Walcott may have pace but there's other options surely!
That group should mean blooding youngsters for after the Euros in my mind
That group should mean blooding youngsters for after the Euros in my mind
England - The Roaring Lions
My new story which will see Roy Hodgson hopefully guide England to World Cup Success
@Tallery, Seivad, Jack, Neal, Pauker, AAN, Jonaldinho, Stigzee and LFC
Wow, so many comments to respond to xD Sorry I haven't responded to you separately, Walcott will be a very good option if he's fit, and yeah, my group looks quite easy but Greece and Finland do still pose a threat. Thanks for your comments too!
Wow, so many comments to respond to xD Sorry I haven't responded to you separately, Walcott will be a very good option if he's fit, and yeah, my group looks quite easy but Greece and Finland do still pose a threat. Thanks for your comments too!
http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af34/JonathanSaunders/Euro2016Banner_zps2ea2f940.png
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Roy Hodgson has announced his England squad for the start of Euro 2016, with one surprise inclusion.
Roy Hodgson has had to make a big decision on who to bring with him to Greece to start England's
European campaign and has recently announced his 23 man squad, but the major news is that Arsenal's Theo Walcott was will out due to an injury he sustained in training.
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England's number one goalkeeper was always going to be on the team sheet. After impressing throughout the World Cup he has cemented his place as the starting goalkeeper however Hodgson may give him some well deserved rest and look at his other goalkeepers to see how they fare against Europe's best.
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Norwich's number one shot stopper John Ruddy has not really had a chance to prove his worth for Hodgson's England side, although he went to Brazil he didn't get a single start ahead of Joe Hart. He will be hoping that he will get a chance to show just how good his is in this competition.
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Stoke's Jack Butland has really come onto the stage after being promoted from the under 21's squad up to the first team and although after his big money move to Stoke from Birmingham he hasn't started a lot, he is still a proven goalkeeper who could get a big chance in this competition.
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Baines really impressed in Brazil and now has made the left back position his for England. He will be hoping to add onto his rapidly increasing England caps and to maintain his position. His main challenger Luke Shaw will currently out with an injury which leaves Baines with the competition of just Kieran Gibbs.
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Arsenal's main left back Kieran Gibbs is starting to improve a lot but it will take a lot to make the first team ahead of Leighton Baines. He is a solid back-up for Roy Hodgson and if he impresses he could see himself starting ahead of Baines on a few occasions.
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One of England's best performers at the World Cup, Chelsea's Gary Cahill was probably the first name of Roy Hodgson's team sheet after performing very well for him in Brazil and being one of the main reasons England won the World Cup. Cahill is a guaranteed starter and performed very well with both Jagielka and Caulker next to him, so Hodgson will have some deciding to do to see who performs the best with Cahill.
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Everton's captain Phil Jagielka had a very solid time in Brazil partnering Gary Cahill at the back for England, however he isn't guaranteed starter as Steven Caulker performed very well next to Cahill and will have to prove to Hodgson that he is the right man for the job.
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Manchester United's Phil Jones had a very good World Cup, playing mainly in midfield, so we are not sure whether he will be in defence or playing more advanced in a defensive midfield role. Jones played very well in midfield and it looks more likely that Hodgson will continue playing him in midfield but he can drop back into defence if needed.
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Cardiff's captain Steven Caulker is like Phil Jagielka, he had a very good time in Brazil playing alongside Cahill but he will have to fight for his place against Phil Jagielka and try to prove to Hodgson that he is the best man to play next to Cahill at the centre of defence.
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The young Manchester United centre back didn't get a chance to go to Brazil but offers Hodgson a very reliable back-up if any of his main centre backs get injured. Smalling will want to prove to Hodgson that he is capable of playing well at international level after doing very well for Manchester United last season.
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The surprise inclusion. Everton's young defender John Stones has done enough to impress Hodgson and merit a place in the England squad ahead of players such as Dawson and Shawcross. Stones doesn't look likely to start many matches but this opportunity will give him lots of experience at international level and improve him as a player.
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Tottenham's Kyle Walker performed well in Brazil but isn't a guaranteed starter at right back as Liverpool's Glen Johnson has also performed well there. He will have to prove to Hodgson that he deserves to be the starting right back by putting in some very good performances this competition.
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Like Kyle Walker, he performed well throughout the World Cup but he isn't a guaranteed starter. He'll need to impress Hodgson by putting in a string of good performances to cement his place as England's main right back.
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Michael Carrick was a very solid player throughout the World Cup and is an experienced head in the centre of England's midfield. Although he isn't getting any younger, he is still a very good player who is calm on the ball and can slow down play if needed. He looks like a starter but Hodgson could opt with younger midfielders.
