England manager Roy Hodgson named a preliminary squad for the European 2016 Championships in France. Eyebrows were raised for some notable absentees.
|||England manager Roy Hodgson named a preliminary squad for the European 2016 Championships in France. Eyebrows were raised for some notable absentees. Here is a list of nine players who missed out:
Phil Jagielka
Exposed on the world stage two years ago in Brazil but, given the calibre of England’s group stage opponents, could still have been relied upon in France. His omission leaves just three recognised centre-backs in the 26-man squad.
Phil Jones
The Manchester United defender would probably have been included on account of his versatility if not for the persistent injury problems which have limited him to one senior appearance since the turn of the year. Recent displays in his club side’s Under-21s have been uninspiring.
Aaron Cresswell
A victim of fierce competition at full-back, Cresswell’s dead-ball abilities would have stood out in this squad. The same could be said of Leighton Baines, who has gone from first-choice to forgotten man.
Michael Carrick
It will be England’s first tournament since the international retirements of both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, yet their long-time understudy finds himself on the wrong side of 34.
Mark Noble
Instrumental in West Ham United’s progression under Slaven Bilic this season but continues to be overlooked. After all this time, could be forgiven for invoking the grandparent rule and donning the Republic of Ireland’s emerald green.
Jonjo Shelvey
It has been forgotten somewhat, but the erratic midfielder’s impressive form in the season’s opening weeks led to three competitive internationals on the bounce and substitute appearances against Spain and France.
Andy Carroll
Less of a ‘plan B’ than a square peg in a round hole, the 6ft 4in striker’s inclusion always seemed unlikely without wide players to extract the best out of him.
Jermain Defoe
Still scoring as a 33-year-old, Defoe could perceivably have provided backup for Harry Kane. His lack of inability to play anywhere but centrally in the forward line probably extinguished his slim chances.
Theo Walcott
The biggest name to be omitted from the 26-man provisional squad. An unused squad member at the 2006 World Cup at just 16-years-old, Walcott has only played in one international tournament since – Hodgson’s first European Championships with England in 2012. – The Independent
