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.

Manchester United

After over taking close rivals Liverpool with 19 Premier League titles last season, confidence is at an all time high on the red half of Manchester. Chelsea and their City rivals will be their closest challengers this time round, but it is hard to look past Sir Alex Ferguson's men clinching their 20th title this time round.

Goalkeeper

Long term target David De Gea has arrived to take over from the now retired Edwin Van Der Sar. The Dutchman has been a terrific servant to many sides, and shone in his later years at Old Trafford. Anders Lindegaard came in in January as back up, but the big problem here is that there could be one too many keepers on the books.

Defence

Another area in which this side is ridiculously strong, and more bodies have added even more depth. Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand will be the first choice, injuries providing that is. Chris Smalling and new boy Phil Jones provide very adequate back up though, and could well be the future England partnership.

Midfield

WIth Paul Scholes retiring the rumour mill is in over drive about a replacement, with Wesley Sneijder the name cropping up more than most. However despite this, the Midfield is still strong with steel and creativity in abundance. With Ashley Young their is now another dimension added, and depth is certainly here for all to see.

Forwards


Wayne Rooney will once again be the focal point of this sides attacking intent, but after his excellent debut season Javier Hernandez will be expected to perform to that level once again. Dimitar Berbatov could have to seek pastures new if he wants regular first team football, and that highlights even more strength in this team.

Manager

Everyone knows the successes that the Scot has had, and nothing knew can be said about this man that has not already been said. The pressure will certainly be on the next man in the hot seat when he eventually steps aside.

Areas to Strengthen

On the outset this side looks complete, plenty of depth with experience and young talent blended. Sneijder could well be the final piece of the jigsaw, and would be a huge hit in the Premiership with this side.

Expectations

Another League title will be the least of the expectations places upon Manchester United this season. A good showing in Europe, and maybe avenging last seasons final defeat would be desired but it is hard to look beyond Barcelona.

Odds

13/8 (Sky Bet)

Players in

David De Gea £20m (Atletico Madrid) Ashley Young £15m (Aston Villa) Phil Jones £17m (Blackburn Rovers) Pierluigi Gollini free (Fiorentina)

Players out

John O'Shea undisclosed (Sunderland) Wes Brown undisclosed (Sunderland) Gabriel Obertan undisclosed (Newcastle United) Joe Dudgeon undisclosed (Hull CIty) Nicky Ajose undisclosed (Peterborough)  Ryan Tunnicliffe and Scott Wootton loan (Peterborough) Conor Devlin, Owen Hargreaves (all released) Bebe loan (Besiktas) Ritchie De Laet loan (Norwich City) Oliver Norwood loan (Peterborough United) Danny Drinkwater loan (Barnsley)

Capello hints at weakness

When the now infamous one sided 12-minute meeting took place at Wembley last year, it should've been the last time John Terry got near the England captaincy.

Fabio Capello himself even stated his decision to strip the armband from the Chelsea defender was irreversible.

That added to the farce witnessed in Copenhagen recently, when with the exception of Terry, every player, steward and fan seemingly got the chance to captain England.

It seemed to further highlight the Italians initial remarks.

Now though with Rio Ferdinand, the man who was awarded the captaincy, suffering from more and more injury woes and number two Steven Gerrard also out the door is open for JT.

The mind boggles.

It is one game versus Wales, why couldn't Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole or Gareth Barry fill in in the absence of Ferdinand and Gerrard?

The Liverpool midfielder has also been praised by Capello when filling in for the Manchester United defender.

This latest move hints at desperation.

There is no doubt Terry is a born leader, but when the man in top job states "he will never be my captain again" the country took it as fact.

Now fans of the Three Lions will be questioning the motivation of the man who stirred such anticipation in the build up to last years World Cup.

Not only that, but communication in the FA could also come under the spotlight.

As Capello's own number two, Franco Baldini, phones Rio to assure him that the Terry rumours were simply that and to not take them seriously.

