Carroll, Walcott and Cahill set to feature heavily for Hodgson
LIVERPOOL’S £35m battering ram Andy Carroll, Chelsea defender Gary Cahill and Arsenal winger Theo Walcott can expect prominent roles in England’s Euro 2012 campaign, at least if squad numbers are anything to go by.
Manager Roy Hodgson yesterday formally submitted his 23-man party for the European Championship – and dropped a few hints as to what team he will favour once the tournament begins on 8 June.
Carroll’s late-season renaissance has earned him his favoured No9 shirt, suggesting he will enjoy preference over Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck, who has not played since April due to an ankle injury.
Cahill’s instrumental role in helping Chelsea win the FA Cup and Champions League could see him partner club colleague John Terry in the centre of defence after he was handed the No5 jersey.
Despite being left out of the starting line-up for Saturday’s 1-0 win over Norway, Walcott could have the edge over right-wing rival James Milner, having been allocated No7.
Perhaps the one surprise, and a reminder that squad numbers are by no means definitive guides to a manager’s preferred XI, is that Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has been handed the No17 shirt.
The tigerish Parker looks a good bet to start the the opening match against France on 11 June in a holding role after Manchester City’s Gareth Barry was forced to withdraw with a torn stomach muscle.
Winger Ashley Young was the only outfield player not to train yesterday. He worked in the gym due to a minor knock picked up against Norway.
EURO 2012 SQUAD
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