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Roy Hodgson has named his 23-man squad for Euro 2012, with predominantly the seasoned campaigners we have come to expect included, but there is a wildcard or two in the contingent also. The former West Brom manager will need to decide who to play in the centre of defence with no Rio Ferdinand to select and which striker has the ability to deputise for Wayne Rooney, but Hodgson’s selections in midfield could well be the difference between success and failure.

In the centre of the park Hodgson is seemingly blessed with options, and one of the Three Lions’ main strengths will be their central midfield. Captain Steven Gerrard will certainly play if fit, but whether it is in this position, on the right or behind a striker is yet to be revealed. Frank Lampard has proved his worth at Chelsea despite getting older, whilst Scott Parker has been one of the standout performers for club and country over the last 24 months.

The combative nature of Parker alongside the dynamism of Gerrard would seemingly serve as the best option for Hodgson, but Lampard is sure to be slightly frustrated if he does not make the starting XI. Add Premier League-winning Manchester City duo Gareth Barry and James Milner into the mix and there is a selection headache.

Hodgson’s squad would certainly hint that England will play three in the centre of the park, especially given the inclusion of only four strikers, despite Wayne Rooney being suspended for the first two games. Just who these three will be will orchestrate the side’s style of play, with the more attacking Gerrard and Lampard counteracted by the battling qualities of Parker and Barry.

On the flanks it will be seemingly two out of four possible candidates. On the left Stewart Downing has been included despite no goals or assists in a whole season for Liverpool this term; playing the Reds man looks like a gamble given his ill-form and lack of confidence. Arsenal duo Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have been included, with the more senior of the two inconsistent and the junior untried. Either could provide the spark to win a match; the selection of Walcott would appear more likely however, with the ox as an impact substitute and unknown quantity. Finally, Manchester United’s Ashley Young provides the versatility to play on either flank, and likes to pop up in central areas to support the strikers – the Old Trafford man is arguably the most gifted of the four widemen mentioned.

Hodgson’s choices will be very interesting given the personnel; Gerrard is captain and therefore must play, Lampard is a senior campaigner with a bit of an ego, Parker is the form man and Barry is the league winner. Out wide, Walcott can delight and frustrate in equal measures, Young’s best position is not determined, Downing is in terrible form and Oxlade Chamberlain could be a superstar.

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England Euro 2012