As an Englishman, it goes without saying that I am, like all of my countrymen, utterly convinced that this is the year that England will win a major tournament.
With that in mind, I’m sure you’ll excuse my unashamed bias when compiling the combined XI for Group B, the group that contains Euro 2016’s eventual winners, England.
If I’m honest, it’s a bit of a weird line-up. You’ll notice that modern-day Wayne Rooney aside (there is a reason for his inclusion), it’s a very attacking midfield. Because of this, I toyed with sticking Gary Cahill and Martin Skrtel in instead of Danny Rose and Kyle Walker at full back.
To my way of thinking, a back four consisting entirely of centre halves could’ve focused on just being solid and compact and could leave the rest of them to concentrate on scoring the goals. In the end though, the thought of serial shirt-pullers Chris Smalling and Martin Skrtel playing in the same defence prompted me to stick with Rose and Walker.
Anyway, here’s my Group B XI.
Joe Hart
One of the easier decisions. Solid and dependable throughout most of his international career and the proud owner of a dandruff-free scalp. What more do you want from your number one?
Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker is in at right back, but this doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll start there against Russia. In fact, nobody seems to know who England’s first choice right-back is. Take Glen Hoddle, for example. He recently named him as man of the match in the friendly win against Portugal, only to then decide to swap him for Nathaniel Clyne in his ideal England XI for their opening Euro 2016 match.
All this said, I reckon he just about shades it.
Chris Smalling
Despite his aforementioned addiction to shirt-pulling, Smalling has been a solid performer for club and country for the majority of the last two seasons. Definitely one of the best centre halves in the group.
Ashley Williams
Temporarily breaking up the England-heavy XI, Swansea’s Ashley Williams has to be included. Not only has he proven to be a consistent performer for Swansea since they became a Premier League side, his contribution in Wales qualification campaign saw him named in UEFA’s all-star XI.
Danny Rose
But for Luke Shaw’s broken leg, Danny Rose almost certainly wouldn’t be England’s first choice left-back this summer. That said, he’s performed well when given the nod for England this season and is probably just about the best left-back on offer in Group B.
Marek Hamšík
Well, we had to stick at least one Slovakian player in there, didn’t we?
Never mind his distinctive haircut and sleeve tattoos, Marek Hamšík is a bloody good player in real life, not just on FIFA 14. The Napoli man has been Slovakian player of the year four times and top-scored for his country with five goals in qualifying.
Dele Alli
We’ve seen more than enough already this season to suggest that Dele Alli is a bit good. Having run the show against the World Champions in Berlin the other month, many are tipping the Spurs youngster to really announce himself on the international stage in France.
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney probably shouldn’t be in this XI. I know it, you know it, even Coleen probably knows it, too. At times this season, he’s badly lacked form and struggled to score goals this season. As a result, he almost certainly won’t be playing as a striker.
With no obvious candidate for the right wing berth in this team, I’ve taken a leaf out of Roy Hodgson’s book and stuck him in there for the sake of it.
Gareth Bale
You can’t leave him out, can you?
Another European Cup with Real Madrid the other week and the other Welshmen in UEFA’s Euro 2016 all-star XI.
Harry Kane
Premier League golden boot winner and has already notched up five goals for his country. Again, hard not to stick him in there, especially if Dele Alli’s there too.
Artem Dzyuba
“What? No Vardy?” I hear you cry. Nope.
Don’t get me wrong, leaving Vardy out is a tough call. He’s been brilliant for his club this year, but despite his chat Sheisse, get banged moment in Berlin…
… he hasn’t replicated the same goal scoring form in an England shirt just yet.
Instead, I’ve finally managed to squeeze a Russian player in.
Artem Dzyuba enters the tournament in decent form for his national side. He’s bagged a goal every other game for Russia so far and has also scored six times in Zenit St Petersburg’s Champions League campaign. He’s a big lad too, and could prove pretty useful.
