Here’s How England Should Line-Up For Euro 2012

It’s time to start picking an England XI for the Euro’s as the season is in full swing and only a few games remain for Fabio Capello to try out players in friendlies before Euro 2012 starts in Poland and Ukraine.

For me the question is as much about formation as individuals and the debate must be about Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand even being in the squad.

Given the quality that is Spain, the drive that is Germany and the flair that is France, I feel we have to pick players who will electrify the tournament. We want to be proud of the England team and so I’m advocating a younger, more vibrant line up than we have seen so far from the Capello regime.

My team is as follows:

Joe Hart

Kyle Walker, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Leigthon Baines

Theo Walcott, Tom Cleverley, Scott Parker, James Milner

                Danny Welbeck, Danny Sturridge

I would leave Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard at home.

I would have John Terry, Aaron Lennon, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole on the bench.

This team has pace, power and form about it.

I want England to play a high tempo, game where we turn the defenders and press high up the field, leaving our quick defenders to snuff out counterattacks.

Parker is a giant in that defensive destroyer role. Jones and Smalling are the future and frankly only Walcott can destroy defences like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo can (if he’s at his best of course).

The form, drive and fitness of those left at home aren’t worth a place.

Surely a bench slot for the Tweeters, cheaters and bleaters is all they deserve.

Who have I missed out? Darren Bent, Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch, Bobby Zamora, Gareth Barry, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ledley King, Jack Wilshere (ok maybe he should be in the team in place of Milner), Gabriel Agbonlehor, Adam and Glen Johnson or even the big fella Andy Carroll.

Pick a better team? I dare you.

By Steve Burrows CBE @ifollowsteve