Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Norwich City players feature in our ‘will they- won’t they’ list.
The England squad for Euro 2012 will be announced tomorrow by Roy Hodgson, and the final 23 are more unpredictable than ever.
Certain players like Joe Hart, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney are almost sure to be picked. Others like Theo Walcott, Darren Bent, Danny Welbeck, Scott Parker and Gary Cahill are all sweating on recoveries from injuries after positive seasons.
Others remain fit, and still we are none the wiser as to whether they will play a part in the Ukraine. Here are 10 players who are on the cusp of being picked for England, but it could just go either way.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick has had a better season this year than the two that preceded it, but will it be good enough to get him into the England team? The Manchester United midfielder has regularly been overlooked when it comes to England, and is at risk of the same happening again, being let out by Stuart Pearce in the recent friendly with Holland. Roy Hodgson may see things differently, but one thing not in Carrick’s favour is that he is not likely to be a first choice starter. His style of play means he is hardly the type of player to come off the bench and change a game, and a more dynamic attacker may be preferred for a squad place.
Jermain Defoe
When England began their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, Jermain Defoe was the star man, bagging a hat-trick against Bulgaria. Since then, his career has dimmed, spending the majority of his past two seasons at Tottenham starting on the bench. Despite this he has an admirable goals record this season, scoring 14 goals, and at 29 this should really be his time. England’s striking options are far from cut and dry and he presents a reliable if slightly uninspiring choice, and a goal on the last day will not have hurt his prospects.
Daniel Sturridge
At the turn of the year Daniel Sturridge seemed like a certain pick for England, but since then his form has disappeared. His play has been criticised as selfish at times, but he remains an outstanding prospect who has chipped in with vital goals for Chelsea at times. The extra dimension Sturridge adds is his versatility out wide, and a proven partnership with Welbeck in the under-21s.
Stewart Downing
Stewart Downing has had a torrid season for Liverpool, yet has eased into the last few England squads. If he gets in this time he will undoubtedly find his selection criticised, but the change of scenery might even do him good. He would be an unlikely starter, more of a squad player, but he remains an option whether fans like it or not.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Arsenal fans have been crying out for Oxlade-Chamberlain to be more involved, and England fans want the same. There are very few ‘breakthrough’ players who can re-invent this England squad, and The Ox is looking like the best option. He would be a powerful option off the bench, and for his credentials, look no further than his showing in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over AC Milan.
Paul Scholes
Scholes is the most intriguing and divisive of the bunch. Many fans see it as a step backwards, others see it as a chance to make up for lost time. Gary Neville’s involvement in the England set up might persuade him to come on board, and he will boost the squad’s confidence by being around. His performances for United this season have shown he is more than capable.
Andy Carroll
Does Andy Carroll deserve a place? He has had a really poor season, mixed with a few standout moments. The biggest in his favour was his half hour cameo in the FA Cup Final when he changed the game, and really proved his worth. The alternative is Peter Crouch whose goalscoring feats for England in the past stand up, and would be a far safer option; unless Hodgson goes for…
Grant Holt
Grant Holt really would be a wildcard pick, but few could argue he does not deserve it based on his accomplishments this season. The 31 year old has scored 16 goals this season and would really put the cat amongst the pigeons in Eastern Europe. Players at lower profile clubs like Norwich often complain of being overlooked, and former West Brom manager Roy Hodgson may sympathise. It is hard to argue Carroll has had a better season.
John Terry
On form, John Terry probably should go to Euro 2012, despite recently being outplayed by Andy Carroll on more than one occasion. Nevertheless the racial abuse allegations against him saw him stripped of the captaincy. Now there is a dilemma over whether he or Rio Ferdinand should go to the tournament, can they play together in the same team and share the same hotel? Both would have to remain professional, but the potential for cliques and disharmony is there and Hodgson has the option to stub it out by leaving Terry at home.
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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