da jogodeouro： England can officially pack their bags for EURO 2016. A magnificent 100% record heading into Saturday’s game with San Marino meant that victory would be enough to rubber-stamp the Three Lions’ qualification, and sure enough against the European minnows Roy Hodgson’s men came out 6-0 victors.
da blaze casino： Qualification has been dubbed a formality ever since the opening group victory away in Switzerland – widely seen as the toughest match – but that should take nothing away from Wayne Rooney and co, who were officially the first side to book their spot in the tournament in France. Bravo.
The achievement means that Hodgson can rotate his options and test out new players and formations over the course of his side’s remaining fixtures, which should give us all plenty of food for thought as to whom will be in the XI next summer. Well, it’s a long way off but here is the team we’re expecting to see…
Joe Hart
Starting in goal there is simply one man for the job and that is Man City’s Joe Hart. The man is possession of the No.1 jersey at the moment is one of the outstanding goalkeepers in the Premier League and it would be a real shock if he isn’t England’s man between the sticks in France. He is a fine goalie and will be for England for many years to come.
Nathaniel Clyne
The right-back spot has been hotly contested in recent years by Clyne, Johnson and Jones on occasion but it does look increasingly likely that the former Saints man will get the nod.
He is blessed with great pace and energy to get up and down the flanks, in the mould of your modern day full back and will surely be first choice in France.
Chris Smalling
The centre back positions are well and truly up for discussion, however as it stands right now you would have to say looking ahead to next summer the Man Utd man will surely be one of Hodgson’s key men in central defence.
The former Fulham star has started the season well and is beginning to show that early promise that convinced United to sign him and does indeed look set to play in France.
Gary Cahill
Alongside Smalling it is a tough call, but it looks like Cahill will get the go ahead over the less experienced John Stones and Phil Jones. England will want some experience in what is looking like an inexperienced back four and Cahill will provide just that. He is a committed performer and will surely be given the nod next summer.
Leighton Baines
There are a lot of good contenders for the left back slot next summer, like Luke Shaw, Ryan Bertrand, Kieran Gibbs or even uncapped Aaron Cresswell who could force their way in. However, Baines is the man in possession at the moment and others will need to step up whilst the former Wigan man is injured.
If they don’t Baines will be the man in France, if not it could well be Shaw, Bertrand, Gibbs or Cresswell.
Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool captain is a shoe in now, he has the experience at international level and has taken on more responsibility at Liverpool since Steven Gerrard left and you would have to say that Henderson is one of England’s key men in midfield. He has really grown as a player in the last eighteen months.
Jack Wilshere
The Arsenal man does indeed need a good season under his belt if he is going to get into the starting XI this summer, but his two goals away against Slovenia, both wonderstrikes, reminded us all the talent Wilshere has and when fit and playing well he has to be in the team.
James Milner
The vice captain at Liverpool is a favourite of Hodgson and is frankly a ludicrously underrated player, who can be relied upon in a number of positions and given his experience he could well be a key member of this England side.
Adam Lallana
There are many players fighting it out for the attacking roles, however it is another Liverpool man in Adam Lallana who should line up on the right of a front three.
Lallana is a supremely technically gifted player, with a silky touch and the ability to drift past players, he is a key component of England’s attack. A no-brainer
Raheem Sterling
The man providing the pace and threat down the left is Man City winger Sterling, who is fast becoming one of England’s star men. Given his pace and dribbling abilities he could be the difference in the crunch moments in France for Hodgson’s side.
Wayne Rooney
The England captain of course will lead the line, the likes of Sturridge and Kane will be keen to force their way in to partner Rooney, however, it looks likely Hodgson will play the 4-3-3 formation that has served him well recently and Rooney will be England’s main striker in that set-up.