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)