Arsenal Confirm Olivier Giroud Capture

Arsenal have confirmed the signature of French striker Olivier Giroud. The 25 year old finished last season as joint top scorer in Ligue 1 (21 goals from 36 appearances) with champions Montpellier. He has joined in a €12m deal, around £9.5m, and his contract will commence on the 1st July.

Giroud said that he is "proud of becoming a Gunner." The move will see him reunited with former Tours teammate Laurent Koscielny, whom he played alongside on the way to winning the Ligue 2 Player of the Year award in 2009/10. He says that he spoke "a lot" to Koscielny about life at Arsenal, whilst the two were on international duty with France at Euro 2012.

The Frenchman says that it "was frustrating" to get so little playing time at Euro 2012, and that he "wasn't used to being on the bench" - something that he may well need to get used to at Arsenal. He understands that he will not be an automatic starter when he joins, saying that there is "a lot of competition for places, but it is up to me to win my place" and that "[he is] not impatient and by working hard and perseverance, [he] will mature and increase [his] game time as well." Giroud's new manager, Arsene Wenger, said that Arsenal's new man has "a great work ethic," a sentiment which those quotes would seem to support.

Attracted to "mythical club" Arsenal by the "philosophy of how they play," Giroud is hoping that Wenger will be able to develop him as a player. Described as a "very good physical presence" by the Arsenal manager, Giroud insists that he is "a player who likes to play." Something that should stand him in good stead in N5.

It could be considered that Giroud is a late developer, having worked his way through the divisions in France, Giroud says that "at youth level I didn't really get my chance." But he managed to prove himself, first on loan at Istres in Division 3, then at Tours in Division 2 before sealing a move to Ligue 1 Montpellier where he got the chance to play European football, make his international debut for Les Bleus and eventually win the French title, playing well enough to earn himself a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year.

It remains to be seen if the striker will be able to make the step up again, but he believes that he has "the weapons to do well" with Arsenal. He is also hopeful of success with the Gunners, where he believes he is joining "a good generation of players." French sports newspaper, L'Equipe are reporting that Giroud turned down a move to Chelsea in favour of Arsenal; "I adore Arsenal, Wenger really wanted me & I wasn't sure Di Matteo knows who I am."

Whilst being a welcome addition to the Arsenal squad, his arrival has unnerved sections of the Arsenal faithful, who believe that his arrival signals talismanic captain Robin van Persie's departure. With only a year left on his contract, it is hoped that the Gunners' activity in the transfer market will demonstrate the club's intent to van Persie and persuade him to commit to a new deal, but with the scars from Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri's departures last summer still fresh, Gooners are bound to be nervous.

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Does a busy summer await at Arsenal?

Wenger has a lot to consider

With the transfer window just over a week away from opening, I thought that now would be a good time to consider how Arsenal's squad is shaping up for next season. Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has already been released by the club, but what future awaits the rest of the squad?

I'll start with the players who are expected to depart the club. Strikers Park Ju-Young, Carlos Vela and Nicklas Bendtner are all in line for moves away from N5. Vela has stated his desire to remain in Spain, where he spent 2011/12 on loan. Bendtner too, has been vocal about how he would like to leave the club. Benfica are believed to be the only club with a firm interest at the moment, although moves to Turkey and Germany have also been suggested. Park had a disastrous season, barely featuring, and scoring just one goal after his late arrival last summer. Having delayed his military service for a few years, Park has also fallen from grace in his native South Korea, from national team captain a year ago, to not even featuring in their friendlies last month. The Middle East is a possible destination, with Al Ain reportedly interested in his signature.

Many also expect that Marouane Chamakh will be allowed to exit the club, after a disappointing second season in North London, where he has struggled for playing time almost as much as goals since Robin van Persie's return to fitness in late 2010. The Moroccan got off to a blistering start at Arsenal, but he only managed to score once in 2011/12.

Andrei Arshavin is also set for a move away from Arsenal, most likely making his loan deal to Zenit permanent. Arsenal's record signing showed much promise during his first half season at the club, but has struggled to consistently deliver since, much to the infuriation of the Arsenal faithful.

