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Having finished discussing defenders, it is now time to move on to one of the most important parts of the team. The midfield. Today our focus is going to be the central midfielders.
Trending
Certain
Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry, Scott Parker – Amazingly all the three players can pick themselves to start for every match. Scott Parker currently holds the Captain’s armband so he will go straight into the playing XI. Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry on the other hand will have to compete among themselves and the other English midfield veteran, Steven Gerrard for a spot. Frank Lampard has had a good season for Chelsea. He is joint top scorer at Chelsea FC with Daniel Sturridge will see him book a ticket to Poland- Ukraine. What remains to be seen is if he gets the second central midfielder spot. With England most likely to employ wingers, only two central midfield spots are available. With Chelsea old boy, Parker certain to retain one spot, Lampard’s versatility in playing in attacking and holding roles, and his experience make him the No.1 choice to lineup alongside Parker.
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| Gareth Barry |
Gareth Barry, the former Aston Villa and now Manchester City player has had a decent season so far and has put in quite a few good performances when fit. During Fabio Capello’s reign the entire XI seemed to be molded around him but a couple of recurring injuries and some non-descript performances may see him warming the benches. All said and done, he is a good solid Central Midfielder who is also sure to be on his way to the Euros.
Chances: 10/10 (each)
Probables
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| Steven Gerrard |
Steven Gerrard – Liverpool faithful are going to curse me for putting Steven Gerrard in the Probables list, but let’s face it, he is not certain of his place in the England lineup as of now for two important reasons.
First: fitness. He has been extremely inspirational whenever he has played and scored a goal on return against Manchester United but largely has been plagued with injuries. Also the fact that the Captain’s armband currently belongs to Scott Parker is going to do him no good.
Second: form. Gerrard’s form like Liverpool’s has been anything but good. There have been glimpses of his glorious past lately but Liverpool’s team form is bringing him down a bit.
Experts are of the opinion that Gerrard’s absence led Stuart Pearce to provide Parker with the captaincy. If that is the case and Gerrard is made captain upon his return(If he returns), English fans are in for a treat and will be hoping that the Mythical Lampard-Gerrard partnership kicks in once and for all to deliver the Euros
Chances: 8/10
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| Michael Carrick |
Michael Carrick – Manchester United’s go-to man, Carrick is probably one of the few big guns who are not assured of a place in the Euro squad. Having played a few games at Centre Back alongside Johnny Evans this season, Carrick is an extremely talented utility player, who will most certainly be missing out due to the large contingent of midfielders available for England. Known for his technical approach to the game, he is a typical central midfielder content with orchestrating the game from the center of the pitch, unlike his flamboyant contemporaries (read Lampard and Gerrard). The only way he will make it to the squad will be, because of an injury setback to Steven Gerrard.
Chances: 6/10
Bolt from the Blue
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| Jack Rodwell |
Jack Rodwell - The Everton wonderkid has proved to his critics this season why he is one of the Premier League’s hottest properties. Equally adept at playing center back, defensive midfield and central midfield, he is sure to make a mark in the future. A guaranteed Olympics selection but, he won’t make the grade for the senior squad just yet. Only Mr. Pearce’s shock selection or injuries to at least two of the seniors might earn him the nod.
Chances:4/10
My Picks: Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry, Scott Parker, Steven Gerrard.
You might also like
https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/03/31/englands-euro-squad-defenders-partii-full-backs/
https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/03/25/englands-euro-squad-defenders-part-1-central-defence/
