England squad numbers an indication to Euro 2012 starters
Published:As Euro 2012 draws closer, another indication to Roy Hodgson’s starting lineup for the tournament has emanated today, with England’s squad numbers for the competition announced.
Whilst not many wholesale surprises are apparent, there are certainly some numbers attributed to players that will raise eyebrows amongst supporters and the media alike.
Glen Johnson’s possession of the number two shirt would suggest that he will be Hodgson’s first choice right-back, which could surprise some amidst the rocky relationship the pair had during the manager’s short Liverpool tenure.
Also in the defence, Gary Cahill’s naming as number five would appear to indicate that he will be preferred to Premier League winner Joleon Lescott, who is handed the number 15 jersey.
Cahill’s partner in central defence meanwhile is likely to be Chelsea team-mate John Terry, who holds on to his number six shirt after the controversial decision to take him to Poland and Ukraine.
Higher up the pitch, Theo Walcott is afforded the number seven jersey, which could mean he will be opted for in a right wing berth, after a lengthy substitute appearance in Saturday’s friendly win over Norway.
Veteran midfielder Frank Lampard holds onto the number eight shirt, and his late seasonal form could have convinced Hodgson to start with him ahead of number 17 Scott Parker at the tournament.
Andy Carroll is, as expected, named as England’s number nine meanwhile, and looks primed to start at least the first two games, for which number ten Wayne Rooney will be suspended.
Ashley Young’s selection at number 11 shows that he is likely to maintain a left-wing berth too, and insinuates that Stewart Downing will be restricted to substitute appearances as number 19.
Young’s opener in Oslo on Saturday further cemented his credentials as a starter, and he now looks to be one of the sure-fire names on the team sheet for Euro 2012, for which England are priced 9/1 to win.
Full squad numbers
1. Joe Hart
2. Glen Johnson
3. Ashley Cole
4. Steven Gerrard
5. Gary Cahill
6. John Terry
7. Theo Walcott
8. Frank Lampard
9. Andy Carroll
10. Wayne Rooney
11. Ashley Young
12. Leighton Baines
13. Robert Green
14. Phil Jones
15. Joleon Lescott
16. James Milner
17. Scott Parker
18. Phil Jagielka
19. Stewart Downing
20. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
21. Jermain Defoe
22. Danny Welbeck
23. Jack Butland
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
