Sunday, 16 October 2011

Euro 2012 - England's Squad


England Squad
With the Tournament scheduled for June 2012, the Premier League players only have this footballing year to impress Capello and his coaching staff, and secure a place in the 23 man squad for Poland/Ukraine. Throughout this year the emphasis for many players will be catching Capellos eye and forcing their way into the recognition for the summer. A handful of players are guaranteed a spot on the plane, we’ve decided to open the judging up and analyse a wider variety of players, and their individual chances of making the final squad.


Goal Keepers
# Joe Hart - Manchester City
Caps – 14
Chances -10/10
Verdict – Expected to be England’s number One for the next decade.

# Robert Green - West Ham United
Caps –11
Chances - 6/10
Verdict – That mistake against USA in South Africa last year, alongside playing Championship football this year will make it tough for Green.

# Scott Carson - Bursaspor
Caps – 3
Chances - 5/10
Verdict - Carson's fatal night at Wembley under McClaren threw him into International Exile, until a recent reprieve from Capello saw him included in the squad for Montenegro. Still a lot of work to do if he wants to make the final squad.

# David Stockdale - Ipswich Town (On Loan from Fulham)
Caps – 0
Chances - 6/10
Verdict - Young keeper favoured by Capello, making appearances in various squads without winning a cap. Future under study to Joe Hart.

# Ben Foster - West Bromwich Albion (On Loan from Birmingham City
Caps – 5
Chances - 8/10
Verdict - Revelation at Birmingham City last year, moving to West Brom to stay in the Premier League this year round. Retired from International duty, second best to Joe Hart, guaranteed place if made available.

# Frank Fielding - Derby County
Caps – 0
Chances - 4/10
Verdict - Another England Under 21 keeper like Stockdale, potential to feature as Hart's understudy in the future.

Right Backs
# Glenn Johnson - Liverpool
Caps – 34
Chances - 8/10
Verdict - Plagued by injuries this season at Anfield, and when fit, forced over to the left back to accommodate either Martin Kelly or Jamie Carragher. Exciting going forward but a liability in defence. 

Kyle Walker - Tottenham Hotspur
Caps – 0
Chances - 7/10
Verdict - Future England right back without doubt. Like Johnson exciting going forward but needs to improve on his defending. Should make the trip to Poland/Ukraine, whether as first choice, or second.

# Micah Richards - Manchester City
Caps – 12
Chances - 6/10
Verdict - Still only 23, potential to become an International regular, whether before this tournament or after. Still needs to convince Capello of his worth.

# Martin Kelly - Liverpool
Caps – 0
Chances - 5/10
Verdict - Forced Glenn Johnson over to Left Back at Anfield with his impressive displays. Predominantly a Centre Back, Kelly has been tipped to be a future England regular, even if this tournament has come too early. 

Left Back
# Ashley Cole - Chelsea
Caps – 92
Chances - 10/10
Verdict - Arguably the best Left Back in the world, England's player of the year 2010, one of the first names on Capello's team sheet.

# Leighton Baines - Everton
Caps – 5
Chances - 8/10
Verdict – Missed out on a place to South Africa amongst rumours of home-sickness. Since then, Baines has gone on to establish himself as Ashley Cole's understudy and should make the squad this summer.

# Kieran Gibbs - Arsenal
Caps – 2
Chances - 6/10
Verdict - Seems to have been ready to break through for over a year now. Injuries have halted Gibbs' progress both internationally and at Arsenal. The signing of Andre Santos should provide stiff competition, as Gibbs prepares to push for a place at the Emirates before England come calling.

# Stephen Warnock - Aston Villa
Caps – 2
Chances - 6/10
Verdict - Despite travelling to South Africa, the 29 year old has found International opportunities hard to come by since then. Regained his place at Villa Park after a tough season to consolidate his place as one of the Premier Leagues most consistent performers. Straight race between himself and Baines for the last slot, with Baines favourite. 
Centre Backs
# John Terry - Chelsea
Caps – 71
Chances - 10/10
Verdict - England captain should maintain his place at the heart of the defence, always gives 110%, even if this proves to be his last major tournament.

