England Euro 2012: Over before it's begun?

To say the build up hasn't been ideal would be putting things very mildly indeed, as Englishman we are used to the ruff and tumble world of the national team.  The last few months however have contributed to serve up a stark reminder of how far behind we actually are, in fact the last week could have done that all on it's own.

If we cast our mind back it was the Football Association's decision to strip John Terry of the captain's armband, for a second time, that led to Fabio Capello stepping aside.  The FA then decided it would wait until the end of the season, or very near to, to appoint his successor.  Giving the new man a month, or thereabouts, to prepare for a major tournament.  Perfect!

The country was swept with Harry Redknapp fever, but it was in fact Roy Hodgson who was given the hot seat.  His squad selection caused debate, two scrappy 1-0 wins did nothing to raise expectation and then the whole injury dilemma kicked in.  For a team well prepared this latter problem would be fairly difficult to deal with, so for England at the moment it must verge on catastrophic.  Not to mention Time Magazine's 'world's most disappointing team' tag, something that is hard to disagree with.

The injury to Gary Cahill is the latest debate, why on earth hasn't Rio Ferdinand been given the chance to join up?  A country once again castrating the new man in the job before he has even been given a fair crack of the whip.  Why not just give him a chance to do things his way and then judge when he has gone?

The Euro's are no doubt a lost cause so it's all about preparing for the World Cup in Brazil 2014, so in that case the selection of Martin Kelly is surely a good one.  Giving the future of English football the chance to travel and be around the squad at a major tournament could be ideal, as it could with the likes of Phil Jones, Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Hodgson is causing plenty of debate

In that case why not stand back, with the already low expectations, and judge how our appearance in this competition could help progression in the future.  Why take an ageing Rio Ferdinand who won't be making the trip to South America in two years time?  Let's make a decision to leave some of the ageing stars at home, and blend youth in with this squad.  Those who will be charged with taking the country forward, hopefully, for many years to come.

The recent friendly against Belgium did, however, highlight a huge gulf that does exist.  Hodgson's well organised troops did of course close out the victory, but by having a look at the playmaker of both teams you can see the difference.

Ashley Young v Eden Hazard: minutes played 67-90, passes 7-71, assists 1-0, key passes 3-6, shots 0-4, pass completion 58%-87%.  

Many will point to the assist statistic, but the truth is give away that much against a more accomplished opposition and you will be punished.  And there lies the major problem.

Flair is not something we are overly used to, but will have to become a major feature should we progress.  Can this be brought in two years before the next World Cup?  Roy will certainly have to break a defensive habit that currently exists, but let's sit back and let him go about trying his way.

Blackburn Rovers

Under Venky's it was widely expected that Blackburn would be a tad flashy this summer, but so far this summer their only big venture into the transfer market has been to sell Phil Jones to Manchester United. Rumours are rife around Ewood Park, and new bodies will need to be brought in if Steve Kean is to improve on last seasons 15th place finish.

Goalkeeper

This isn't really an issue at the Lancashire based side, with Paul Robinson continuing to draw plaudits and Mark Bunn an adequate replacement. After his arrival from Spurs the ex England international has never failed to impress, so this is definitely a solid foundation from which to build.

Defence

A potential sticky point with only just over two weeks left to the curtain raiser of this seasons Premier League. Jones has already left and rumours continue to link Chris Samba to both Spurs and Arsenal, this will no doubt bring in money to be respent but will a player of equal quality be found? Michel Salgado isn't getting any younger, but Captain Ryan Nelsen will continue to be a rock at the hear at the Rovers defence.

Midfield

David Dunn is no doubt the gem of the side, whose creativity is heavily relied upon. However with increasing injury problems over the last couple of seasons, Blackburn's midfield has begun to grow independent of Dunn. Morten Gamst Pedersen now looks likely to stay after many windows of being linked away, Steven N'Zonzi continues to impress while Argentine Mauro Formica should play a more central role this time round.

Forwards

It is on the front line where this side could need the most strengthening. Nikola Kalinic and El Hadji Diouf look certain to leave, while Junior Hoilett is staying but he can by no means be expected to lead the line and provide a huge goals tally to propel the side up the table. Ruben Rochina, who arrived at the same time as Formica, should figure more this season but they still seem a bit short.

Manager

 

Steve Kean was thrust in charge of this side after the shock sacking of predecessor Sam Allardyce, and came dangerously close to falling to falling off that tight rope himself. There is some talent within this squad, but it seems like not quite enough to stay away from a relegation dog fight just yet.

Areas to Strengthen 

With a Jones shaped void in defence that could quickly be joined by Samba, it is imperative that a possible leaky back line is patched up fast. Without new additions here the Premier League's front men would run riot. In addition to this one maybe two striker need to be added to boost fire power, and if you believe the rumour mills Kean is intensely looking at the area. If there's any cash left after that, maybe a bit more creativity in the middle of the park.

Expectations

With the squad currently at his disposal, kean could expect nothing more than a place perched just above the drop zone. Similarly to last season. However with some good signings, a mid tabled finish is more than achievable.