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England's skipper Steven Gerrard played very well in Brazil and helped England lift the World Cup. He, like Cahill was probably one of the first names on Hodgson's team sheet and his experience and knowledge can help England go far. This may also be his last international competition and will want to end it on a high.
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Jordan Henderson performed really well and is improving a lot. He really impressed both Hodgson and the England fans at the World Cup and offers pace and runs behind the oppositions defence. He may also be the future replacement for the recently retired Frank Lampard and will want to continue his good performances for his country in this competition.
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Adam Lallana was given a chance by Hodgson in Brazil and it paid off as he was one of the key players to England's World Cup success. He cemented a first team place as a winger and offers different dimensions in England's play. He will undoubtedly be a key player for England in this year's Euro's and will want to continue impressing and developing as a player.
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James Milner offers stability wherever he plays for England, whether it'd be on the winger, in midfield or even at right back, he can do a job there. He will probably not be a starting player but will be a solid back-up and perform well if he is called upon.
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain played very well in Brazil and is improving rapidly as a player. He will offer pace and flair on the wingers and offer new dimensions to England's play. He will be a key player for Hodgson and can also be played through the middle if needed.
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Another one of Southampton's English stars, Jay Rodriguez has really come onto the scene and did quite well at the World Cup. He will probably not be a starting player but will offer lethal finishing if called upon by Hodgson.
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Liverpool's wonderkid Raheem Sterling was a joy to watch in Brazil when he played and has become a very good and reliable winger for Liverpool and for England. He will probably merit a first team place if he continues to perform well as he can easily take on the oppositions full back and score goals.
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Jack Wilshere offers pace, bravery and driving runs in the England midfield. He was a stand out player for England in Brazil and will want to continue playing for his country in this years Euro's, again, like Henderson, he could be the replacement for the recently retired Frank Lampard.
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Everton's wonderkid Ross Barkley has recently become a first team regular for Everton and is pushing claims to start more for England. He has many tricks up his sleeve and is a very confident and talented young midfielder. He may not merit a first team place but he can make a huge difference if he is called upon.
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England's best player in the World Cup, Wayne Rooney scored the most goals in the whole competition and scored both of England's vital goals in the World Cup final against Switzerland. Hodgson will need him to continue his good goal scoring form to progress through this year's Euro's.
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Liverpool's lethal finisher Daniel Sturridge played great for England in the World Cup and will hope he can continue getting into the first team, either as the lone striker or a wideman. He scored a few goals in the World Cup but provided a lot of assists and will be needed in the first team to improve England's attacking options.
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And finally Manchester United's youth academy product Danny Welbeck showed his critics just how good he is in Brazil when he scored England's winning goal in the semi finals against France. He will offer pace and skills either up front or on the wings for Hodgson's side and will want to try and push for a more permanent first team place.
A big thanks to LFC for gathering the players faces for this update! Please check out his awesome Liverpool story here: http://www.fmscout.com/q-12161-Liverpool-FC--This-is-our-time.html
Hodgson announces his England squad for Euro 2016
Roy Hodgson has announced his England squad for the start of Euro 2016, with one surprise inclusion.
Roy Hodgson has had to make a big decision on who to bring with him to Greece to start England's
European campaign and has recently announced his 23 man squad, but the major news is that Arsenal's Theo Walcott was will out due to an injury he sustained in training.
Joe Hart
England's number one goalkeeper was always going to be on the team sheet. After impressing throughout the World Cup he has cemented his place as the starting goalkeeper however Hodgson may give him some well deserved rest and look at his other goalkeepers to see how they fare against Europe's best.
John Ruddy
Norwich's number one shot stopper John Ruddy has not really had a chance to prove his worth for Hodgson's England side, although he went to Brazil he didn't get a single start ahead of Joe Hart. He will be hoping that he will get a chance to show just how good his is in this competition.
Jack Butland
Stoke's Jack Butland has really come onto the stage after being promoted from the under 21's squad up to the first team and although after his big money move to Stoke from Birmingham he hasn't started a lot, he is still a proven goalkeeper who could get a big chance in this competition.
Leighton Baines
Baines really impressed in Brazil and now has made the left back position his for England. He will be hoping to add onto his rapidly increasing England caps and to maintain his position. His main challenger Luke Shaw will currently out with an injury which leaves Baines with the competition of just Kieran Gibbs.
Kieran Gibbs
Arsenal's main left back Kieran Gibbs is starting to improve a lot but it will take a lot to make the first team ahead of Leighton Baines. He is a solid back-up for Roy Hodgson and if he impresses he could see himself starting ahead of Baines on a few occasions.
Gary Cahill
One of England's best performers at the World Cup, Chelsea's Gary Cahill was probably the first name of Roy Hodgson's team sheet after performing very well for him in Brazil and being one of the main reasons England won the World Cup. Cahill is a guaranteed starter and performed very well with both Jagielka and Caulker next to him, so Hodgson will have some deciding to do to see who performs the best with Cahill.
