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England Euro 2016 squad: Projecting the starting lineup

By Freddie Boston

BERLIN, GERMANY - MARCH 26: Eric Dier (C) of England celebrates scoring his team's third goal with his team mates Dele Alli (L) and Harry Kane (R) during the International Friendly match between Germany and England at Olympiastadion on March 26, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY - MARCH 26: Eric Dier (C) of England celebrates scoring his team's third goal with his team mates Dele Alli (L) and Harry Kane (R) during the International Friendly match between Germany and England at Olympiastadion on March 26, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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What should the England starting lineup look like in Euro 2016?

Roy Hodgson has picked his provisional 26-man squad for the European Championships, and this will be trimmed to 23 players ahead of the tournament. Which starting 11 should Hodgson pick for England throughout the tournament?

Hodgson will be faced with some tough decisions. Who starts in midfield? It’s hard to drop Eric Dier or Dele Alli, but is a Jack Wilshere or James Milner worthy of a place? Who starts out wide? Is Raheem Sterling in good enough form or should an Adam Lallana get a go? Do both Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane start up front?

Here’s my starting XI for England:

my_team_england_vs_russia_160517
my_team_england_vs_russia_160517 /

The back five more or less picked itself, although it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kyle Walker get picked ahead of Nathaniel Clyne. Assuming these five stay fit, there likely won’t be much movement at the back.

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Dier is a lock in the defensive midfield role, and he can help protect an average back four. He did a tremendous job in the disciplined role he was given by Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham this year and can do the same for England. Dier’s teammate Alli was one of the stars of the Premier Leageu this year and starts on the left of a diamond, but is given some license to roam in attack.

Sterling gets the nod opposite him, although Lallana would also be an option here. Andros Townsend has some form on his side and could make a surprise push for the right side.

It’s hard to leave Wayne Rooney, England’s captain, out of the side despite his run of poor form in major tournaments for England. He won’t be placed up front but will sit just behind the two attackers, slipping into a deeper role. His experience could be crucial for the team, and he of course knows how to find the net or slice open a defense with a pinpoint pass. Rooney at the tip of the diamond makes a lot of sense.

Up front, Hodgson has to throw both Vardy and Kane in the mix. They combined for 49 Premier League goals this year and should be used together rather than on a rotational basis. Both strikers are in excellent form and can strike out of nowhere. England have some good depth with Daniel Sturridge and Rooney. Marcus Rashford could also be selected.

Here is a look at the provisional 26-man squad, per BBC Sport:

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Fraser Forster (Southampton), Tom Heaton (Burnley).

Defenders: Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur), Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool).

Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Ross Barkley (Everton), Fabian Delph (Manchester City), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Andros Townsend (Newcastle United), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).

Next: Roy Hodgson gets it right with England squad

Strikers: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United).

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