Odds

2500/1 (Sky Bet) 

Players In

David Goodwillie £2m (Dundee United) Radosav Petrovic undisclosed (Partizan Belgrade)Myles Anderson free Bruno Ribeiro free Simon Vukcevic undisclosed (Sporting Lisbon) Scott Dann £8m (Birmingham City) Ayegbeni Yakubu undisclosed (Everton) Jordan Slew £1.1m (Sheffield United)

Players Out

Phil Jones £16m (Manchester United) Frank Fielding £400,000 (Derby County) Brett Emerton free (Sydney) Nikola Kalinic undisclosed (Dnipro)  Zurab Khizanishvili, Jordan Bowen, Jason Brown, Michael Potts, Benjani Mwaruwari, Maceo Rigters (all released) Keith Andrews loan (Ipswich Town)

Arsenal

The Gunners have huge title aspirations ahead of the new season, but after six seasons without a trophy and persistent rumours of exits is that realistic? One big name has already left, two more and mooted to be following and as yet Arsene Wenger doesn't seem too concerned. The Frenchman who a few years ago seemed invincible is starting to divide opinion, can he silence those critics in the 2011/2012 campaign.

Goalkeeper

It seem like this has forever been the troubled spot for Arsenal, with fans for the last couple of years blaming this as a lack of failure. Jens Lehmann brought back last year, with rotation/injuries seeming all three regular keepers, Manuel Almunia, Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski, all given chances to impress but failing to do so. A reliable man between the sticks is a must have for any side, and despite the stubborn 'I know best' attitude that Wenger seems to have adopted in recent times, unless he rectifies this situation his barren streak will continue.

Defence

 

With Thomas Vermaelen back this term after a lay off last season, what seemed a slightly leeky defence, especially from set pieces, could be slightly patched up. Although that doesn't take away from the fact new additions are needed, and fast. Defenders were already a priority before Gael Clichy headed up north, so now they are needed more than ever. Despite Wengers insistence that his defence held it's own last year, it was clear to see it simply did not. As already mentioned, conceeding too many from set pieces can be a huge problem. Continue the trend this season and trouble will undoubtedly follow.

Midfield

There certainly isn't ever a lack of creativity in the middle of the park at The Emirates, but two of the usual suspects could be off anytime soon. Samir Nasir seems to have been linked to everyone of note, Manchester City more than most, while Cesc Fabregas' on off move back to Barcelona wore thin years ago but could come to a head this summer. Add that to the other 'squad' players rumoured to be going and Arsenal could find themselves a little short. The wise old heads need a good season, and from and England perspective the contunine rise of Jack Wilshire wouldn't be too bad.

Forward

This doesn't seem to be a big problem, with no doubt one of the Leagues finest in Robin Van Persie, if they can keep him fit, gracing their front line. Ivorian Gervinho has also arrived, although he could operate out wide if needed, along with Marouane Chamakh who failed to replicate his early season from and drifted off. The Morrocan international certainly needs to find some form, and goals, this season. Nicklas Bendtner seems out of the door already, but it will be this postion which is bottom of the list for strenghthening.

Manager

It is of no doubt to any of the footballing world the massive impact Wenger has had on the English game, with his brand of football also a joy to behold. But the bottom line is good football only gets you so far, and trophies are what the paying fans, shareholders, owners and players crave. Another barren season and a man who is already starting to have his doubters, could just find himself out of a job.

Areas to Strengthen

Phil Jagielka is the latest of a long list of Defenders that has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, with one target in Phil Jones already having signed for rivals Manchester United and the Gary Cahill front going cold. Well for now anyway. But it could be unlikely that there will be a huge influx of activity until the futures of the aforementioned Fabregas and Nasri are sorted out. Defenders are certainly needed, a strong goalkeeper wouldn't hurt and if those two do go some midfielder dynamo's will have to be added.

Expectation

A title bid has become the norm of expectations nowadays, with good showings in both domestic and european competition craved. It could perhaps be a little early to just this side, with a month of the transfer window still left and a long of ins and outs expected. Although even at this early stage it does seem that a title tilt could be out of reach, as could, dare I say it, a place in the top four.

Odds
 
9/1 (Sky Bet)

Players in

Gervinho £10.5m (Lille) Carl Jenkinson £1m (Charlton Athletic)Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain £15m (Southampton) Jon Toral undisclosed (Barcelona) Hector Bellerin undisclosed (Barcelona) Andre Santos £6m (Fenerbache) Joel Campbell undisclosed (deportivo Saprissa) Park Chu-Young undisclosed (Monaco) Per Mertesacker undisclosed (Werder Bremen) Mikel Arteta £10m (Everton) Yossi Benayoun loan (Chelsea)

Players out

Gael Clichy £7m (Manchester City) Jay Emmanuel-Thomas £1.1m (Ipswich Town) Cesc Fabregas undisclosed (Barcelona) Samir Nasir £24m (Manchester City) Emmanuel Eboue undisclosed (Galatasaray) Armand Traore undisclosed (Queens Park Rangers)  Mark Randall free (Chesterfield) Roarie Deacon free (Sunderland) Jamie Edge free (West Bromwich Albion) Gilles Sunu undisclosed (Lorient) Denilson loan (Sao Paulo) Thomas Cruise (released) Wellington loan (Levante) Carlos Vela loan (Real Sociedad) Pedro Botelho loan (Rayo Vallecano) Henri Lansbury loan (West Ham United) Nicklas Bendtner loan (Sunderland) Joel Campbell loan (Lorient)