ENGLAND SQUAD SHOCK....it isn't that shocking

So the England squad for the European Championships has been announced and I have to say it looks set to be the most under-whelming England squad that we have taken to an international tournament in the last 30 years.

Let’s start at the back. As far as goalkeepers are concerned we all know that Joe Hart will be the No.1, but what about his back up? Rob Green, although a competent keeper has spent a season in England’s second division. Surely someone plying their trade at this level will be ill prepared to face Europe's most talented marksmen. Roy's inclusion of John Ruddy on the basis of his fine form for Norwich this season is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air in an otherwise largely stale selection, however England's possible shortcomings this summer will unlikely be down to a lack of talent occupying the number 1 jersey.

In defense the biggest shock appears to be that Rio Ferdinand has not made the cut, but how much of a surprise really is it? Despite Ferdinand managing his most appearances since the 07/08 season, it would appear Alex Ferguson's public notion that Ferdinand is not capable of the demands of a major tournament has influenced Hodgson's decision. Lescott and Cahill have proved throughout the season they are capable of performing against quality opponents (none more so than Lionel Messi) and while the inclusion into the starting XI of the once untouchable bastion of Englishness John Terry is by no means a certainty, he is sure to provide the expierience and leadership around the squad that his more useful compatriots will need. The selection of the one of the premierships brightest young stars, Kyle Walker seemed a certainty until his recent injury and England's defense will certainly not be as solid if his probable replacement is the inconsisant Johnson or the inexpierienced Jones. Undoubtedly Micah Richards, arguably the first choice right back for a championship winning side will feel hard done by his exclusion.

The midfield is where the true shocks are, but this largely lies in the exclusions rather than inclusions.  Notable absences are glaringly obvious on the left with the inclusion of Stewart Downing, who's mediocre season has been much publicised by the sharp tongue of the Trequartistas. Moreover the exclusion of Adam Johnson who despite not playing as much as Downing offers more in the way of goals and creativity. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s inclusion at first glance seems to reek of Theo Walcott’s presence in the 2006 World Cup squad, yet at closer inspection his performances against most notably AC Milan demonstrated is undoubted ability, and his pace and imagination could be crucial in the last 10 minutes of a tight game.

Up front the options are worrying but Hodgson's choices are limited. Yesterday Gary Lineker was touting Peter Crouch to make the squad but instead it seems Hodgson’s ‘big man up front’ will be Andy Carroll; the man who has received so much criticism this season but was a shining light in the increasingly fading tail end of Liverpool's season. His height and power will give Hodgson variations in his attack, and it is likely the problems he gave the French defense in the friendly in June will have only hardened Hodgson's resolve. However, the under-used Jermaine Defoe seems to be scraping the barrel after an uneventful and uninspiring season of few appearances. Danny Welbeck’s inclusion is definitely a shining light as he has shown to be a handful consistently this season, scoring goals and linking up well with Rooney.  Daniel Sturridge's absence will frustrate the young forward who has been pleading with AVB and Di Matteo to play as Chelsea's main striker.

Hodgson has his work cut out to get this squad working and well organised, but more important to England fans will be the need to ignite the fire and uncover the flair that has been missing from England squads since 1996. Hodgson’s infamous 4-4-2 formation will attract despair from many in the media, but his success at club level with the same system could yet reap rewards within the England set up. This tournament is a huge moment for the likes of Ashley Young and Theo Walcott, as it gives them the opportunity to show their worth alongside the 'golden generation' of Terry, Gerrard and Lampard, for whom this will likely be their last tournament.

Despite not being the most exciting of squads, Hodgson was handicapped by injuries and a lack of depth in the pool of English strikers. Based on club performances, the strength of the squad is up there with Europe's finest, yet this has rarely been England's problem. Hodgson's main task like those who went before him will be to turn a group of the Europe's most talented individuals into a coherent, effective and winning side. Time will tell whether his squad can achieve this.