# Rio Ferdinand - Manchester United
Caps – 81
Chances - 8/10
Verdict- The emergence of both Phil Jones & Chris Smalling at Man Utd & England could call time on Ferdinand's England career sooner than people think. Definitely needs to work for his place in the starting 11. Should make the squad regardless.

# Phil Jones - Manchester United
Caps – 1
Chances - 8/10
Verdict - Revelation at Man Utd this year since his summer move from Blackburn, tipped to be a future England regular. If his performances continue to impress, Jones can make the squad for Poland/Ukraine. Made his debut at right back against Montenegro.

# Chris Smalling - Manchester United
Caps – 2
Chances - 7/10
Verdict - Like Jones, Smalling has been used mainly at right back this season, but both their levels of potential are visible. Seen by many as he natural successor to Ferdinand and Terry, both need good seasons to dethrone the pair this early.

# Gary Cahill - Bolton Wanderers
Caps – 6
Chances - 7/10
Verdict - More than able deputy for Terry or Ferdinand in recent times, pressure from Jones & Smalling, with time on their side.

# Joleon Lescott - Manchester City
Caps – 13
Chances - 7/10
Verdict - Like Cahill, proved to be a worthy stand-in at the heart of England's defence in the past 12 months. His place at City is under threat with the return of Kolo Toure, he now has to fight for his place on both fronts.

# Michael Dawson - Tottenham Hotspur
Caps - 4
Chances - 7/10
Verdict - Trusted by Capello as he travelled to South Africa in 2010, whether he has moved forwards or backwards since then is questionable. Fight on his hands to make the squad.

# Phil Jagielka - Everton
Caps – 9
Chances - 6/10
Verdict - In the same position as Dawson, Lescott & Cahill, being older than Jones and Smalling may prove to add experience to the squad, whilst also lacking future potential. Straight battle with the above for a place.

Central Midfielders
# Jack Wilshere - Arsenal
Caps – 5
Chances - 9/10
Verdict - Despite winning only 5 caps and suffering a serious ankle injury this season, Wilshere is expected to feature in Capello's plans, with the Italian impressed by the Arsenal stars accomplished performances at such a young age.


# Steven Gerrard - Liverpool
Caps – 89
Chances - 10/10
Verdict - Although yet to have a storming tournament, Gerrard is still considered one of  England's best and most exciting players. Potentially his last major tournament, so he will be expecting to go far.

# Frank Lampard - Chelsea
Caps – 89
Chances - 8/10
Verdict - Criticism this month has seen Lampard dropped by both England & Chelsea, despite the set back, Lampard has been one of the most consistent performers over the past decade, and with a strong season this year, he should feature in Capello's plans.

# Scott Parker - Tottenham Hotspur
Caps – 9
Chances - 8/10
Verdict - Somewhat of a late bloomer, beginning to cement his place in the England side with some assured performances in the holding midfield role. Suited to the much coveted 4-2-3-1 formation, and at the age of 30. this could prove to be his big chance.

# Gareth Barry - Manchester City
Caps – 49
Chances - 7/10
Verdict -The most capped player under Capello, he's seen to add calmness to the midfield, and despite criticism from the fans, should expect to make the squad this summer.

# Owen Hargreaves - Manchester City
Caps – 42
Chances - 6/10
Verdict - A solid favourite under Sven Goran Eriksson, injuries have taken their toll on the Canadian born midfielder. However, a move to Manchester City has seen Hargreaves return to fitness, and a late push for the Euro 2012 squad is expected from him.

# James Milner - Manchester City
Caps – 21
Chances - 8/10
Verdict - Mr versatile has been seen to swap his usual role out wide for a more central berth this season, and will be looking to make Capello's squad, being able to fill in at numerous positions.

# Joey Barton - Queens Park Rangers
Caps – 1
Chances - 5/10
Verdict - The most controversial figure in English football this year. At Newcastle last year, Barton stated numerous times that he was good enough for England and the best performing midfielder the country had. Despite no-one arguing with his ability, a call-up is  unlikely, with the controversy it would create unnecessary and ill timed. 

