Few Surprises in Roy’s First Squad

England manager, Roy Hodgson, has named his squad for this summer’s European Championships in Poland and Ukraine. Any fans hoping for surprise call-ups and omissions will have been sadly disappointed.

The 23-man squad follows a familiar pattern, with the inclusion of Steven Gerrard, as captain, and Chelsea favourites, Ashley Cole and John Terry, in defence, as well as club mate Frank Lampard in midfield. 

Amongst the other, more experienced, inclusions are Wayne Rooney, Gareth Barry, and Scott Parker.

The squad contains only two uncapped players; Norwich goalkeeper, John Ruddy, who is unlikely to get a look in, ahead of the in-form Joe Hart and West Ham’s Robert Green, and the exciting 18-year old Arsenal winger, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

In terms of surprise omissions, the biggest was perhaps that of Rio Ferdinand, who, at 33, must now have played his last game for England. 

Leaving Ferdinand at home has prevented one potential headache for Hodgson, who will not have to worry about resolving the feud that has built up between the Manchester United man and former captain, John Terry, over allegations that he racially abused Ferdinand’s brother, Anton, in a fixture, last October.

Whilst the England squad may have a familiar look to it, fans will be hoping that the outcome of the tournament will not be quite so familiar. 

The Three Lions have never won the European Championship; their best finish being semi-final defeats in 1968 and 1996. Having failed to qualify in 2008, and then been humbled in the World Cup in 2010, expectations for this group of players are lower than ever. 

If high hopes have hindered England’s chances in the past, then perhaps  this could be the year for Roy Hodgson’s men. In 2012, England expects...very little! Find out just how the bookies' view England's chances with Group D Euro 2012 Betting.

Danish, German, Dutch, and Portuguese fans should direct their attentions to the Betfair Group B Euro 2012 Odds for more information about their national side.