Midfield
Hodgson claimed that Jack Wilshere would get into the squad if he was fully fit since “he merits a place on past performances”. But he has not played a game all season.
Leicester City’s Daniel Drinkwater has impressed for the high-flying Foxes this season, having a hand in six goals. West Ham’s Mark Noble has also had a hand in seven goals. Both these players have been “knocking on the door” according to Hodgson and stats show they have done enough to warrant a call-up.
Everton’s Ross Barkley (8 goals and 7 assists) and Tottenham Hotspur’s young star Dele Alli (7 goals and 6 assists) also make the cut. With these four players in midfield in a 4-4-2 diamond formation, the likes of Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and James Milner miss out.
Attack
There are no surprises in attack with Leicester City striker and Premier League top goalscorer Jamie Vardy and Tottenham’s Harry Kane making the cut. Vardy has 19 goals this season, leading the Foxes from the front while Kane has caught up after a woeful start to net 17 goals.
If Rooney is unfit for Euro 2016, England’s hopes rest on the shoulders of these two strikers, especially with Danny Welbeck only just returning from injury and Daniel Sturridge still not 100% fit.
| Player | Team | Age | Position | PPI Season Index | PPI Season Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Butland | Stoke City | 22 | Goalkeeper | 318 | 83 |
| Charlie Daniels | Bournemouth | 29 | Defender | 406 | 30 |
| Scott Dann | Crystal Palace | 29 | Defender | 400 | 33 |
| Simon Francis | Bournemouth | 31 | Defender | 348 | 55 |
| Craig Dawson | West Bromwich Albion | 25 | Defender | 374 | 44 |
| Ross Barkley | Everton | 22 | Midfielder | 568 | 8 |
| Dele Alli | Tottenham Hotspur | 19 | Midfielder | 507 | 11 |
| Daniel Drinkwater | Leicester City | 26 | Midfielder | 435 | 20 |
| Mark Noble | West Ham United | 28 | Midfielder | 412 | 25 |
| Harry Kane | Tottenham Hotspur | 22 | Forward | 775 | 1 |
| Jamie Vardy | Leicester City | 29 | Forward | 723 | 3 |
