England are one team, whether they play attractive football or ugly football, whether they play good or bad, they are sure to attract the media's attention in Euro 2012. The Three Lions went through the qualifiers unbeaten under Fabio Capello, but he has been succeeded by former Liverpool and West Brom coach Hodgson who suffered humiliation at Anfield during the 2010/11 season. Hodgson has had fruitful stints with West Brom, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and Finland in the past. But managing England is a different ball game. The pressure will be at an all-time high and it's surely a make or break thing for him.
The biggest dilemma for England is that they will be without star striker Rooney for the opening two matches and that can hurt them badly. But with Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe and Danny Welbeck as the other strikers, they have goal-scoring options. Carroll is favourite to replace Rooney in the starting XI for the first two games and if he can bring his physical quality then it would be a nightmare for even the best of defenders.
In the later stages England's progress will depend mostly on Rooney, without a doubt their most important player. He has been in scintillating form for Manchester United this season and finished as the second highest goal-scorer in the EPL. The other most important player will be the goalkeeper, Joe Hart, in whom after a long time England have found a safe pair of hands. He is rock-solid and confident inside the box and hardly makes mistakes. Coming into the tournament with the highest number of clean sheets in the EPL for Manchester City, Hart is a huge player for England.
In the midfield, in Lampard's absence Steven Gerrard and Stuart Parker will be the main men for England. So often overlooked, Gerrard is now captain and Hodgson has got it bang on. He has been a driving force at Anfield for so long and has the ability to inspire at the biggest stage. Young Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a surprise inclusion and with Ashley Young can provide pace to England's attack.
England squad:
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Man City), Rob Green (West Ham), Jack Butland (Birmingham).
Defenders: Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Man United), John Terry (Chelsea), Joleon Lescott (Man City), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton), Phil Jagielka (Everton).
Midfielders: Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Ashley Young (Man United), James Milner (Man City).
Forwards: Wayne Rooney (Man United), Danny Welbeck (Man United), Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham).
