TEAMtalk

Hodgson's Choice: Pick your England XI

Monday 11-June-2012 11:52

With only Wayne Rooney missing through suspension, most people know the starting XI that head coach Roy Hodgson is likely to pick for Monday's Group D showdown with Les Bleus at the Donbass Arena.

It's widely expected that he will field a 4-4-1-1 formation, with either Danny Welbeck or Andy Carroll leading the line and Ashley Young providing support in the attacking 'hole'.

But is this the right way to go against Laurent Blanc's much-fancied French troops, who are unbeaten in 21 games?

I'm not so sure, so am putting my manager's hat on and picking my first-choice team - then want you to do the same, using whatever system you wish.

Hodgson's choice (probable): Hart; Johnson, Terry, Lescott, Cole; Milner, Parker, Gerrard (c), Oxlade-Chamberlain; Young; Welbeck.

Simon Wilkes' England XI (4-2-3-1): Hart; Johnson, Terry, Lescott, Cole; Parker, Milner; Young, Gerrard (c), Walcott; Carroll.

Defence: The backline, including the hugely impressive Joe Hart, pretty much picks itself, with Joleon Lescott getting the nod to partner defensive 'warrior' John Terry due to his superb season for Manchester City and good understanding with Hart.

Having Scott Parker and James Milner in the anchor roles will allow both Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson to bomb forward and provide support and width down the flanks.

Defensive midfielders: Captain Steven Gerrard admits he can't make the same number of surging runs as he did in his prime - but I believe playing him in a holding role is a waste of his undoubted talent and ability to unlock the tightest of defences.

I'd rather see Milner and Parker in the engine room as they're more likely to keep their discipline and provide a rock-solid shield for the back four.

Attacking midfielders: Hodgson liked to play three attack-minded midfielders behind a lone frontman at Albion, so Theo Walcott, Gerrard and United wideman Ashley Young get the gig to supply the ammunition in the attacking third.

Hodgson will err on the side of caution with his selection - but having been fairly unimpressed with the likes of Holland, Germany, Italy and Spain so far, this game is a chance to put down a real marker for the tournament.

One thing which frightens even the best international defences is pace, and both Young and Walcott have that in spades.

Attack: This England squad needs to play to its strengths - and until Rooney is available I'd give Andy Carroll the chance to terrorise defenders, giving him the task of providing a physical focal point to our attacking play.

Welbeck admittedly looked the business against Belgium at Wembley - but this French line-up are a different kettle of fish, and I know they'd rather face the United frontman than Liverpool's battering ram.

That's my team, now pick yours through our comment facility.

Simon Wilkes (@SimonJWilkes on Twitter)

TEAMtalk Editor