Should these West Ham and Arsenal stars be Euro 2016 contenders?

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Andy Carroll – West Ham

On his day, Andy Carroll can be almost unplayable. Against Arsenal, he showcased this to perfect effect. He is lethal in the air, but also he times his runs perfectly – something that goes unnoticed.

Yes, as mentioned previously, England have a lot of top quality strikers, but none like Carroll. While Rashford is mobile and quick – similar to the others in many ways – Carroll is more an old school style of forward. While having suffered his usual injury struggles, Carroll has still managed to amass nine goals in 23 appearances.

Should Carroll start over the other strikers on the list, no. He does not possess the technical skill of all the other strikers, but with twenty minutes left, and England needing to score a goal, a change in style could be crucial. Modern football has moved away from the archetypal number nine. Although there are still strikers who have the physical size, none play like it. Nowadays, strikers are based on their pace and ability to run behind defenders. Carroll is a dying breed, a dying breed which many defenders don’t know how to defender against.

While England have many strikers, it would be valuable to call upon Carroll from the bench. If he can continue his good form, and prove his fitness, Carroll should go.

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Jesse Lingard – Manchester United

Having been installed in Manchester United’s starting XI in October, Jesse Lingard has formed an exciting trio along with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. Lingard has scored four goals in the top flight since then, while also gaining an assist. Although these stats aren’t incredible, they don’t reflect Lingard’s good performances as of late.

Unlike recent years, England are lacking in the wide areas. Raheem Sterling; if fit, is the obvious choice, while one of Hodgson’s favourite players; Danny Welbeck, will also probably be used on the wing. Outside of those two players, there isn’t much else to choose from.

Theo Walcott has had a poor season, and can’t even get in the Arsenal starting XI. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, likewise has had a bad season for the North London outfit, and might not even back from injury in time for the Euros. Andros Townsend also remains an outside shot of making the squad, and is the only one that could possibly jump ahead of Lingard.

Where Welbeck offers excellent work rate, and Sterling has star quality, Lingard offers the total package. He has the obvious pace and dribbling of a winger, but he also makes good runs off the ball and is very versatile. It seems Hodgson will either play 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 diamond, Lingard can play as a winger or number 10 in a 4-2-3-1, or on the sides of a diamond. The United youth product seems to be already in Hodgson’s plans, as he included the young winger in the recent friendlies. Lingard should, and probably will go.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Jonathan Sosa