But a day later it is revealed that the rumours were spot on, and now we are hearing that Ferdinand is naturally very upset.

Lack of communication, desperation, and potential division in the squad and a manager who now doesn't stick to his word.

English football could be in trouble, and it could be highlighted in extreme fashion in the Millennium stadium later this month.

Ferdinand back as captain

Column inches have been filled with debate about the England captaincy, ever since Steven Gerrard stepped in for the injured Rio Ferdinand.

The Liverpool man gave Fabio Capello a huge headache by leading from the front, and proving an inspiration as he dragged England out of the mire and pulled the side forward.

However with the Manchester United defender back from injury, the decision has been made up ahead of Wednesday's game.

Rio will retain the armband, but it is hugely unlikely that the debate will end there.

If England do struggle against Montenegro at Wembley, both Ferdinand and Capello will once again be put under huge pressure.

But the most concerning of all will be the effect this will have on Gerrard.

He thrived as the leader of his c0untry, proving the talisman the country have always cried for from him.

This decision though could prove a huge confidence sap, and he could drift back into putting in mediocre performances.

A man who looks like he is well and truly shackled.

However this isn't the only problem concerning the England hierarchy.

Injuries have once again become took their toll, with Phil Jagielka's injury meaning it is likely Joleon Lescott will take a place in the starting eleven.

However Aaron Lennon and Darren Bent are also out, with Peter Crouch favourite to partner the out of sorts Wayne Rooney in attack.

Despite this though, the spotlight will no doubt be cast around Ferdinand and Gerrard as England look to build on their winning ways.

Capello faces selection dilemma following squad announcement

Kevin Davies has hit the headlines following Fabio Capello's squad announcement for the upcoming game against Montenegro.

The 33-year-old Bolton striker will make his debut if he takes to the Wembley turf next Wednesday, with him vying for a spot along with Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch and Darren Bent.

Davies' selection owes much to injuries to Jermain Defoe, Bobby Zamora and Gabriel Agbonlahor, although he has beaten Newcastle's Andy Carroll who was tipped to win a place.

Despite this though it is in the centre of defence where the Italian faces the biggest problem.

Manchester United and Chelsea stars Rio Ferdinand and John Terry are both recalled to the squad, and will be favourite to partner each other against the Europeans minnows.

However that would of course be extremely hard on Phil Jagielka, who has performed admirably whilst deputising for the Three Lions.

The Everton centre back would rightfully feel hard done by if dropped, with Capello also facing a big decision about whether to reinstate Ferdinand as captain.

Steven Gerrard has taken the armband in his absence, and a lot of debate enraging about Rio's return.

Many people are in favour of the Liverpool midfielder keeping the arm band, which would make the most sense for the side.

Surely Ferdinand has a lot more on his mind, e.g regaining fitness and a regular slot for both club and country again, rather than being burdened by captaincy.

Elsewhere Joe Hart will continue between the sticks, but we could see a new face in midfield.

Gareth Barry and Gerrard will surely get starts with Adam Johnson also a favourite, but the final place could be up for grabs.

Any one of Tom Huddlestone, Joe Cole, Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Jack Wilshire and Ashley Young could grab that final spot.

Despite the debate over personnel though it should be a fairly straight forward victory for England, with nothing else to be tolerated.

England breakdown

Following the unsuccessful qualifying campaign for Euro 2008, England needed a major overhaul. And they got just that. Fabio Capello came in, and transformed an unconfident team into one that breezed through the group. One of the top points scorers was coupled with one the highest goal scorers in Wayne Rooney, with a 4-1 win in Croatia the main highlight. The usual height of expectation has already begun in England, just this time they may not disappoint.

