Has Hodgson got the selection right?

Roy Hodgson has named his 23-man England Squad for Euro 2012 yesterday, but has he got it right?

That’s the question on everybody’s mind in the aftermath of the press conference held on Wednesday afternoon.

The most notable feature of his squad involve Rio Ferdinand failing to make the cut, and the surprise inclusions of Stewart Downing and the previously uncapped Alex Oxlade Chamberlain.

Rio doesn't look too happy about it.

The exclusion of Rio Ferdinand is in a way Hodgson’s first real test against the ever-scrutinising British media. A lot of questions will be raised over this move given the fact that Ferdinand has had an injury-free extended run of games for Manchester United this season. Rio is still a world class defender on his day and the England squad could miss out on the experience and grit he brings to the table.

The inclusion of Stewart Downing in the squad is another move that’s raised eyebrows. Here’s a player who doesn’t have a single league goal or even a single assist to his name and yet, he finds himself on the England squad going to the Euro’s. Downing has had an absolutely dreadful season for Liverpool. He’s scarcely been able to even create a meaningful attack all year, and that’s why it baffles me as to how he’s secured a position in such a competitive England midfield. Tim Howard has more league goals than Downing has this season and that’s says everything you need to know about Downing.

Does helping Kenny Dalglish get sacked count as an assist?

The only possible reason that I could think of for Downing’s inclusion, is the fact that he’s left footed. Hodgson seems to be playing it safe, as he might not be too inclined to play a right footed winger on the left wing at International level.

Alex Oxlade Chamberlain also makes the cut for Euro 2012. In my opinion this was the only positive pick in an otherwise poor squad selection. The Ox’s presence could be a much needed rush of youthful energy, especially in going forward. It was a bold move on the part of Hodgson and an unexpected one at that. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain’s performances for Arsenal over the season seem to suggest that he could be ready to step up to the International level and join his club-mate Theo Walcott. His inexperience for a tournament of this magnitude makes his inclusion a gamble for Roy Hodgson, but I for one am glad that Roy’s having a go at the Casino tables.

However his justification for including Alex seemed a little off to say the least.

“He is a very, very exciting player. He has given one or two performances that have left quite an impression on me, not least of all when Arsenal played Milan at the Emirates and I was there live and saw how well he dealt with Pirlo and Ambrosini in the centre of midfield,” said Roy Hodgson.

Pirlo’s been playing for Juventus this season and Ambrosini missed that fixture because of suspension. If Hodgson made a downright mess of just the squad announcement, I for one can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of his term.

Asking me to announce a squad is putting WAY TOO MUCH PRESSURE!!

The fact remains that everybody is expecting Hodgson to play it safe, in the fear of the tabloids. Harry Redknapp wouldn’t have faced the same problem since he has the English media eating out of his palm everyday. However that isn’t the case with Hodgson; and the tabloids appear to be getting hungrier in England’s seemingly unending wait for silverware.

So while the world expected Roy Hodgson to preserve his rear end and come out with a squad that would appease the media and public at large, it seems that Mr. Hodgson has pulled out quite a few surprises of his own. The significance of it lies in the fact that he’s almost set the precedent that he isn’t going to be bullied in his term as England Manager. For that, kudos to you Roy!

Personally, I would love to see the likes of Scott Sinclair play for England, just to add that extra bit of flair that this squad has been sorely lacking. I’d also want to see Micah Richards be rewarded for his good season with City. Which would mean that Phil Jones would get the axe; and I’d be okay with that.

England’s Euro 2012 squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Hart, Green, Ruddy.

Defenders: Baines, Cahill, Cole, G Johnson, Jones, Lescott, Terry.

Midfielders: Barry, Downing, Gerrard, Lampard, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Parker, Walcott, Young.

Strikers: Carroll, Defoe, Rooney, Welbeck

Stand-by: Butland, Jagielka, Henderson, A Johnson, Sturridge.