In midfield, Arsenal are hoping to offload Brazilian Denilson in a permanent deal, the 24 year old is about to return from a semi-successful loan spell with Sao Paulo, whom he wants to join on a permanent basis, though it remains to be seen if the two clubs can agree a transfer fee. There is some speculation that Arsenal are ready to call time on Abou Diaby's stop-start career at the Emirates. The undoubtedly talented midfielder has been plagued by injuries and could represent a risk worth taking for an up and coming club. There has reportedly been interest from Turkish side Fenerbache.

Promising youngster Oguzhan Ozyakup was expected to have a greater involvement in the first team next season, but the 19 year old has seemingly agreed a move to Turkey, to join Bestikas, although there has been no official announcement yet from Arsenal.

Centre half Sebastien Squillaci is another expected departure over the summer, with French sides Bastia, Evian and Brest all believed to be interested in him. It had been reported this week that he was to join Bastia imminently, but his £50,000 per week wage demands are now understood to have cooled their interest. Johan Djourou is also set for a move away, with Arsenal reportedly ready to listen to offers for the Swiss. A move to Italy seems most likely, with Napoli said to be very eager to have him in their squad next season. Despite that, Djourou took to his official Twitter account recently to dampen talk of his Arsenal exit, saying "I just wanted to deny all what have been said in the press about my transfer. It isn't true at all. I have been at Arsenal [for] 10 years now and I'm always committed to this club."

Attacking left back Pedro Botelho is also set to depart the club, without making a single appearance since signing in 2007. The Brazilian spent the second half of last season on loan at Levante, helping them to secure a Europa League birth for next season, and the Spanish club are now set to make Botelho a permanent fixture at the club. 

Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is yet another player set to end his association with the Gunners this summer. Unhappy to have been overtaken in pecking order for both club and country by Wojciech Szczesney, Fabianski has repeatedly stated his desire for a new challenge. There have been no clubs linked with a move for him, and an injury suffered in the lead up to Euro 2012, could hamper his chances of a move this summer. Young Italian goalkeeper Vito Mannone was in line for a move to Hull, having impressed in his two loan spells there, however Nick Barmby was sacked as manager at the beginning of May, and has since been replaced by Steve Bruce, who is understood to be less keen on buying Mannone. A move is still likely, but it is now less clear where to.

That is 14 members of the first team squad set for new clubs next season. On top of that, Yossi Benayoun has returned to parent club Chelsea, and Arsenal are not believed to have made any move to keep him at the club. 

Based on those departures and already confirmed arrivals, Arsenal's 2012/13 squad looks like this:

Goalkeepers: Wojciech Szczesney

Defenders: Bacary Sagna, Carl Jenkinson, Per Mertesacker, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Andre Santos, Kieran Gibbs

Midfielders: Tomas Rosicky, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Song, Jack Wilshere, Emmanuel Frimpong, Francis Coquelin

Strikers & Wingers: Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho, Lukas Podolski

Talented youngster Emi Martinez is likely to be promoted to the fist team squad as Szczesny's back up, but with just one senior appearance to his name (on loan at Oxford United) a loan spell looks very likely for the Argentine. That would leave Arsenal in a position where they would be looking for two goalkeepers over the summer. Were I manager, I would be looking for an older goalkeeper in the twilight of their career and one nearing their peak. So my targets would be Mark Schwarzer and Wayne Hennessy.

In defence, Kyle Bartley will be returning to Arsenal following a fruitful loan spell with Scottish side Rangers. There is some uncertainty over the Mancunian's future, but I would expect him to be part of Arsenal's squad next season, as the Gunners' fourth choice centre back. Ignasi Miquel impressed during 2011/12 making 9 appearances for the first team, but a loan spell is likely for the Spaniard in 2012/13.

Talanted youngster Henri Lansbury will be returning to the club from a promotion winning, but disappointing loan spell with West Ham, where the midfielder featured considerably less than both he and Arsenal would have hoped. Lansbury seems to be at a real crossroads in his career, and the summer is set to be crucial for him. Make or break even. Personally, I wonder if he might have blown his Arsenal chance already, by electing to go out on loan to West Ham. With a very uncertain future, it will be interesting to see if the England U21 player will go on to have a career at Arsenal or elsewhere.

Nico Yennaris, a midfielder by trade, also made a handful of appearances for the first team last term, playing particularly well on his Premier League debut against Manchester United, but a loan spell is the probable destiny for the young Londoner next season.

