Euro 2016 Team Analysis – England

Up next in our assessment of the Euro 2016 candidates is England. Rated as the favourites to finish top of Group B, Roy Hodgson’s side kick off their campaign against Russia at 8pm on Saturday June 11 before going up against Wales five days later at 2pm and then taking on Slovakia on Monday June 20 at 8pm.

A place in one of the top two spots should boost England’s prospects of making the quarter-finals at least. If they win the group, they’d face the third place team in either Group A, C or D, whilst a second place spot also looks prosperous and would see them face the runners-up in Group F, which is expected to be Austria.

Road to Qualification

The only country to arrive in France with a 100% qualifying record, England scored 31 times and conceded on just three occasions over their ten matches.

Given that they notched 11 times against San Marino and put seven past Lithuania, though, it’s fair to say that Hodgson’s side had it somewhat easy in their bid to get out of qualifying Group E. The Three Lions also managed eight clean sheets, beating runners-up Switzerland 2-0 both home and away.

England have played six friendlies over the last 12 months, winning four times and losing twice. Hodgson’s men followed up impressive victories over France (2-0) and Germany (3-2) by beating Turkey and Australia 2-1 over the last week or so, though tasted defeat against Spain (0-2) and Holland (1-2), thus earning just one clean sheet over those fixtures.

Most Appearances Joe Hart (9), Wayne Rooney, Gary Cahill, Raheem Sterling (8), Nathaniel Clyne, Jordan Henderson, Phil Jagielka, Adam Lallana, James Milner (6)

Most goals Wayne Rooney (7), Danny Welbeck (6), Harry Kane, Theo Walcott (3), Ross Barkley, Raheem Sterling (2)

Most assists Raheem Sterling (3), Ross Barkley (2), James Milner, Wayne Rooney, Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, Jonjo Shelvey, Kyle Walker, Jamie Vardy (1)

The Key Targets

Bearing in mind that Hodgson started only five players – Joe Hart, Wayne Rooney, Gary Cahill, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson – in more than half of his side’s qualifiers, it’s fair to say that the England starting line-up is far from certain at this point.

The doubt is arguably more prominent in attack. Arsenal duo Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott netted nine times between them, for example, but are not involved due to injury and a lack of form. Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy, on the other hand, were afforded just two starts by Hodgson but both bagged a goal apiece in the recent friendly win over Turkey to strengthen their claims for pitch time. Marcus Rashford also impressed by netting on his debut at the weekend and with Daniel Sturridge back in full training, Hodgson’s final 23 will be eagerly anticipated tomorrow.

In terms of tactics, Hodgson has mainly favoured a 4-3-3 set-up but has also trialled a midfield diamond to good effect in the last couple of friendlies.

Despite being shifted into central midfield in recent outings for Manchester United, Wayne Rooney remains a clear favourite of Hodgson’s and is an assured pick regardless of formation.

With seven goals and an assist over qualifying, the Red Devils skipper could even lead the line in a lone striker system but would seem more likely to be deployed in support, perhaps at the tip of a diamond midfield system. Given his poor record at major international tournaments and his prospects of a withdrawn role, Rooney looks pricey at 9.5 in the Uefa game but is perhaps the only England forward who can be guaranteed to feature in the XI, given the options at Hodgson’s disposal. He’s owned by just 2% of Uefa managers making him a potentially effective differential.

Harry Kane’s current ownership is far more considerable – the Tottenham striker currently resides in 31% of Uefa squads. Red-hot domestic form and a string of fine displays in an England shirt would suggest that Kane’s starting role is assured, although Rooney’s seemingly inevitable inclusion does cast some doubt. Priced at 8.5, Kane is the preferred route into the England attack, although with Dele Alli priced at just 6.5 and claiming 37% ownership, there is a cheaper alternative for those looking to invest in Hodgson’s attacking options.

Again Rooney’s role could impact on Alli’s tournament and while his pitch time if far from guaranteed, it is widely expected that Hodgson will opt to deploy both Alli and Kane in a bid to harness their superb understanding displayed throughout the season for Spurs. That could see Rooney shifted deeper into midfield, or even deployed in an inverted flank role.

At the back, England’s recent friendly results hardly boost confidence in a rearguard whose regulars are priced at least 5.5 in the Uefa offering. Gary Cahill was the most regular defender over the qualifiers and offers a decent shout for points at both ends of the pitch – his tally of four efforts in the box was at least twice the number of any team-mate in the back four.

Danny Rose has started each of the last four friendlies at left-back and is a little less expensive than Nathaniel Clyne (5.5 to 6.0) on the opposite side of defence. Tottenham team-mate Eric Dier is perhaps the standout option, however. Priced at 5.0, he failed to feature in the qualifying campaign but, like Alli, has since started three of England’s last five friendlies anchoring the midfield. Classified as a defender in the Uefa game, Dier is found in 10% of squads and could prove value for money if he cements his starting role as expected.

The Long Shots

Raheem Sterling is a versatile attacking asset who may yet play a significant role in the tournament, despite an indifferent domestic season for Manchester City.

Sterling has been handed back-to-back starts over the last couple of friendlies and featured in the first XI seven times in the qualifiers. Priced at 7.5 in Uefa, he’s chipped in with two goals and three assists on the road to France and strengthened his case for consideration by playing a part in both England’s goals in the weekend win over Australia. Again, he’s another player who will likely affected by Hodgson’s final decision on Rooney; ultimately, Sterling could be limited to an impact substitute, utilised to exploit tiring defensive legs.

Hodgson’s two recent formations means he’ll require at least three central midfielders in the starting line-up. Jordan Henderson (6.5) has returned to full fitness and fired four attempts in a 90-minute appearance against Australia on Saturday – he played more minutes in qualifying than any other option in the centre of the park. Liverpool team-mate James Milner (6.5) could also be one to consider with the Draft Kings game in mind. With a fair share of corner duties in hand, he took top spot for crosses and chances created and sat second for successful tackles. If he starts, Milner will offer value in Draft Kings.

It remains to be seen whether Adam Lallana can retain a starting role as Hodgson looks to find the best solution to his dilemma in the final third. Like Milner, his Draft Kings potential looks the most enticing – second for crosses and first for successful tackles, the Liverpool midfielder registered double-figures for key passes and attempts on goal.

Jamie Vardy is potentially the most profitable risk on offer in the England squad. His domestic exploits and recent scoring form on the international stage would seem to make him a likely starter but much will depend on Hodgson’s chosen setup.

Certainly, in a 4-3-3 Vardy’s role on the left of the attacking three would seem secure. Should England opt or shift to two up front, Vardy, like Sterling, could become an option to introduce late on with his pace used to stretch the game.

Priced at 7.5, Vardy is clearly a potential bargain but comes packaged with a degree of risk with doubts over his start time and whether he can maintain scoring form from a wide position.

Upcoming Friendlies

England vs Portugal (June 2)

Further Analysis

Group A Albania, France, Romania, Switzerland.

Group B Russia, Slovakia