# Jack Rodwell - Everton
Caps – 0
Chances - 6/10
Verdict - One for the future. The England Under 21 star had been tipped for a bright future with the full squad, even though this tournament may have come around too early.

# Jordan Henderson - Liverpool
Caps – 1
Chances - 5/10
Verdict - Made his debut against France last year, and failed to be selected since. Despite a big money move to Liverpool, Henderson has fell out of the spotlight and out of Capello's immediate plans.

# David Beckham - L.A Galaxy
Caps – 115
Chances - 6/10
Verdict - England's most capped outfield player would have to secure a move to a Premier League side in order to catch Capello's eye. Rumours of interest from QPR & Spurs could encourage Beckham to try and make one last appearance at a major tournament, even if his inclusion seems unlikely. 

# Michael Carrick - Manchester United
Caps - 22
Chances - 5/10
Verdict - Fell out of favour both with England & Manchester United in recent times. Unlikely member of the squad.

# Tom Cleverley - Manchester Uniuted
Caps - 0
Chances - 6/10
Verdict - Enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, before injury saw him side-lined. Capello is a huge fan of the midfielder, who has been touted as Paul Scholes' successor at Old Trafford. Goof form could see him sneak in ahead of other more experienced players.

Wingers
# Ashley Young - Manchester United
Caps – 18
Chances - 9/10
Verdict - The Manchester United winger has been in sensational form this season since his move from Aston Villa. Established himself in the starting 11 for both club & country.


# Theo Walcott - Arsenal
Caps – 19
Chances - 8/10
Verdict - Since being selected to go the World Cup in 2006 and then missing out in South Africa, Walcott has to prove his worth in International football. He has been selected in the past few games, with steady and reliable performances. Moer excitement is needed to ensure his place this Summer.
# Aaron Lennon - Tottenham Hotspur
Caps – 19
Chances - 6/10
Verdict - Injuries and inconsistency has played a part in the downfall of Aaron Lennon. Once mentioned as the next great thing in English football, Lennon has failed to fulfill that potential. Only a brilliant second half to the season will see him fall into recognition.

# Stewart Downing - Liverpool
Caps – 30
Chances - 8/10
Verdict - Targeted by England's 'boo-boys' in recent years, but at Villa Park last year, Downing became one of the Premier Leagues most consistent wingers, and as a result, won a big money move to Liverpool and established his place in Capello's England squad. Yet to hit top form for his new club, but with time he should hit good form again.

# Shaun Wright-Phillips - Queens Park Rangers
Caps - 36
Chances - 6/10
Verdict - Similar to Aaron Lennon, S.W.P has failed to set the world alight on the international stage. With limited opportunities available at Manchester City, a move to QPR has re-ignited his performances, with his goal to make Euro 2012.

# Adam Johnson - Manchester City
Caps – 8
Chances - 7/10#
Verdict - Exciting young prospect who is expected to stake a claim for a regular starting spot in the years if not months to come. Should make the trip to Poland/Ukraine, if only as an impact substitution.


Joe Cole - Lille
Caps - 56
Chances - 6/10
Verdict - After a torrid time at Anfield, Cole sought a move away, with his move to France coming at the right time. Hopes that it will rejuvenate the England midfielder, who surprised many by making the World Cup squad for South Africa. A lot of work to do before he breaks back into the England fold.


# Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Caps – 0
Chances - 6/10
Verdict - Earning rave reviews within the Under 21 camp, scoring a hat-trick against Iceland last week and being tipped by many to be a future star. If the former Southampton star can maintain a place at Arsenal, he could make the squad, in the same circumstances Theo Walcott did 5 years ago.



Strikers
# Wayne Rooney
Caps – 73
Chances - 9/10
Verdict - England's golden boy. Capello will hope he can keep his tempter in check throughout the tournament, as he faces the prospect of missing the group stages through suspension. If found guilty, and banned, presuming England advance, Rooney would still prove vital and a huge lift to the side in the knock-out phase of the tournament.

