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England's underachievers have failed toclinch a big tournament trophy for 46 years and this summer withlower expectations than the past years they may feel more relaxedto re-prove themselves in trip to Poland and Ukraine for the UEFAEURO 2012. Boosted by their world well-known individuals, England is alwaystipped as the favourite to win a tournament and surrounded by thepublic voices "this is just the year to win it" despite the factthey have only topped the podium once in 1966's home World Cup,which is their only major trophy in history. Shocked by the former manager Fabio Capello's departure inFebruary, the main striker Wayne Rooney's first two-match ban andthe promising star Frank Lampard and Jack Wishere's injury-hitquit, England has so much uncertainty this time that both localfans and football writers were more realistic about the team'soutlook in June. Besides, there is a big challenge to their new manager Roy Hodgson,who was appointed by the FA with less than six weeks to go beforethe European biggest tournament kick-off. The 64-year-old upset the English media, fans and even someplayers' estimated candidate Harry Redknapp to get thefour-year-contract job on May 1. The time is very limited for the former West Bromwich manager as heonly could start his England job after this season ended on May 13which reduced his preparation schedule to less than one monthbefore his side's first group match against France in Donetsk onJune 11. However, a mix of new blood and experienced veterans still forge astrong squad to fight against France, Sweden and Ukraine for twolast-eight berths. According to the 23-man squad announced by Hodgson, Steven Gerrardwas chosen as the new skipper after John Terry was stripped of thecaptaincy by the FA in February after the Chelsea defender wascharged to have offended Queens Park Rangers player Anton Ferdinandwith racist language. The Liverpool spiritual leader, one of the so-called "goldengeneration" was among the world's best midfielders in the pastdecade but failed to repeat club's top form together in the Englandsquad. This time might be the last time for Gerrard in a tournament finalsas in 2014 World Cup, he will be 34. Following the world's controlling football trend, England graduallychanges from their classic 4-4-2 formation to 4-2-3-1. Gerrard will play an indispensable attacking midfield role behindthe lone target man. In Gerrard's both sides, wingers Theo Walcott and Ashley Youngcould provide the frontline with width and deepness. While AlexOxlade-Chamberlain, who have been selected in the Senior squad forthe first time, can also be a super-substitute with his speed anddribble in the counter-attack. Behind the attack line Scott Parker can play holding role to helpthe back four and take solid position the midfield. In the line of defence, Manchester City keeper Joe Hart is no doubtthe No. 1 choice after his club conceded the least goals in thisseason's Premier League. The 25-year-old has been regarded as one of the best goal keepersin the world and also a leader in a team's defence. Under Capello's term, England played steadily in qualifyingcampaign for the Euro Championship, keeping unbeaten with five winsand three draws. The Italian coach believed that what he left for the England iswinning mentality and strict discipline, which will help hissuccessor to re-build the team for the tournament. England's best results in the Championship history aresemifinalists in 1968 and 1996. Their three big matches in Group D are to play against France onJune 11, Sweden on June 15 and Ukraine on June 19. Following is England's 23-man squad: England: Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Man City), Rob Green (West Ham), JackButland (Birmingham) Defenders: Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Man United), JohnTerry (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). The e-commerce company in China offers quality products such as Melange Fabric Manufacturer , Special Finish Fabric Manufacturer, and more. For more , please visit Cotton Nylon Fabric today!
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