England Squad Ranking - Part 3

Who was the stand out performer in France and who should join Roy in retirement from England duty ?


For Part 1 see : http://footyblogsforyou.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/england-squad-rankings-who-was-stand.html


For Part 2 see : http://footyblogsforyou.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/england-squad-ranking-part-2-who-was.html


4) Daniel Sturridge :
    Notable Input : Scored a crucial winner against Wales and was one of England's better players against Slovakia and Iceland.
    The 26 year old England striker exceeded expectations in France, he recently returned from a calf injury to just make his way into the 23 man squad. Despite this set back Sturridge put in several worthy performances, against Wales he dropped deep to control possession and eventually break through, Sturridge also showed good link up play to create chances in the stalemate against Slovakia. However Sturridge stood out most against Iceland, some exquisite passes from an unorthodox left wing position resulted in a penalty, a Harry Kane volley and almost presented Vardy with a header in the last minutes. Sturridge was described as one of few England players with undeniable quality and must be applauded for his efforts despite playing in an unnatural, less central position.


3) Wayne Rooney :
     Notable Input : Ran the show against Russia and Wales only to astonishingly lose all signs of form and put in an atrocious performance against Iceland.
   Rooney began the tournament much deeper than expected, as opposed to starting just behind the striker the Manchester United captain instead picked the ball up from in front of the defence in a commanding role. Rooney excelled at first, long, switching balls to the bombarding full backs were common and set off England's attacks against Russia and Wales. Hodgson opt to drop Rooney from the Slovakia match which in hindsight was a poor decision as Rooney seemed to lose his undeniable form which cost them so dearly against Iceland. Credit must be given to Rooney for a perfect penalty yet from then on he lost possession on numerous occasions and practically forgot how to tackle.  This may have been Rooney's final chance to show critics that he is capable of performing at the highest level, which was achieved until the dreaded night in Nice.


2)Kyle Walker :
   Notable Input : Walker was England's main attacking force in France which tells you all you need to know about Kane and Sterling's dismal displays.
   Walker is a scary prospect on the offense, his combination of pace, confidence yet also physicality make him a menace to halt in his tracks. Neil Taylor, an established premier league defender and Welsh left back was left behind on several occasions as Walker tore past him. Unfortunately for Walker there are two sides to a full back, attack and defense, Walker's defensive capabilities are always under scrutiny, no more than when he failed to mark the Icelandic defender in the England box for their equalizer. A second question hovering over Walker's giant frame is his final ball, despite getting into such promising positions he failed to make it count, not one assist was registered to his name.


1)Eric Dier :
   Notable Input : England's irreplaceable man, one of few players with the grit and desire to win the ball back.
   Dier was nowhere near the England 23 man squad at the start of the season however he is now an integral part of this set up, their only recognisable holding midfielder in the squad. Dier has proven he is more than just a shield however, a ferocious free kick as well as elegant through balls show this young man's capabilities. Dier was consistently one of England's top players in each of their group matches alongside the likes of Rooney, Walker and Lallana. The only dent in Dier's otherwise tremendous tournament was his performance against Iceland - where it mattered most. Perhaps the fact he is only one of four players to start each game had caught up with him for he was slow to react and poorly positioned defensively for Iceland's second and was ultimately sacrificed at half time. Dier has nailed down his role as England's go to CDM for years to come.