Phil Jagielka
Everton's captain Phil Jagielka had a very solid time in Brazil partnering Gary Cahill at the back for England, however he isn't guaranteed starter as Steven Caulker performed very well next to Cahill and will have to prove to Hodgson that he is the right man for the job.
Phil Jones
Manchester United's Phil Jones had a very good World Cup, playing mainly in midfield, so we are not sure whether he will be in defence or playing more advanced in a defensive midfield role. Jones played very well in midfield and it looks more likely that Hodgson will continue playing him in midfield but he can drop back into defence if needed.
Steven Caulker
Cardiff's captain Steven Caulker is like Phil Jagielka, he had a very good time in Brazil playing alongside Cahill but he will have to fight for his place against Phil Jagielka and try to prove to Hodgson that he is the best man to play next to Cahill at the centre of defence.
Chris Smalling
The young Manchester United centre back didn't get a chance to go to Brazil but offers Hodgson a very reliable back-up if any of his main centre backs get injured. Smalling will want to prove to Hodgson that he is capable of playing well at international level after doing very well for Manchester United last season.
John Stones
The surprise inclusion. Everton's young defender John Stones has done enough to impress Hodgson and merit a place in the England squad ahead of players such as Dawson and Shawcross. Stones doesn't look likely to start many matches but this opportunity will give him lots of experience at international level and improve him as a player.
Kyle Walker
Tottenham's Kyle Walker performed well in Brazil but isn't a guaranteed starter at right back as Liverpool's Glen Johnson has also performed well there. He will have to prove to Hodgson that he deserves to be the starting right back by putting in some very good performances this competition.
Glen Johnson
Like Kyle Walker, he performed well throughout the World Cup but he isn't a guaranteed starter. He'll need to impress Hodgson by putting in a string of good performances to cement his place as England's main right back.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick was a very solid player throughout the World Cup and is an experienced head in the centre of England's midfield. Although he isn't getting any younger, he is still a very good player who is calm on the ball and can slow down play if needed. He looks like a starter but Hodgson could opt with younger midfielders.
Steven Gerrard
England's skipper Steven Gerrard played very well in Brazil and helped England lift the World Cup. He, like Cahill was probably one of the first names on Hodgson's team sheet and his experience and knowledge can help England go far. This may also be his last international competition and will want to end it on a high.
Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson performed really well and is improving a lot. He really impressed both Hodgson and the England fans at the World Cup and offers pace and runs behind the oppositions defence. He may also be the future replacement for the recently retired Frank Lampard and will want to continue his good performances for his country in this competition.
Adam Lallana
Adam Lallana was given a chance by Hodgson in Brazil and it paid off as he was one of the key players to England's World Cup success. He cemented a first team place as a winger and offers different dimensions in England's play. He will undoubtedly be a key player for England in this year's Euro's and will want to continue impressing and developing as a player.
James Milner
James Milner offers stability wherever he plays for England, whether it'd be on the winger, in midfield or even at right back, he can do a job there. He will probably not be a starting player but will be a solid back-up and perform well if he is called upon.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain played very well in Brazil and is improving rapidly as a player. He will offer pace and flair on the wingers and offer new dimensions to England's play. He will be a key player for Hodgson and can also be played through the middle if needed.
Jay Rodriguez
Another one of Southampton's English stars, Jay Rodriguez has really come onto the scene and did quite well at the World Cup. He will probably not be a starting player but will offer lethal finishing if called upon by Hodgson.
Raheem Sterling
Liverpool's wonderkid Raheem Sterling was a joy to watch in Brazil when he played and has become a very good and reliable winger for Liverpool and for England. He will probably merit a first team place if he continues to perform well as he can easily take on the oppositions full back and score goals.
Jack Wilshere
Jack Wilshere offers pace, bravery and driving runs in the England midfield. He was a stand out player for England in Brazil and will want to continue playing for his country in this years Euro's, again, like Henderson, he could be the replacement for the recently retired Frank Lampard.
Ross Barkley
Everton's wonderkid Ross Barkley has recently become a first team regular for Everton and is pushing claims to start more for England. He has many tricks up his sleeve and is a very confident and talented young midfielder. He may not merit a first team place but he can make a huge difference if he is called upon.
Wayne Rooney
England's best player in the World Cup, Wayne Rooney scored the most goals in the whole competition and scored both of England's vital goals in the World Cup final against Switzerland. Hodgson will need him to continue his good goal scoring form to progress through this year's Euro's.
