Euro 2016 team profile: England

Sport360 staff 08:14 07/06/2016
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  • Improving England expect to make an impact

    Qualification was perfect, there’s a question mark over captain Wayne Rooney starting up front and a remarkable 3-2 comeback win over Germany in Berlin has heightened optimism in this England side. But make no mistake, while this may be a new dawn for the Three Lions as young talent flows through Roy Hodgson’s side, ending their 50 years of major tournament hurt appears a stretch.

    It’s tempting to go with the standard English prediction of making hard work of progression in the group before getting knocked out in the quarter-finals. At the moment, though, that seems pretty accurate.

    No doubt England have assembled a fine squad with bags of potential but at this stage, that’s exactly what they are. Without a genuine standout superstar, Hodgson’s men are still below the level of France, Germany and Spain. They should navigate a winnable Group B and form would suggest Portugal, Belgium or Italy await in the last eight. That’s perhaps as far as they will go. But if success is not on the horizon, entertainment will be.

    The adoption of more free-flowing, possession based football, built on youth is an exciting proposition. The squad is brimming with attacking talent in superb form and given the two best sides in the Premier League this year were spearheaded by English players – Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane – there is reason for optimism.

    The same cannot be said of the defence. Although in qualification they were a tight unit – conceding just three goals – the centre-back options of Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling and John Stones have faded since their early season form and at times have been exposed. History does not favour England either. They have never made it past the semifinals of a European Championship and while they are stronger than usual, they will still struggle against the elite.

    STRENGTHS

    Youthful exuberance and pace, two things England have lacked in previous tournaments but have in abundance heading to France. Crucially, Roy Hodgson has goals in his side, too – Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane scored 49 Premier League goals between them last term. They have a world-class goalkeeper in Joe Hart and options in midfield. With a license to attack, Hodgson’s men will be dangerous.

    WEAKNESSES

    With youth comes the obvious drawback: a lack of major tournament experience. In fact, of the current squad 13 players have 10 or less caps. Striking the right balance in midfield is also a concern with a mix of free roaming and holding players at Hodgson’s disposal. Defence used to be a position of strength but with limited options, particularly at centre-half, the back four does not inspire confidence either.

    STAR MAN – HARRY KANE

     It’s taken another exceptional season, but people are finally believing in the Spurs frontman. He became the first Englishman to break the 20-goal mark in two consecutive seasons since Alan Shearer, nearly 20 years ago. Replicate that form in France and he could just be the best English centre-forward since the Newcastle legend. He may not have a single standout attribute but the 22-year-old is more or less excellent in every department. His impressive movement to find that extra yard will be crucial, as will his merciless finishing.

    VERDICT

    The Three Lions should make it out of a group containing, Russia, Slovakia and Wales and be looking at the last eight. They might be fun to watch but are not as good as the top sides so that could be their limit.

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