Ryo Miyaichi will be returning to Arsenal for preseason, and the talented Japanese winger will be hoping to make more of an impact next season, although a return to Bolton Wanderers on loan again next season is already being mooted. A lot will depend on his preseason performances.

Costa Rican striker Joel Campbell will be hoping to make his mark at Arsenal too, denied a work permit, Campbell enjoyed a very good loan spell with Lorient in France last season, on top of some impressive performances for his national side, including a fine strike against Spain. The club will hope that he has done enough to earn a work permit, to allow him to play in the red of Arsenal next season.

A deal for Montpellier and France striker Olivier Giroud also seems to be imminent, so he will join the array of attacking talent on display at the Emirates next season.

With so many players set to depart, and not many there ready to step up, it is clear that Arsene Wenger will have to be active in the transfer market again in order to add both strength and depth to the squad. Seemingly Arsenal's preference is to get their transfers sorted early, so expect July to be a busy month. The N5 blog will try to bring you news as we get it.

By Nick Lander

Want to read my Arsenal Zone column about the Dutch players I think Arsenal should sign? You can find it here.

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Bendtner vs. UEFA; Why they'll both lose out

By Nick Lander

With Demark trailing 2-1 to Portugal without much time left, Nicklas Bendtner rose at the far post to head home Lars Jacobsen's cross, having evaded Pepe well. It was the Arsenal outcast's second goal of the game, his sixth against Portugal in five games (an impressive record), and he celebrated. Quite right too, at that moment in time, his country were top of the group, the issue was with how he celebrated. Arsenal's number 52 decided that it would be a good idea to lower his shorts slightly and raise his shirt to show off his underwear to the world. His underwear that bore the name of Irish bookmaker Paddy Power.

Companies such as Orange, Coca-Cola, Sharp and Adidas have paid UEFA millions of pounds to have their branding plastered all over the competition, Paddy Power, on the other hand, have not. They decided instead to indulge in a spot of ambush marketing, by giving Bendtner his green pair of undies (the bookmaker insists that no money changed hands and that they sent a number of other players pairs too). It worked nicely for them too. Their little stunt has got them quite a bit of exposure.

I think that all this exposure comes as a direct result of UEFA's hardline stance against it. During the game, I noticed from the television coverage that Bendtner was showing off his boxers, but not the branding on them, and would have paid it no further attention had I not then seen a number of articles telling of how the Dane was now in trouble with UEFA for his actions.

That is where the dilemma lays for UEFA. They cannot leave him unpunished, he has broken the rules, and it sets a precedent for other companies to follow. Yet by punishing the striker, that is where the most publicity comes for the offending company. In this instance, the only winner out of this is Paddy Power, who have got their publicity, and will continue to get it over the next week or so - the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body will examine the case on Monday - but European football's governing body will gain nothing out of it, and Bendtner himself certainly will not, with a hefty fine likely as a minimum.

In addition to being in trouble with UEFA, Bendtner has landed himself in hot water with the Danish Football Association, who have an sponsorship deal with rival bookmaker, Ladbrookes. Yet he seems to be dealing with the situation with his usual air of arrogance, saying "It is just a pair of lucky boxer shorts that I used in the first game as well and have used before the tournament. I didn't know I was breaking any rules but I am aware of that now."

It is expected that the striker will depart Arsenal over the summer, with the German Bundesliga a likely destination for him.

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Transfer Round Up

Marvin Martin, Ibrahim Afellay, Nigel de Jong, Yann M'Vila, Isaac Cuenca, Clint Dempsey, Salomon Kalou, Alessandro Del Piero, Olivier Giroud, Nick Powell. The list of players Arsenal have been linked with in the last couple of days is huge, and, quite frankly, I would be surprised to see more than maybe one of those names arrive - if any!

Coming across the Channel?

The Daily Mail have renewed the speculation, linking Arsenal with a move for Sochaux's Marvin Martin. The 24 year old Frenchman has apparently told France Football that he is "ready to go play overseas, but I have not made a decision about my future." An up and coming attacking midfielder, Martin is part of France's inexperienced Euro 2012 squad. So far, he has only earned 10 caps for Les Bleus. The Mail claim  that Valencia, Fenerbache, Borussia Dortmund, Spurs and Newcastle are also interested in Martin. His was a name that was linked with Arsenal during the season too, but I don't think that he will be joining the Gunners any time soon. With a surplus of relatively young midfielders at the club already, Arsenal will be looking to offload the likes of Abou Diaby and Denilson before anyone comes in. There are also a number of promising youngsters in the reserve set up that may be promoted over bringing in new signings, the likes of Oguzhan Ozyakup, Conor Henderson and Henri Lansbury are all knocking on the first team door.

