England Squad

[YateleyRoyal]

As one of the journos put on Twitter, if Walker, Rodriguez, Walcott and to some extent Townsend had been fit, then there may have been some debate. As they aren't, the squad almost picks itself.

[Hoop Blah]

Why do we think A.Cole would definitely have been on the standby list?
Look at the Euro '12 squad list.

Defenders
Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Joleon Lescott, John Terry.

Standby
Phil Jagielka

If you're taking 7 defenders and one on standby then there is not room for 3 players who are solely left backs, imo.

I think Richards was supposed to be on the standby list as well, but refused. Also, Martin Kelly was then called into the squad for the Norway friendly so was kind of on standy too.

[YateleyRoyal]

Jones confirmed as major injury doubt, Stones will replace him if not fit.

[Maguire]

Since the Cole v Shaw issue was resolved yesterday (I would've taken Cole FWIW, but not massively fussed) that squad is exactly what I expected. No surprises at all.

It's too soon for Stones to go IMHO but there's still a chance he'll be there with Jones injured.

I really like Roy Hodgson - should've been England manager earlier than this. He's perfect for the job.

[TBM]

It's too soon for Stones to go IMHO but there's still a chance he'll be there with Jones injured.

I would personally call Carrick up if Jones can't make it - he can play that holding role as well as in central defence if need be

[BR2]

Since the Cole v Shaw issue was resolved yesterday (I would've taken Cole FWIW, but not massively fussed) that squad is exactly what I expected. No surprises at all.

It's too soon for Stones to go IMHO but there's still a chance he'll be there with Jones injured.

I really like Roy Hodgson - should've been England manager earlier than this. He's perfect for the job.

Presumably Jones is meant to be a back-up centre-back and right-back (neither of which I think he is much good at but obviously the manager thinks otherwise) so Stones would be ideal as he can play either.
The other option would be Caulker as just a centre-back and regarding Milner as a back-up right-back.

[St. Brynjar]

Would have taken Barry over Lampard and Gibbs over Shaw. Other than that can't complain too much. I'd like to see:

----------------------------Hart----------------------------

Johnson---------Cahill----------Jones-----------Baines

--------Milner----------Gerrard---------Wilshere--------

-------Sterling---------Rooney----------Sturridge-------

[winchester_royal]

Like that squad, a few genuinely exciting young talents and a fair amount of experience.

A potentially tricky presser confidently handled by Roy. Growing increasingly fond of him.

Optimism is starting to grow, worryingly..

[P!ssed Off]

Would have taken Barry over Lampard and Gibbs over Shaw. Other than that can't complain too much. I'd like to see:

----------------------------Hart----------------------------

Johnson---------Cahill----------Jones-----------Baines

--------Milner----------Gerrard---------Wilshere--------

-------Sterling---------Rooney----------Sturridge-------

Glad you're not England manager then.

[MouldyRoyal]

Pretty much as I expected tbh.

Starting line up?

--------------------Sturridge------------------
Sterling---------Rooney---------Lallana
--------------Gerrard---Wilshere---------------
Baines-----Cahill----Jagielka---Johnson
------------------------Hart---------------------------

I'd like to see that anyway.

Pretty much this, with Henderson pushing Wilshere for a starting berth.

While I don't think such an 11 is going to pull up many trees at the World Cup, you're looking at only a couple of changes (barring injuries) to the next Euros. So hopefuly it's a good learning experience for them.

[Royalclapper]

It's good to see some of the promising younger players being given a place in the squad.

Problem is, making the most of the best attributes of the players who get picked. It's great to see Barkley's inclusion for instance, who's been excellent this season but how are England going to get the best out of him?

We've got a few who could potentially be proper International players but you just know that the pass-and-move integrated systems of opposition nations will smother any hope of England being too creative or cohesive. Instead we'll have the 'chase it down' 'sling it forward' 'get forward-track back' outdated mode of unsuccessful & turgid football that's as outdated as it deserves to be..............'The Sun' will love it though cos that's what we do best innit

[Sanguine]

Does depend how Hodgson chooses to use his players - purely as an example, with a host of attacking Liverpool players in the starting XI (potentially 4 of the 6), it would be madness not to play Sturridge down the middle, and Gerrard in a deep role.

But Hodgson has used Sturridge wide and likes Welbeck, it wouldn't be a massive surprise to see England set up in a similar way to recent friendlies, in spite of the good results players in the team have had with their clubs in different formations.

[Whatevs]

Only cause for concern for me is the lack of a true defensive midfielder and that Smalling is a bit shit.

Smalling is shit at RB he's a very good CB. Quick and very strong. Totally bossed Ribery at OT

[LWJ]

Hope we start with a team like;


------------------Hart-----------------
Jagielka--Cahill--Smalling--Baines
--------Gerrard---Wilshere---------
Oxlade--------Barkley--------Milner
-------------Sturridge----------------

Would have liked to see Terry come out of retirement tbh, our cbs look weak as. Also would have preferred Carrick to Henderson and Defoe to Welbeck.

[Bandini]

Looks like quite a good squad.

[genome]

How good is Wilshere further back or is he too lightweight?

[YateleyRoyal]

Hope we start with a team like;


------------------Hart-----------------
Jagielka--Cahill--Smalling--Baines
--------Gerrard---Wilshere---------
Oxlade--------Barkley--------Milner
-------------Sturridge----------------

Would have liked to see Terry come out of retirement tbh, our cbs look weak as. Also would have preferred Carrick to Henderson and Defoe to Welbeck.

Jagielka at right back? Are you high?

[Sanguine]

Hope we start with a team like;


------------------Hart-----------------
Jagielka--Cahill--Smalling--Baines
--------Gerrard---Wilshere---------
Oxlade--------Barkley--------Milner
-------------Sturridge----------------

Would have liked to see Terry come out of retirement tbh, our cbs look weak as. Also would have preferred Carrick to Henderson and Defoe to Welbeck.

Jagielka at right back? Are you high?

Plus Milner in the side, and calling for Terry, Carrick and Defoe back?

Surprised a young 'un can't see the positives of a young and attack-minded squad.

[Royalcop]

Pleasantly surprised by Roy's lack of conservatism - I was expecting Defoe and Cashley to be in the squad. The only inclusion I don't agree with is Wilshere, not played enough football, injury prone and just don't like him - would have taken Carrick who can count himself unlucky given he's been the one bright spark in a dismal season for United. Concerned by Gerrard's mental state - he seemed completely distraught yesterday and must be physically and emotionally exhausted.

I would line up like this, at least against Italy and fitness permitting:

-----------------------Hart--------------------------
Johnson------Cahill-------Jagielka-------Baines
-------------Gerrard-----Henderson-------------
Milner------------Rooney---------------Sterling
-------------------Sturridge-----------------------

[TBM]

Why are people putting Henderson in their starting XI?

Yeah ok he's had a few good games for Liverpool but he's not International class yet

Lampard then Wilshire before Henderson IMHO