The Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson has announced his 26-man preliminary England Euro 2016 squad for the Euro Championships in France to be held next month.
Hodgson has surprised everyone by selecting Manchester United’s young striker Marcus Rashford in his preliminary squad. The 18-year-old only made his debut in February, and scored twice in his first match and since then has been one of the key performers for the Red Devils.
The England manager has kept high hopes on young Rashford saying he is a “contender” for the 23-man Euro squad and he could knock someone off their perch.”
? Revealed! Roy Hodgson names a 26-man squad for the #ThreeLions‘ pre-#EURO2016 friendlies.#TogetherForEngland pic.twitter.com/HCAr7NpvoQ
— England (@England) May 16, 2016
In the defensive department, Everton’s highly rated ball playing defender John Stones has been selected, while the Toffees’ skipper Phil Jagielka missed out. It means Hodgson has gone with three proper centre-backs for Euro 2016 and took a gamble here thinking Tottenham’s Eric Dier can cover at centre-back if needed.
As many as five players from Liverpool have made it the England squad. The injury to Danny Welbeck meant Hodgson was left with no options than to pick Daniel Sturridge in his preliminary squad. James Milner did exceptionally well since Jurgen Klopp took charge at Liverpool and chipped in with crucial goals and assists for the Reds.
Leicester City duo Jamie Vardy and Danny Drinkwater have been rightfully included while Hodgson has picked up Jack Wilshere as well, even though the Arsenal midfielder has hardly played for the Gunners this season.
Tottenham’s Harry Kane has enjoyed a phenomenal campaign for Tottenham and he would be hoping to make a big impression in France. Newcastle United’s Andros Townsend picked up his form since moving to Newcastle from Spurs and got a deserved call up in the 26-man provisional squad.
Hodgson on Walcott and Townsend:
“They’re both good players, but very different players. He was unlucky to lose his place in the squad before, but since moving to Newcastle he’s had regular games and done very well.”
The manager on the players who have missed out:
“Baines hasn’t played for us for a year…more Michael Carrick, I think. I’ve spoken to all three (Baines, Carrick and Phil Jagielka) and it was a difficult decision. I’ve decided to rob Peter to pay Paul in order to take an extra midfielder rather than the classic eight defenders.”
ENGLAND EURO 2016 SQUAD:
Goal Keepers: Fraser Forster, Joe Hart, Tom Heaton
Defenders: Ryan Bertrand, Gary Cahill, Nathaniel Clyne, Danny Rose, Chris Smalling, John Stones, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Dele Alli, Ross Barkley, Fabian Delph, Eric Dier, Danny Drinkwater, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, James Milner, Raheem Sterling, Jack Wilshere, Andros Townsend
Forwards: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Wayne Rooney, Jamie Vardy, Daniel Sturridge
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