Someone coming from Barca for a change?

Arsene Wenger is also being linked with a move for Barcelona flop Ibrahim Afellay. The Dutch 26 year old has struggled for game time since his move to the Camp Nou in Janurary 2011, and a serious knee injury limited him to just five appearances last term. A close friend of Robin van Persie, the Netherlands' national coach Bert van Marwijk has described Afellay as the "Dutch Zidane." Barcelona are reportedly after a fee of around £6m for the Dutchman, which will still represent a £3.5m profit for them. A good dribbler and crosser of the ball, Afellay can play across the midfield, although he is principally a winger, and with weekly wages of around £80k, Afellay should be within Arsenal's reach and would be a strong signing - and definitely someone who might help persuade Robin van Persie to extend his stay in N5. Though Arsenal are expected to face stiff competition from both Newcastle and Spurs for his signature.

Another Blau Grana who is being linked with Arsenal is youngster Isaac Cuenca, who has begun to break through into the Barca first team this season. Reportedly available for €10m, I really cannot see the Barca winger making the move to North London. Arsenal have reportedly been interested in him all season, although there is a belief that the majority of that stemmed from Cuenca's agent who was trying to get his client a better deal at Barca, which he has only just signed. I sincerely doubt that this story's got legs.

Cuenca is not on his way to N5

Staying with attacking players, Salomon Kalou has been touted for a move across London yet again. Wenger is reported to be a long term admirer and with Kalou now available on a free transfer, a move for the Ivorian is probably more likely now than ever. The 26 year old is entering the peak of his career, and would probably want more opportunities for first team football than Arsenal could offer him. His inflated wages are also likely to be a stumbling block in any move Arsenal might consider for him. German side Shalke are reportedly closest to securing a deal for the striker, but were he to accept a wage cut, then there might be a possibility for the Ivorian to join the Gunners, although he would be unlikely to be more than a squad player.

Arsenal's interest in rising Rennes star Yann M'Vila is reportedly cooling. At £18m, I must admit I was suspect as to how genuine Arsenal's interest was. He would have been an expensive buy to strengthen in an area where there is already good strenght and depth within the squad. A holding midfielder, were Arsenal to sign the Frenchman, it must raise serious doubts over the futures of the likes of Alex Song, Emmanuel Frimpong, Francis Coquelin and Craig Eastmond. With Song having just been voted second in Arsenal's player of the season poll too, any move to add to this section of the team would surely be to add a squad player. At the same time as Wenger's interest in M'Vila has been reported as waning, Manchester City and Netherlands hard man Nigel de Jong is being increasingly linked with a move south. De Jong has found it increasingly hard to get a start at the league champions of late, and could be tempted by an offer of first team football, but with Alex Song going from strength to strength this does not look much like something Arsenal can provide. Not only that, Manchester City have generally looked a better side with de Jong on the pitch, as it allows Yaya Toure to play in a more advanced role, where he has excelled in the last couple of seasons. It is likely that Arsenal fans would have a lukewarm reaction to his signature too, as I think many will see him as second choice to M'Vila, despite being arguable the better player. The numbers that have been suggested in the papers suggest that City might be willing to sell for less than £10m and that could well pique Arsenal's interest, although as I said, I see a move as unlikely.

Is it time for someone to swap City for Arsenal?

Arsene Wenger has also been suggested to be considering moves for Fulham's Clint Dempsey and free agent Alessandro Del Piero. At 37, Del Piero is significantly older than anyone would expect an Arsenl signing to be, however he has been released by Juventus, fresh from winning Serie A, and is a vastly experienced player who has been linked with a move to the Emirates for the last couple of months, and Italian website Tuttosport believe that Arsenal have in fact made the ageing Italian a good contract offer. I believe that he would be a useful squad player to have, he would be able to pass on his experience and advice to the many young strikers at Arsenal, and I would suggest that he would still be able to contribute 10 or so goals as a squad player, off of the bench and in various competitions. He has confirmed that he definitely will not be signing for another Italian side saying "I'm certain [my future] will be abroad." It is possible that he will join, just unlikely. I think that it is even less likely that American Dempsey will join. He has been in sparkling form for Fulham all season, and has recently expressed his desire to test himself in the Champions League, but I am unsure as to how he would fit in at Arsenal. Also as someone who is a regular at Fulham, it is unlikely that he would enjoy the same status at Arsenal, which might put him off any potential move. Fulham also have no need to sell him, so he would carry an inflated transfer fee, I would imagine somewhere between £10m and £12m.

