The General England Euro 2016 Thread

[Leewilson]

The amount of fucking whinging today I've seen on twitter. This is a million times better than the so called leaked squad from before.

Yes, Delph is a bit shit but I'm pretty sure he's only there as back up in case Henderson or Wilshere's fitness is called into question. He'll be cut. And as for Wilshere, 6/7 MOTMs in his recent appearances. He possesses attributes that not many of our CMs do. He has 3 warm up games with England. If he proves his match fitness, he goes.

Rashford is not going (unless there's an injury) but the training camp experience will be invaluable. In fact, I think it's better if he doesn't go and just gets a taster.

People moaning about Townsend. Well the alternative was a very out of form Walcott. Townsend has looked good for Newcastle. We don't have a ton of good wide options anyway and with Welbeck out injured (and Ox), I don't see what the fuss is about.

Oh, and if West Ham fans can get out of Noble and Cresswell's arse. Cresswell I like, especially going forward, but I've seen a few games this season where he's been suspect defensively. Rose and Bertrand deserve it over him.

The rest is fine so any moaners, honestly, do one (I've not read the thread yet so if you're all positive, excellent!)

 

[Leewilson]

I'm not that surprised to see Rashford in there, and although he'll almost certainly be omitted from the 23 man squad, it does make sense on a number of levels. He's a fearless, young player in good form who's fresh and offers a serious and decent alternative anywhere across the front three that Hodgson likes playing. He's the closest you'll get to Danny Welbeck (who's injury really put a spanner in the works), and it makes more sense to take someone who can fit in across the front 3 over a Defoe or Carroll, who whilst they have had good seasons, can only really play the central role that can already be occupied by any 4 of our main strikers in the squad.

One thing I have to say with Townsend's inclusion, mind, is that I think Michail Antonio can consider himself quite unlikely to not even have been in the conversation to make it into the squad. He's not a start name, but he's had a terrific season for West Ham and again would have slotted in nicely on either side of the central striker if required - not that I think he'll take Townsend in the 23-man squad anyway. Surprised that Phil Jones missed out as well. Not had a particularly good season, but a versatile player who can cover a number of positions which is handy when you have a small squad.

Don't think playing full back for quite a few games has helped Antonio's cause. If he'd have played wing all season, then fair enough.

 

[Krazy8]

Wilshere at 50% is a far better player than Mark Noble, why bring a guy that will certainly get no playing time? It's worth bringing Wilshere, even though he's wrestling with fitness, he's actually fresh in another way having not played football all season. He's the the best option to play alongside Dier when fit, he probably still will be at 80% when the tournament begins.

A lot of the proposed teams in this thread are very narrow, lack any sort of plan B. One of Harry Kane's great strengths is his ability in the air, why play a side with Dier, Alli, Drinkwater and Wilshere only to nullify this threat? A 4-2-3-1 with some ability on the wings makes far more sense and I think that's what Hodgson will ultimately go for. As great as Vardy and Kane are up front, starting both of them as strikers would screw up the dynamic of a team that's played pretty well in friendlies. I would go for:

Hart
Walker Smalling Cahill Rose
Dier Wilshere
Vardy Alli Lallana
Kane

But I expect Vardy would be replaced with Rooney come tournament time and Lallana maybe replaced by Sterling. Vardy is an absolutely devastating substitute to bring on, I like the idea of him coming on against tired legs in the second half if he isn't starting.

Width comes from the FB's in most of those teams, with Dier in front of the two CB's. Doubt there's many on here who'd pick that formation normally but all our wingers are either shit, injured or both. The 4-1-2-1-2 fits our players better.

 

[citylee]

http://bbc.in/1VYBn5I

 

[Ciderhead]

A lot of the proposed teams in this thread are very narrow, lack any sort of plan B. One of Harry Kane's great strengths is his ability in the air, why play a side with Dier, Alli, Drinkwater and Wilshere only to nullify this threat? I don't think you need Drinkwater and Wilshere in the same team. A 4-2-3-1 with some ability on the wings makes far more sense and I think that's what Hodgson will ultimately go for. As great as Vardy and Kane are up front, starting both of them as strikers would screw up the dynamic of a team that's played pretty well in friendlies. I would go for:

Hart
Walker Smalling Cahill Rose
Dier Wilshere
Vardy Alli Lallana
Kane

But I expect Vardy would be replaced with Rooney come tournament time and Lallana maybe replaced by Sterling. Vardy is an absolutely devastating substitute to bring on, I like the idea of him coming on against tired legs in the second half if he isn't starting.

Width would be provided by the FBs, as is the case at Spurs where Eriksen and Lamela both tuck in and play relatively narrow. Vardy would be wasted out on the wing.

 

[Renegade]

Width would be provided by the FBs, as is the case at Spurs where Eriksen and Lamela both tuck in and play relatively narrow. Vardy would be wasted out on the wing.

Lamela and Son are capable of playing winger and often provide width - if you are going to play such a narrow midfield, better to have a dimorphous midfielder like Lallana in there somewhere instead of four strictly central players. A triad of Dier, Drinkwater and Wilshere has a lot of industry, but it's pretty negative and imposes unnecessary limits. Also ramps up the burden on Walker and Rose.

Spurs only play Kane up top - Eriksen, Lamela, Rose and Walker all provide for him in a multitude of ways.

 

[G.B]

http://www.skysports.com/football/n...olding-midfield-role-for-england-at-euro-2016

eh loh ehl

 

[Stevencc]

"In a couple of years I see myself in an even more withdrawn role, competing with Joe Hart for the keeper position".

