Delph was a given, Drinkwater unsurprising, but I would have taken Townsend above a number of others - Wilshire, Henderson, Lallana, and Sterling spring to mind. Surely Townsend offers more consistent, more successful and more positive options than any one of these?
Leaving out Drinkwater is a poor decision IMO. No English player made more tackles than him this season, and his confidence is sky high having won the league whilst playing almost every game. So Roy leaves out the player with an exemplary fitness record, and a League winner, and selects Jack Wilshere who's barely played a League Game, and Jordan Henderson who has only just recovered from injury. Not to mention the fact that James Milner has had his chance in the past and brings nothing that the opposition fear. Are the likes of Henderson and Milner better players? Not for me He's rolling the dice on this one, as we are thin in Defence as well the 'Defensive Midfield' area.
So 'no games' Wilshire and Henderson and 'cripple' Sturridge get the nod. Hmm. If Wilshire was fit he'd be a first pick. Sterling is it for speed on the wings? No, Hodgson will play Rashford and Vardy out of position if needed. Looks a bit make do and mend, but can't say the three who are losing out are world beaters.
Completely agree, picked based on club, not form, fitness or dare i say it success #sameoldroy. With dier as CB cover we need holding cover which on form DD wld have brought. We have a ropey defense at best and this was an option to help. Oh well with attacking options we have...eng win 3-2 4--3 every game shld be gd entertainment....come on england!!
Also, what game time is sturridge going to get behind kane, vardy, rashford, rooney...DD or andros give more cover/variety. Off bench andros def has goal in him. More to offer than sterling i think. Worth a gamble on henderson, sturridge or especially wilshire breakdown in tournament
I see Roy's planning on Brexit on the 20th June with that clapped out, unfit and unwieldy squad. Thought he was picking on form not club or reputation?
Surprised Drinkwater has been left out. Not surprised with the other two. Both playing for relegated sides and either hardly regulars in the England starting 11. Edit - I forgot Delph got transferred to Man City.
I'd love to know what the plan is if Dier gets injured. He's left out the only other player who can do that role to accommodate crocks. Genius. Townsend isn't all that but is surely a better bet than Sterling who is now the only winger in the squad but dismally out of form.
No hiding place for Woy with this squad. Wilshere was always going and as long as Henderson and Sturridge can walk so will they. It tells you all three will start in the opener against Russia. Should any of them get crocked the shortcomings of the squad will be there for all to see. Expect Milner to play several roles through the tournament and others to play out of position to accommodate Woy's favourites. Quarter-Finals at best...
I don't think Sturridge will start the first game. I wouldn't have taken him or Henderson. I'd have taken Drinkwater and Townsend over those two. Four forwards would have been enough, with Kane, Vardy, Rashford and Rooney, who can play behind or up top. I think we may start with a diamond, with Rooney behind Kane and Vardy.
Making Dier the most important player. I suppose that works if we really go for it, as we should as we can't sit back.
Drinkwater should have been selected. A marvellous season behind him and maybe the best tackling midfielder from the whole bunch....
He won't start with Kane and Vardy, more likely Kane with Rooney and Sturridge/Sterling either side of him in a 4-5-1/4-3-3 that he's played quite a few times. That seems to be his preferred option, I'll be pleasantly surprised if it is 4-4-2...
With all due respect, I wish the English squad all the best but England need to appoint a local, younger manager who has some fire in the belly. The only thing Roy has been able to achieve is longevity in football, with his CV highlighting mediocrity at it's best. He doesn't have the balls to show real passion, a sense of attack or some flair ................... no, it will be a 'cover all bases' blanket approach with nothing out of the ordinary from Woy. Sincerely hope he proves me wrong but if truth be known, how he dodged a bullet after the last World Cup is beyond me. Good luck to the English players and fans.
Drinkwater tweeted that he would OF liked to go. Personally I would HAVE liked to see him go. FFS what is happening to the English language?