Arsenal also have four strikers who are not first team regulars that they may look to move on before bringing in anyone new. Nicklas Bendtner has already expressed his desire to leave, and is rumoured to have a number of potential suitors in Germany, with Borussia Dortmund most closely linked. Park Ju Young has had a miserable time in North London, and looks likely to bring it to an end this summer, with UAE side Al Ain apparently interested. Carlos Vela is also expected to move on this summer, with a number of clubs in Spain interested, however Arsenal's £8m asking price could cause problems. I feel that given a good run of games, he could have made it at Arsenal, and if he cannot be sold over the summer, and gets that opportunity, I think he still can.

Marouane Chamakh is another player that many fans would like to see leave Arsenal, but I feel that he should stay, he offers the team another dimension, the aeiral presence and hold up play. I also think that he enables Wenger to switch to a 4-4-2 formation mid-game by bringing him off the bench, and we saw that happen to great effect in the recent game against Norwich. It has also been suggested that Chamakh could be used as a makeweight in a player plus cash deal for Montpellier's Olivier Giroud, who Arsenal may or may not make a move for after this summer's European Championships.

Crewe youngster Nick Powell has also had his name linked with Arsenal, although Manchester United are apparently in pole position to sign him in a £5m deal. He scored the goal in the League 2 play off final that took Crewe up, and it was an excellent finish (you can see it here), and it does seem that £5m could be a very shrewd investment. It will be worth watching his progress wherever he ends up.

It is also worth remembering that Yossi Benayoun's future is still to be decided, with a permanent move to Arsenal still a distinct possibility. Available for around £5m Benayoun made a real contribution to the team last season, and won over many fans with some good performances when they were needed. He also managed to chip in with a few vital goals. A regular towards the end of the season, it would be interesting to know if he wants to return, with the knowledge that he may well be a squad player.

A pot of around £30m was supposedly set aside to try and sign Mario Geotze this summer, before he put pen to paper, extending his deal at Dortmund. IF that pot does exist, then I would look to spend it on bringing Dutch international Wesley Sneijder to the Emirates, a fantastic, creative player, he could really excite the fans and squad ahead of the 2012/13 season. Reportedly available for between £30-35m I think the Inter Milan man would be well worth buying.

I also think that if Arsenal are in need of squad players in midfield, it might be worth looking at Clarence Seedorf. He has been released by AC Milan, and is getting quite old, but is in very good physical condition and could definitely bring something to the side. The argument that his experience would be invaluable for the younger players applies here, as well as with Del Piero.

Finally, were the unthinkable to happen, and Robin van Persie does leave, then I think that Althletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente would be well worth a look at. A player in a similar mould to Arsenal's talismanic captain, he could be the ideal replacement, if the nightmare scenario unfolds.

Do you want any of these players to come in? What do you think of my suggestions of Sneijder, Seedorf & Llorente? Let me know through the comments & Twitter; @Goonernl

Eden Hazard joins Chelsea

Story available now on sister blog 'The 12th Man Blog' on the end of an article speculating about where he might go which was finished 10 minutes before his announcement. You can read it here: http://12thmansoccer.blogspot.com/2012/05/where-will-eden-hazard-end-up.html

Please get involved through the comments and on Twitter (@Goonernl)

Norway 0 vs. 1 England

Match report available now on sister blog 'The 12th Man Blog' just click here to reach it.

Don't forget to get involved in the discussion through the comments form or through Twitter: @Goonernl

Reflections on the England Squad

The announcement of the England squad today did not really contain many surprises. There have been clamours for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's inclusion since the latter stages of the Capello era and with a long list of goalkeepers who have retired from international duty, John Ruddy's inclusion isn't overly unexpected.

