England

Having disappointed on the International stages for the past decade, the golden generation of England have not lived up to their expectations and this year’s Championships seems to be heading in the same direction. England have been swimming in controversies since the alleged racial abuse by John Terry, the stripping of his captaincy, firing of Mr Capello to the appointment of One Mr Roy Hodgsen which is an absolute nutter. With players like Lampard and Gerrard at the wrong end of their careers, this is to be the last hurrah for international glory for a deteriorating golden generation.

Formation & Tactics

With Rooney absent for the first 2 games and Welbeck a major doubt after the injury sustained in the title run-in, Carroll seems to be the likely option to play No.9. After a disastrous season with Liverpool where he showed glimpses of the threat he poses, the goal scoring burden for the three lions will be on Young and Walcott atleast for the first 2 games until Rooney returns. Young after impressing with both the Red Devils and England over the past year will be high on confidence but the same cannot be said about Walcott whose inconsistent displays and over expectations have hindered his growth. Oxlade Chamberlain, the most likely replacement of Walcott seems more complete and mature despite being 4 years younger and has already proven his worth on the big stage. Though inexperience can prove to be a barrier in this year’s Championships, the boy is one to look out for the future. The selection of Defoe still seems to be a mystery. After being limited to the playing field only for a few matches, what Defoe will bring to this team is uncertain and unpredictable. Another bummer is the inclusion of Downing (Rolls Eyes) who after 36 games and 72 shots on goal has 0 goals and 0 assists. Remarkable stat for a professional.

Moving on, the midfield trio of Lampard, Gerrard and Parker seem to be lacking in the horsepower department. With the exception of Parker, playing Lampard and Gerrard together can prove to be suicidal when they play the likes of Spain and Germany in the latter stages of the Tournament. Jack Wilshire – You are duly missed. Milner can be a good alternative here in place of Lampard but when you look at the Big Picture England have little or no creativity, spark if you wish in the team. The likes of Barry can only fill a position and not bring anything extra to the side. Defense seems to be the only plus point for England with Parker/Barry providing support from midfield, Cole, Terry, Cahill/Lescott and Johnson/Jones all proving their worth this season. Joe Hart in goal has proved over the last 2 seasons that not only he is the best in England but among the top goalkeepers in the world. An interesting fact about the back 5 (Hart, Cole, Terry, Cahill/Lescott, Johnson) is that they have all won a major trophy last season with their respective clubs. Terry, Cole and Cahill having played together at Chelsea will bring about a sense of stability to the English backline. The addition of Gary Neville to the backroom staff is clearly an indication that the English will be contemplating on the Chelsea style of play – Defend and Counter. This should work to the advantage of England because for once they are concentrating on the strengths. There has been a lot of hype and over expectation on the English front line and midfield over the past decade that they consider themselves underperforming. But the fact that these players like Rooney and Lampard are performing consistently on the club level is because they are surrounded by players from Europe and the Americas who bring a different dimension to the game. With the pace of Young, Walcott and Rooney/Welbeck up front, England’s chances of getting a break on the counter are considerably high. To summarize, England have a decent chance to progress if they stick to their game plan, defend well and take their opportunities on the counter. The reduced amount of pressure and expectation from the current English side can prove to be a good omen as the players can play with a free head rather than the thought that people are judging them.

Star Player-Steven Gerrard

Following a disappointing season with Liverpool, Gerrard would have least expected that he would captain England to the Euros. With the armband, we all know how inspirational he is, his ability to get people up and turn the game on his head. Mr Stevie G has to be at his defensive as well as attacking best if England are to progress to the latter stages. His reputation to defend well if needed can prove to be great asset going by the game plan which England are going to implement. His passing can be pivotal to trigger the counter and has always come up with the goals in the international stage. Steven Gerrard is the man to watch out for England.

Prediction

With the current squad and Rooney’s absence, it would not be a surprise if England fails to make it to the quarter-finals. In a group with unpredictable opponents like France & Sweden, a first or a second place finish is also possible. Also, having to meet either Spain or Italy in the quarter-finals, one does not see England making it past the quarters this time around.

Star Rating- 3.5/5

With the Euro’s kicking off tonight, here is a look at other teams – France

Netherlands

Italy

Aamer Aslam