Daniel Sturridge
Liverpool's lethal finisher Daniel Sturridge played great for England in the World Cup and will hope he can continue getting into the first team, either as the lone striker or a wideman. He scored a few goals in the World Cup but provided a lot of assists and will be needed in the first team to improve England's attacking options.
Danny Welbeck
And finally Manchester United's youth academy product Danny Welbeck showed his critics just how good he is in Brazil when he scored England's winning goal in the semi finals against France. He will offer pace and skills either up front or on the wings for Hodgson's side and will want to try and push for a more permanent first team place.
Authors Notes
A big thanks to LFC for gathering the players faces for this update! Please check out his awesome Liverpool story here: http://www.fmscout.com/q-12161-Liverpool-FC--This-is-our-time.html
http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af34/JonathanSaunders/Euro2016Banner_zps2ea2f940.png
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Roy Hodgson has told the media that Everton's John Stones 'deserves a chance' as he was called up for the first Euro 2016 game against Greece.
Hodgson shocked us in the World Cup by selecting Southampton's golden boy Luke Shaw, and this year, he has done the exact same thing by selecting the ever improving Everton centre half John Stones in his Euro 2016 squad.
England fans have question the decision of picking an 'inexperienced centre half' such as Stones ahead of players like Michael Dawson and Ryan Shawcross, however Hodgson has defended his choice telling the press the following:
"John is a remarkable young man with a lot of ability and potential. He is improving rapidly and impresses me every time I watch him play. John Stones deserves a chance to play in an international tournament, his good work for Everton at his age is truly amazing."
"Yes, I could have opted for more experienced centre backs such as Shawcross and Dawson, but without giving the young players the experience at international level, the club will never progress forward as it's taking two steps back by playing older players who will retire sooner than the younger ones."
"To all of those fans who don't believe in John, I hope he shows the world just how good he is, and change your opinion about him. I see him becoming a future first team player and I hope this opportunity gives him that needed experience to progress at this level."
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Rock: John Stones (above) kept 9 clean sheets in his 15 games which he played for Everton last season.
England kick off their Euro 2016 campaign against their toughest group opponents Greece and Hodgson hopes that their World Cup success inspires the players to perform well in the Euro's.
Hodgson: "John Stones deserves a chance."
Roy Hodgson has told the media that Everton's John Stones 'deserves a chance' as he was called up for the first Euro 2016 game against Greece.
Hodgson shocked us in the World Cup by selecting Southampton's golden boy Luke Shaw, and this year, he has done the exact same thing by selecting the ever improving Everton centre half John Stones in his Euro 2016 squad.
England fans have question the decision of picking an 'inexperienced centre half' such as Stones ahead of players like Michael Dawson and Ryan Shawcross, however Hodgson has defended his choice telling the press the following:
"John is a remarkable young man with a lot of ability and potential. He is improving rapidly and impresses me every time I watch him play. John Stones deserves a chance to play in an international tournament, his good work for Everton at his age is truly amazing."
"Yes, I could have opted for more experienced centre backs such as Shawcross and Dawson, but without giving the young players the experience at international level, the club will never progress forward as it's taking two steps back by playing older players who will retire sooner than the younger ones."
"To all of those fans who don't believe in John, I hope he shows the world just how good he is, and change your opinion about him. I see him becoming a future first team player and I hope this opportunity gives him that needed experience to progress at this level."
Rock: John Stones (above) kept 9 clean sheets in his 15 games which he played for Everton last season.
England kick off their Euro 2016 campaign against their toughest group opponents Greece and Hodgson hopes that their World Cup success inspires the players to perform well in the Euro's.
2014-04-16 18:43#170006 TylerK : Just wanted to say - love the sig xDxD Knew you'd like it! Thanks for the reply ;D
Interesting move, but I think its the right one! another great update as well, keep it up!
2014-04-16 19:28#170014 TodayAtTomorrow : Interesting move, but I think its the right one! another great update as well, keep it up!I really rate John Stones, impressive last season for Everton and deserves a chance. Thanks for the reply!
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A quick fire double from Mitroglou wasn't enough as Jordan Henderson inspired England to a lucky victory.
After England's World Cup success, they now looked ahead to Euro 2016 in France, where they will want to continue their good form and possibly win the competition.
Hodgson stated that this tournament will be one where he offers the inexperienced players a chance to play at the top level at the expense of some more experienced players who will have to wait their turn.
England XI vs Greece
(4-3-3)Ruddy; Walker, Jagielka, Caulker, Baines; Carrick, Wilshere, Henderson; Lallana, Sterling, Rooney(c).
Subs: Butland, Stones, Chamberlain, Welbeck, Rodriguez, Barkley, Sturridge.
Greece XI vs England
(4-5-1)Karnezis; Torosidis, Sokratis, Manolas, Holebas; Siovas, Tachtsidis, Samaris, Fortounis, Samaras(c); