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| Roy Hodgson: Another chance to prove himself on international stage |
New England manager Roy Hodgson will announce his squad for Euro 2012 on May 16th. He has some dilemmas over the squad selection.
Trouble free between the posts
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| Hart: Brought reassurance to the team |
Joe Hart has been impressive for Man City this season. The only choice Hodgson has to make between the posts is to choose his deputy. Robert Green and Scott Carson are the expected candidates.
Defensive woes
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| Terry or Ferdinand? |
The main controversy surrounding the media is whether to include both Rio Ferdinand and John Terry in the squad. Both of them have been rock solid for the Three Lions for nearly a decade. But their partnership is under question after Terry's alleged racial abuse on Ferdinand's brother, Anton. Both of them are also believed to have past their prime. John Terry especially, has had his performances at the end of the season come under scrutiny lately, although defended by Roberto di Matteo. Ferdinand on the other hand performed better than Terry, although still suffering from back injury.
Martin Keown believed that Hodgson will not take both of them to Euro this summer. Indeed, Hodgson may risk having a toxic atmosphere in the dressing room by selecting both of them, although both centre-backs have expressed willingness to play alongside each another if selected.
There is speculation that Hodgson is leaning towards omitting Terry to control the dressing room atmoshpere. Not many players would like to play alongside an ex-captain stripped of captaincy twice.
Hodgson has stated that he will talk to both players before he announced his squad selection next Wednesday.
Joleon Lescott or Gary Cahill would be expected to step up if one of them is omitted. Phil Jones would be expected to join the party too, although he is still too young and inexperienced to play a major part this summer. Chris Smalling who was recently injured against Swansea would be unavailable.
Ashley Cole is still the undisputed first choice on the left. On the right back position, Johnson is widely expected to be the first choice based on his experience. Both Micah Richards and Kyle Walker have performed well in this season, but lack of international experience may causes them falling down the pecking order.
Midfield the assets
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| Gerrard: Lead by example |
Steven Gerrard is the only player confirmed a starting place at the middle of the park. He is expected to captain the side too. Scott Parker and Gareth Barry were brilliant this season. As part of the fading 'golden genaration', Frank Lampard showed that he is still reliable in big matches as well this season. I believe that Parker and Lampard would get the nod over Barry to start behind Gerrard in the first group match. Paul Scholes has helped United to keep the pace on City during the
second half of the season, producing first class performances. However, given that all the four previously mentioned players are still fit, Scholes' inclusion may seem unnecessary.
On the flanks, Young and Walcott are favourites. Milner rarely plays for City this season. Downing's form is inconsistent for the Reds. There has been calls for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to be included in the squad. But he is still too young and did not get anough chances for Arsenal this season. Hodgson may not want to risk with the youngster. Jack Wilshere had been declared unavailable since last year.
Striking options shortage
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| Rooney: Unavailable in the first two matches |
Another conundrum would be shortage of striking options up front. Hodgson has already confirmed that he will bring Rooney who will be suspended for the first two games to the tournament. With second choice Darren Bent also unlikely to recover in time by June, Hodgson has a real headache.
Welbeck, Sturridge, Crouch and Carroll are all possible choices. Welbeck is the most promising amongst them, playing well in front of Rooney for United this season. Among them, Peter Crouch has the most outstanding international goal record. Sturridge on the other hand is a real threat on the flank for Chelsea, although he is only third choice at Stamford Bridge.
Carroll's excellent form in recent matches has come in time. He almost single-handedly sent Liverpool into extra time of FA Cup final by scoring one goal and had another denied on goal line. His physical presence gave Liverpool a better sense of direction in the match, acting as a target man and constantly supplying balls for Suarez in the remaining thirty minutes that he played. But again, lack of international experience may cost him chances to even prove himself.
But in terms of squad selection, most of the players mentioned at least deserve a ticket to Poland and Ukraine this summer. The world is waiting for Hodgson's announcement next Wednesday. Both Terry and Ferdinand may have one last chance to save their international career before that.
