of him.

Robert Green (11 caps) – an experienced back up to Hart but has been susceptible to mistakes in an England shirt. Unlikely to see any playing time in Poland & Ukraine.

John Ruddy (uncapped) – a well deserved call up, testament to some strong performances for Norwich this season.

Defenders

Glen Johnson (35 caps) – an attacking full back that is a threat going forward but may be a weak link in the defence. Likely to be a starter at right back.

Phil Jones (4 caps) – a youthful inclusion and useful versatility at the back, can play full back, centre back or in the centre midfield if needed to. A lot to learn but has started well at Manchester United.

John Terry (72 caps) – the only reason to not have picked Terry would be his impending court case. Adds a huge amount of experience and pride to the defence.

Joleon Lescott (14 caps) – not a huge amount of international experience but has been a solid part of Manchester City’s title winning side. Has a huge case for starting on the left hand side of John Terry.

Gary Cahill (8 caps) – pace, comfortable on the ball and a goal threat from set pieces make Cahill an easy pick, add that to the increasing understanding between him he might be in the starting XI.

Ashley Cole (93 caps) – the most experienced defender in the squad, a quality full back in both halves of the field. A definite starter.

Leighton Baines (7 caps) – a more than capable back up for Cole. A brilliant crosser and fine free-kick taker, Hodgson wouldn’t need to worry if Baines was needed to play.

Midfielders

Theo Walcott (22 caps) – pace in abundance just needs more threat and end product to strike fear in to the opposition defence.

Stewart Downing (33 caps) – finally an English midfielder with a left foot but Downing often flatters to deceive, no league goals for Liverpool this year and no goals in 33 caps.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (uncapped) – pace and power make The Ox a good choice, his youthful fearlessness might scare a few of the defenders in the tournament if he is given enough of a chance.

Steven Gerrard Captain (90 caps) – a certain to start in midfield or just off the front. England fans will be hoping he can replicate some of his Liverpool performances in to an England shirt to inspire the team.

Gareth Barry (52 caps) – became a regular under Fabio Capello and is now one of the most experienced members of the squad. Unselfish style of play allows others to attack while he protects and keeps the ball moving.

Frank Lampard (90 caps) – huge experience in the middle of midfield, may be the wrong side of 30 but still has a lot to offer going forward. Maybe this will be the tournament he plays well with Gerrard.

Scott Parker (11 caps) – earned his place under Capello and has continued with fine performances for Tottenham. Enables the more attacking players around him to do what they do while he tidies up in the middle of the park.

Ashley Young (19 caps) – a threat cutting in from the left hand sided and whipping the ball in to the box for the strikers to do the business. Let’s hope his theatrical reputation doesn’t precede him.

James Milner (24 caps) – great versatility, able to play anywhere in midfield and even as a left or right sided full back if needs must.

Forwards

Danny Welbeck (4 caps) – full of running and has added goals to his game during a good season in the Manchester United team. His understanding with Wayne Rooney may be a big case for his selection.

Jermaine Defoe (46 caps) – more likely to be on the bench thank starting but his pace will definitely be a threat later in the game and the tournament if England are able to get there.

Wayne Rooney (73 caps) – the most capped striker in the squad and the biggest goal scoring threat. Although banned for the first 2 games Rooney will certainly play a major role if he can continue his club form in an England shirt.

Andy Carroll (3 caps) – failed to live up to his £35 million price tag but towards the end of the season looked more of the player he was at Newcastle. As ever the England manager likes to include a target man for some rout one football.

Sam Jewell

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