Roy Hodgson selected his England Squad yesterday. As I had feared, there were a few controversial selections. It is likely that most will be focussing on the omission of Ferdinand. However, for me the biggest surprise was the lack of Daniel Sturridge and the inclusion of Oxlade-Chamberlain. Now, may I also say that Oxlade-Chamberlain may well develop into one of the finest players this country has seen this side of the millenium, but, really at the tender age 18, and still without a senior cap, does he really have the experience to warrant an inclusion? Throwing him in at the deep end, and excluding Daniel Sturridge, who has found his feet at Chelsea towards the end of this year, was a surprise, I must admit.
The selection of Gerrard as captain is a no brainer, the Liverpudlian has all the qualities a leader should have, even if his game isnt quite at the high level it used to be. Whilst on the subject of Liverpool players in the squad, how Messrs Carroll and Downing have found their way into the 23 man squad, after torrid seasons given their price tags, is a little confusing aswell. I would have liked Sturridge ahead of Carroll, whilst Adam Johnson can also count himself a little unlucky, even if he is not getting the regular game time his talent deserves at Manchester City.
However, the biggest dissapointment would be the lack of Kyle Walker and Micah Richards, who, in my eyes, pose a genuine attacking threat, albeit that injury denied Walker a probable inclusion in the first place. Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines however are adequate deputies at full back for either, however are probably less likely to carry the same goal threat. Leaving out Rio was probably the correct call due to age and injuries, although you cant help but feel there were underlying factors to the decision. His absence makes Terry and Lescott the probablr first choice pairing in central defence
Although I will be cheering the boys on this summer, I cannot see how the crop of strikers selected can change the nation's overwhelming dependence on the performance of Rooney. For me, Walcott is more effective up front than out wide, although it appears likely he, alongside Ashley Young have been selected as the wide men. Although speculating on Formations