Goalkeepers (Hart, Green, Ruddy): 

Joe Hart; England's no. 1

Joe Hart will be undoubtedly continue as England's number one, a talented and consistent performer he is one of the names that will be first on the team sheet. With Ben Foster and Paul Robinson's retirements from international football, Robert Green's continued involvement in the England set up has surprised no one. The inclusion of  Norwich's John Ruddy is a solid choice, the former Everton man turning in some impressive performances in Norwich's (relatively)successful return to the Premier League. He has been included at the expense of Birmingham youngster Jack Butland, who had the backing of some columnists to be called up to the squad. He is on the list of reserves who may be called up should someone have to withdraw - something which seems to happen at least once with every England squad!

Hart will continue as England's number one, and the question is more who will act as his deputy should he pick up an injury or suspension. There is no other particularly outstanding English goalkeeper, so any faint hopes the Three Lions have of success in Poland and Ukraine surely depends on the Manchester City stopper's continued fitness.

Defenders (Johnson, Jones, Terry, Lescott, Cahill, Cole, Baines):

Roy Hodgson has decided to take just one right back to the Euros in the form of Liverpool's Glen Johnson who has been preferred to title winner Micah Richards - who I think is a more complete defender. Phil Jones will be able to provide cover there, as he has for Manchester United on a couple of occasions this term. John Terry and Gary Cahill are likely to be at the heart of England's defence as they already have an established relationship as a duo at Chelsea. Joleon Lescott will provide cover. Ashley Cole is favourite to continue at left back but Everton's Leighton Baines has had an outstanding season and will provide Cole with some stiff competition.

John Terry & Gary Cahill; established partners at Chelsea

Hodgson chose to omit Rio Ferdinand from his squad, which is understandable given continuing concerns over his fitness, and potential problems between him and John Terry - who is accused of racially abusing Rio's brother Anton. Some might have argued for Terry's omission rather than Ferdinand, but with the club relationship with Cahill already developed it is an understandable decision that should make England's defence stronger.

Midfielders (Walcott, Downing, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gerrard, Barry, Lampard, Parker, Young, Milner):

Scott Parker and Gareth Barry will travel as the two holding midfielders available to Roy Hodgson, with Parker likely to be preferred in the starting 11, if fit. Steven Gerrard has been appointed captain which means he will get the nod ahead of Frank Lampard  as England's other starting centre midfielder. Theo Walcott, Stuart Downing, Ashley Young, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be England's wide options. Personally, I feel that Adam Johnson (another player on standby) should travel rather than Downing, who has been in indifferent form at Liverpool this season, failing to assist or score a goal in the Premiership, despite making 36 appearances. Although not a regular starter at City, Johnson's form has been much more impressive, even in cameos from the bench.

Chamberlain; Uncapped but a regular for the U21s

Chamberlain is also an experimental choice. He has not been a regular starter at Arsenal this season, though he has put in some impressive attacking performances from the bench in the second half of the season, whilst impressing many with good performances from the start against Manchester United, AC Milan and Blackburn Rovers. Uncapped, he is likely to make his England bow in one of the friendlies in the lead up to Euro 2012, against either Norway or Belgium. Hodgson said "Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a very exciting player, and he has given one or two performances that have made quite an impression on me, not least against AC Milan in the Champions League. I want to see if he can continue as he started."

Forwards: (Rooney, Welbeck, Carroll, Defoe):

Wayne Rooney is undoubtedly England's best striker and will be sorely missed for the first two fixtures of the tournament, for which he is suspended after kicking out, stupidly, in one of the qualifiers. Danny Welbeck is likely to partner him, England fans will be hoping that they manage to recreate their successful club partnership from Manchester United. Liverpool's Andy Carroll will also be on the plane to Eastern Europe, having been preferred to Peter Crouch and Grant Holt. The ponytailed frontman has been struggling for form all season, but appears to be getting back to his best following some impressive performances recently. He is likely to start the opening games where Rooney is suspended. Tottenham supersub Jermaine Defoe completes the squad. Hodgson will be hoping that he will carry over his superb form off the bench to help England at the Euros.

Daniel Sturridge is on standby, at a similar level to Welbeck, and a similar player, his omission is logical, Rooney and Welbeck already know how to play with each other, which can only be advantageous for England.

Phil Jagielka is the defender on standby and Jordan Henderson is the centre midfielder hoping that someone picks up a knock.

My Starting 11 vs. France (June 11):

What are your thoughts? Let me know through the comments below or through Twitter (@Goonernl)