# Darren Bent - Aston Villa
Caps – 11
Chances - 8/10
Verdict - Described as the best finisher in the Premier League by some, Bent has found International opportunities hard to come by, missing out on previous major tournaments. This time round, the Aston Villa striker seems to have made the number 9 shirt his own, and keen to add to his goal tally, the front man should feature in Capello's plans.

# Jermaine Defoe - Tottenham Hotspur
Caps – 46
Chances - 6/10
Verdict - Despite the arrival of Adebayor at White Hart Lane this Summer, Defoe has retained his place in the side, scoring 4 goals from8 appearances. The Spurs striker will hope to make the squad, but faces tough competition from similar players in Sturridge & Welbeck for a place in Capello's squad.



 # Andy Carroll - Liverpool
Caps – 3
Chances - 7/10
Verdict - Carroll has been seen to struggle to justify his £35million price tag, since swapping Newcastle for Liverpool. Goals have been hard to come by, even though the target man has still caused defenders many problems. Before his debut last year against France, many tipped Carroll to make the Centre Forward position his own. To date, he has failed to do so, with a strong season for Liverpool needed to secure his place in the squad.

# Bobby Zamora - Fulham
Caps – 1
Chances - 6/10
Verdict - After good form for Fulham, Zamora was rewarded with a call up before the World Cup last year. Capello also gave hints that Zamora may have been selected, presumably ahead of Heskey, if the striker had not suffered an injury in the build up to the tournament. As previously said, faces tough competition from Crouch & Carroll. Good form needed this season.

# Danny Welbeck - Manchester United
Caps – 2
Chances - 7/10
Verdict - Started the season in blistering form, partnering Wayne Rooney upfront scoring twice in the first three games of the season. Big things are expected from the Ghanain born striker, who will be rivalled by a place in Capello's squad by fellow youngster Sturridge and the more experienced Jermaine Defoe.


# Peter Crouch - Stoke City
Caps – 42
Chances - 7/10
Verdict -  22 goals from 42 International appearances gives Crouch a sensational goal ratio record. Adding a whole new dimension to the way England play, Crouch has never failed to deliver, scoring over 1 goal every two games. Faces stiff competition from Carroll & Zamora to be the 'big man' in the team.


# Daniel Sturridge - Chelsea
Caps – 0
Chances - 7/10
Verdict - Yet to receive his first cap after impressing on loan at Bolton last season, the Chelsea forward has impressed so far this term, calling for Capello to use him in the friendlies leading up to the tournament. As Welbeck is, suited to a 4-3-3 formation, playing out wide or centrally. Goals needed this season to cement a place in the squad.

# Gabriel Agbonlahor - Aston Villa
Caps – 3
Chances - 7/10
Verdict - Began  the season under McLeish in sensational form, equaling his entire goal tally last year, in the opening five games, bagging 3 goals in the process. He has predominantly been used out wide, again showing versatility to adapt to different formations. His pace would prove a useful asset in Poland/Ukraine, but a number of goals and good performances are needed this season to convince Capello. 

# Michael Owen - Manchester United
Caps – 89
Chances - 5/10
Verdict - Despite never giving up on his International career, Michael Owen has found opportunities at Old Trafford hard to come by, and as a result, has failed to get a look in on the England stage. Although still clinging to hope of a re-call, Capello has refused to comment on whether he will be considered for the tournament. A possible move in January, to find first team football seems the only way Owen can gatecrash the party.

Who would you have in your squad?
Comment below.

2 comments:

  1. Erm your supposed 2nd and 3rd choice keepers, Robert Green and Ben Foster are both retired from International football. No?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ben Foster is retired yes, as we pointed out in the article.... "Retired from International duty, second best to Joe Hart, guaranteed place if made available".

    Robert Green said he was considering International retirement but didn't confirm it, and we haven't put the goalkeepers in particular any order, just rated their chances if made available

    ReplyDelete