Midfield
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Steven Davis (Northern Ireland)
Steven Davis had the distinction of being Northern Ireland’s youngest modern day captain when he donned the armband against Uruguay in 2006, at 21 years old. Leadership clearly runs through his veins and the industrious and technically proficient Southampton midfielder has put in consistent performances in the Premier League for several years.
He has a knack for scoring crucial goals, he will lead a Northern Ireland side that did pretty well in qualifying – finishing top of their group – with pride and fortitude.
Arda Turan (Turkey)
Arda Turan made quite an impression at Euro 2008 as Turkey made a spirited run to the semifinals. His stepovers consistently floored defenders and his crossing was always on point, making him an integral part of Turkey’s surprising run.
Eight years later, Turan has come a long way from that promising 21-year-old. At 29, this might be his last chance to really make an impression at the European Championships and he will be keen to make an impression and lead Turkey to the knockout rounds.
Wayne Rooney (England)
There’s been a lot of debate in England over whether Wayne Rooney should be in England’s starting lineup and even some quarters over whether he should be in the squad at all. Considering his experience and credentials, it’s remarkable how keen people are to leave him out of England’s starting 11 but you only have to take a look at the current form of the other England strikers to really understand that they might have a point.
Rooney certainly can’t replace either of Jamie Vardy or Harry Kane on current form, but as Roy Hodgson is trying to experiment, there might be a way to accommodate the veteran after all. Hodgson is trying to play him behind the strikers, but his ideal role for the England team might be further behind, in midfield.
Rooney has the ability to spray passes across the pitch with ease and should be able to take on a playmaking role in the English setup. This would be a way to utilize his experience and leadership skills and let Vardy and Kane terrorize opposition defences.