 

[Master D]

As a neutral looking in, I would go with this:

Hart
Clyne Smalling Cahill Rose
Dier Drinkwater
Vardy Alli Sterling
Kane

There's no way Wilshere won't break down before the first match so Drinkwater should be in. Clyne is less prone to brainfarts than Kyle "look at me, look how fast I am" Walker. Vardy just has to be in the team somewhere, so will have to play from the wing as you need to keep that Alli & Kane partnership together. Sterling has hardly justified his place but there's not too many other better options there really, though Lallana could take that position.

Thankfully for us, we know the likes of Walker, Rooney, Henderson & Milner will be in the team and stinking the place out.

 

[Ciderhead]

Lamela and Son are capable of playing winger and often provide width - if you are going to play such a narrow midfield, better to have a dimorphous midfielder like Lallana in there somewhere instead of four strictly central players. A triad of Dier, Drinkwater and Wilshere has a lot of industry, but it's pretty negative and imposes unnecessary limits. Also ramps up the burden on Walker and Rose.

Spurs only play Kane up top - Eriksen, Lamela, Rose and Walker all provide for him in a multitude of ways.

Tbf I'd have Lallana in my team anyway, he's been in excellent form for Liverpool. But even if you have Wilshere in there his movement's good, he's good on the half-turn driving through midfield; you'll have Alli in the No.10 role roaming around; Vardy on the shoulder and running down the channels; FBs bombing on - there's plenty of fluidity there. And then you've got options should the need arise: people like Sterling, Barkley, Rooney can come on in a range of roles. There's a lot of flexibility in this current set up.

 

[Deepcut Cobbler]

. Hart
Walker Smalling Cahill Rose
. Dier
. Wilshere Alli
. Rooney
. Kane Sturridge

If all fit my starting XI with Rooney Sturridge and Kane fluid and interchangeable as a front three

 

[Jockney]

There are plenty of players I wish we didn't have to bring (Milner, Rooney, Henderson) but the only pick that doesn't seem to make any sense is Fabian Delph.

That aside, pleased with the squad. Let's hope this is the last tournament for the aforementioned deadweights and some of dem post-Millenial yoof are ready for 2018 and 2020.

 

[Pagnell]

Milner's assist stats are ridiculous this year. Justifies his inclusion for me, especially with Kane so good in the air.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

I'm pleased James Milner has been picked, criminally underrated footballer. He needs playing in the centre of midfield though not out wide doing the graveyard shift.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Agreed on Milner, Since Klopp got the Liverpool job Milner has really impressed.

I think after the seasons they've had Kane and Vardy start up front together, Sturridge off the bench would frighten any defender with his pace.

 

[mistermagic]

When do Germany announce their squad?

 

[Madejski]

Would love a midfield 3 of Dier, Wilshere and Alli. A bit of everything in that.

 

[Madglover]

Would love a midfield 3 of Dier, Wilshere and Alli. A bit of everything in that.

Would be my midfield as well.

Delph and Rashford to be cut and then one of Wilshere, Henderson and Drinkwater

I can't see us taking
Dier, Alli, Barkley, Wilshere, Milner, Drinkwater and Henderson in the same squad

Especially as I fancy Rooney to end up in midfield.

Would be my starting line up against Russia

 

[Madglover]

I hope Roy allows all the players to state a case in the friendlies rather than picking the same team each game

If Henderson doesn't start for Liverpool in the cup final can he really go to the Euro's?

 

[mente captus]

When do Germany announce their squad?

Today 1 pm cet

I can see Karius, Dahoud, Weigl, Tah, Brandt, Sanè and Goretzka making the provisional squad of 28 players.

Dahoud or Weigl to replace Gündogan
Dahoud,Weigl or Goretzka to replace Schweinsteiger when not fit
Brandt or Sanè
Brandt and Sanè when Podolski left out

 

[Pagnell]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36305496

Gee, thanks Al.

 

[mnb089mnb]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36305496

Gee, thanks Al.

I don't think Alan Shearer wrote the headline! He was asked about Wayne Rooney and said he's no longer number one but there should certainly be a space in the squad for him. A pretty mainstream opinion.

 

[Carver]

THIS WILL BE THE STARTING LINE UP:

This is what it should be and is expected to be.

 

[George Reilly's Hairpiece]

That's nonsense.

Cahill would play on the left side.

 

[Carver]

NO LEICESTER OR SPURS PLAYERS SHOULD BE ALLOWED IN THE TEAM

PLAYERS FROM THE BIG 5 ONLY

 

[mowgli]

WTF!

 

[merseyboyred]

Ah, Carver. He's a bad wum.

Hodgson will likely start a 4-3-3 with Rooney shoehorned in somewhere. The squad has the talent to do well, but I will likely disagree with Hodgson's preferred XI, as will most.

 

[Pagnell]

Well yeah. Rooney well be playing.

 

[leedsvaliant]

If we went with full-on pace up top, we'd top our group. The Welsh and Russian back four are susceptible to pace. Trouble is that Roy is conservative, will try and shoe horn Rooney in who no longer fits our style.

How many times have we gone out of tournaments limply because we've been slow and ponderous in our build up play and ended up losing narrowly because we can't find our way back into games? This is what Rooney does, he can't beat a man anymore, so has to turn inside or backwards, giving the opposition plenty of time to get men behind the ball.

Our strength should rely on the pace of players like Vardy, Sturridge, Alli, with additional pace from full back in the form of Rose and Walker. No team will want any of these running at them - I just fear that Roy is too loyal to those that got us there, but most players would look good against the teams we had to play in qualifying. We need to play to our strengths rather than some blind optimism that what worked against Estonia will work against Germany or France.

We're going to have to score a few I suspect to make up for our poor defence and the only way we'll do that is to go at teams with pace and disrupt their shape.

 

[mnb089mnb]

The Welsh back four is susceptible to pace?

We play a back five.