Goalkeepers

Two experienced 'keepers are being pushed all the way by the new kid on the block. In recent months Robert Green has over taken David James, but Joe Hart's form while on loan at Birmingham has caused much debate about the 'trouble position' of the last few years. Capello's claims that he picks on form suggests that Hart will be the one given the gloves, although that policy seems to have gone out of the window with some selections in his 23 man squad. It is widely thought that Green is the one that will be trusted with the gloves in South Africa, as James' injury troubles seems to have cost him. However if it was down to the fans, the general consensus would show Hart to be the overwhelming favourite.

Defenders

In the two warm up friendlies there have been many problems highlighted, with one being the defence and what seems to be a lack of organisation. This is a rare problem for an Italian coach, although it is not new, clean sheets have been a rare phenomenon during Capello's reign. Pace seems to be the main problem in the center, with usual paring John Terry and Rio Ferdinand not blessed with great pace. Neither Matthew Upson nor utility man Jamie Carragher solve the problem, so it would be left to Ledley King if was needed. Although this problem could have solved itself, due to the injury to Ferdinand it looks like King will get the nod to step up. If Ashley Cole keeps himself fit there's no problem there, although Steven Warnock as deputy would be less inclined to bomb forward. Glen Johnson on the right still divides opinion with his attacking intentions, but he is the best we've got and in all honesty isn't anywhere near as bad a defender as is made out. With a bit of confidence the first choice of Johnson, Terry, Ferdinand and Cole is solid, and with Gareth Barry coming back it could be just the confidence that is needed to keep those all important clean sheets.

Midfield

Theo Walcott's omission has got many questioning Capello's selection, but I believe he has made the right choice. We have Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole all naturally right footed, but capable of operating both wings. Pace alone doesn't make you a good footballer, and these three all offer something different which is well needed. The midfield could be the hardest position to guess, due to the sheer quality that lies throughout. Although if it goes with the usual decisions, it will no doubt be Lennon, Barry, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. But I whole heartedly believe Michael Carrick, James Milner, Wright-Phillips or Cole could fill the breach if needs be. There is plenty of dynamism and creativity within the eight selected here, and it could be these players that make the difference both going forward and in defence.

Strikers

Darren Bent was the unlucky party to miss out up front, with, to almost everyone's dismay, Emile Heskey was chosen instead. However i don't believe this decision is as catastrophic as everyone is making out. It is well known that Wayne Rooney likes partnering Heskey in attack, due to the sheer amount of chance he makes due to his strength at holding the ball up. If this can be used in the right way Heskey could be key to success this summer. Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch make up the four, with the Tottenham men showing this season that they are more than capable of having an impact in South Africa.. Although both were out scored in the Premier League by Darren Bent.

Key Man - Wayne Rooney

No one else could be given this title except the enigmatic Manchester United striker. With Cristiano Ronaldo gone he has shone for his club side in front of goal, and has taken that form onto the international stage with England. Injured when he went to the last World Cup he couldn't have the desired impact, and ended the tournament with that controversial red card against Portugal in the quarter-final. He is now determined to set the record straight and shown the world what he is capable of, with Capello's advice to be more selfish and stay up front ringing in his ears.

One to Watch - Joe Cole

Before the injury troubles that has blighted his last few years, Cole was a key member of the England squad. And now back to regular football he is reminding us all of why exactly that is. His tricky style of play makes him exciting to watch, and the knowledge that he is capable of doing the unexpected makes him difficult for defenders to handle. His impact in the friendly against Japan has hopefully set a precedent as to what we can expect this summer.

Manager - Fabio Capello

The Italian has won trophies where ever he has plied his trade, and he doesn't intent on stopping now. Although admitting this is his most difficult challenge, he has instilled a belief into the England squad that has been lacking for years. Similarly to 2006 this could be our best chance yet of emulating 1966, and more importantly the players also seem to think so.

Odds - 6/1

Prediction - A semi-final place at the least is all what would be considered an acceptable return.

Next Time

Tomorrow I will be looking at the rest of group C, Algeria, Slovenia and USA.