The Premier League season might be over but it’s now time for the EURO 2016. We are in for a mouth-watering prospect as the biggest teams in Europe prepare to fight for the glory and honour of being crowned the best nation in the continent.
Apart from a few exceptions the big guns have all qualified for the tournament which will take place in France. The England football team are not favourites for the tournament but have the ability to pull off an upset.
Roy Hodgson will have to be cautious in his team selection with the manager set to announce his final 23-man squad that will be flying to France. In preparation for the event, England have played back to back friendlies.
Hodgson varied his team selection to ensure he was able to extract game time from most of his 25 man squad(Fabian Delph was ruled out through injury). It gave him a good understanding of the team’s strength and weaknesses but most importantly, it will make his final decision easier.
Jack Wilshere who missed almost the entirety of the domestic season enjoyed a couple of run outs against Australia and Turkey. The 24-year-old has become a favourite of the manager and is unlikely to miss out.
Marcus Rashord impressed on his debut against Australia scoring within the 3rd minute of the game. His rapid rise to stardom in the last 6 months will most probably culimnate into a final berth to France. Here are the players who might miss out.
Ross Barkley – Everton
Ross Barkley had a brilliant first half to the season. The Englishman played as the main central midfielder in the Everton attack and constantly linked up with prolific hitman Romelu Lukaku. Barkley also has an eye for goal.
The midfielder has quick feet and takes long range efforts quite frequently. The 22-year-old was on the radar of several big clubs but has probably lacked consistency to tempt the teams into a move.
Barkley did not miss a single game all season and scored 8 goals in the process. But he faces a lot of competition to make the final 23 man squad. Hodgson has a plethora of options when it comes to central midfield.
Adam Lallana, Dele Alli, Eric Dier are all sure to be included after impressive seasons so there is a good chance Barkley will be excluded from the squad.
Danny Drinkwater – Leicester City
Danny Drinkwater had an exceptional season with Leicester City. The former Manchester United trainee had the best year of hos career as Leicester overcame the most improbable of odds to lift the Premier League trophy.
He played an important role spreading the play well and initiating attacks from the middle of park, while combining well with N’golo Kante. His hard work paid off and he earned a call-up to the national side.
But despite his impressive displays, he might not make the final cut. Drinkwater had a poor outing during the friendlies, especially against Australia. In his defence, he was played out of position on the left but with so much competition for places, there is a good chance the manager will opt for his regulars.
Daniel Sturridge – Liverpool
Danie Sturridge had an encouraging second half of the season after being injured for most of the first half. He did need time to regain full fitness but managed to pitch in by scoring crucial goals for his team.
But Sturridge was once again injured before the friendly against Australia which enabled Rashford to star and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Sturridge has recovered and is back in training but his chances are certainly under threat.
If Hodgson does decide to deploy Wayne Rooney as a midfielder, a role in which he excelled for Manchester United, then there is a good chance the 26-year-old will get the nod from Hodgson.
