After a qualifying campaign that boasted ten wins from ten games, many English fans and the media were expecting a good showing at Euro 2016. However, after recent friendlies and a squad selection that had many dismayed, there are now plenty who are not as confident as they once were.
Even so, England are once more being muted as possible winners of the European Championship. But having never won the competition before and having not won a major tournament in 50 years, few will be surprised if their wait for a trophy goes on. A nation expects but unfortunately is rarely surprised. Can the England Euro 2016 tournament be a successful one? Time will tell.
Qualifying campaign
England were drawn against Switzerland, Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania and San Marino. It was a very kind group for a side which started the campaign 20th in the Fifa rankings; their lowest in 18 years. With the Swiss ninth in the rankings they were seen as England’s main threat of finishing in top spot.
The Three Lions duly obliged by winning all ten of their games, scoring 31 and conceding just three goals, all three coming against Slovenia in the two games they played against each other. Qualification never looked in doubt and although it was a relatively easy route to the finals, the general thought was that England should do well especially with the emerging talent coming into the squad.
Form and Euro 2016 squad selection
Since qualification ended, Roy Hodgson’s men have played seven friendlies, winning five and losing two. The defeats to Spain and Holland in November and March were either side of victories over France and Germany. The 3-2 victory over Germany was particularly pleasing as having found themselves two-nil down, they staged a magnificent fightback to win the game. Hodgson stated afterwards that it was his finest night as England manager.
Soon after the league season had finished, Hodgson announced his provisional squad, and straight away there were talking points and debates being had up and down the country. The likes of the third highest English goal scorer in the Premier League, Jermain Defoe, missed out on selection. Included were Jack Wilshere, Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge, all of whom missed much of the season through injury.
After the first two friendlies, 2-1 victories over both Turkey and Australia, where England failed to impress, Hodgson trimmed his squad to 23 players. Out went Fabian Delph to no one’s surprise but so did Danny Drinkwater who had just had an excellent season culminating in a Premier League title win. Also left out was winger Andros Townsend. Although not to everyone’s liking and having just been relegated with Newcastle from the Premier League, the squad had little width to it and for that reason Townsend should maybe have been on the plane to France.
With recent form, squad selection debates and a manager who still seems unsure of his best team and formation, Three Lions fans are hopeful but not brimming with confidence. However:
England Have The Talent to go Far
If Hodgson can get his team selection and formation right then a good showing is on the cards. England have been drawn in a group alongside, Russia, Wales and Slovakia and although it won’t be easy, progressing from the group must be a minimum requirement.
With experienced international players such as Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Gary Cahill, England also have some excellent youngsters in the squad too. Players like Tottenham’s trio of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Eric Dier, Everton pair John Stones and Ross Barkley and not forgetting Marcus Rashford who burst on to the scene only in February for Manchester United in spectacular fashion. All these youngsters have the talent to perform at the highest level and could be a huge part of the future of the England team.
Roy Hodgson also has the lethal Jamie Vardy at his disposal. His 24 goals helped Leicester City win the Premier League title and if played in the correct position in the correct formation, he could be the surprise package of the tournament especially amongst those still unfamiliar with him around Europe.
England may not have won a major tournament since that famous World Cup final in 1966 but they may just have their best chance in the last 50 years. The talent is there but so is inexperience. This could be a help but it could also be a hindrance, especially if, as expected, the team progress to the latter stages. If England can keep it tight in defence, just like they did throughout qualification, then the goal scoring talent is there to make them a difficult opposition for anyone.
The nation awaits, all they ask is that the team give their all. Do that then who knows. The seemingly unlikely can happen; just ask Leicester City fans.
