Euro 2016: What is England's ideal XI?
The announcement of the England squad prior to a major international tournament has always been a major talking point for fans as they get their hopes up. Right before they come crashing down in the knockout stages of the said tournament, sometimes even as early as the group stages.
But this time, there is renewed hope for the Three Lions. The last of the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ of players have made way for a promising squad filled with young but experienced talent. With England’s top goal scorer Wayne Rooney leading the team, Roy Hodgson’s side won all 10 of their Euro qualifiers to become the only team to qualify with a 100% record.
With a provisional 26-man squad announced earlier today, we look at the ideal XI for England looking to win their first ever Euro title.
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Goalkeeper
Players picked: Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, Tom Heaton
At this stage, we can discount Burnley’s Tom Heaton from actually starting a game. Called up for England’s friendly matches when Joe Hart was injured, he is yet to make his international debut in a competitive game.
The battle for the no.1 jersey will definitely be a choice between Hart and Fraser Forster. In this scenario, Joe Hart will most probably be Hodgson’s first choice goalkeeper. Although he gave everyone a scare when he was stretchered off in the Manchester derby, he made a quick comeback and almost took home the Golden Glove if not for a wicked deflection in the final game.
Fraser Forster will most likely be second-choice in spite of a successful spell with Southampton as the Saints finished fifth – subject to Manchester United’s result. But finishing in the top six is their greatest accomplishment in the Premier League so far.
Forster’s season was also cut short by a knee injury that threatened to ruin his career but he has made a strong comeback in 2016. In fact, he kept six clean sheets in a row on his return before he was finally breached by Chelsea. But he has been rewarded with a new contract.
But Hart’s international experience will see him don the gloves between the posts in France.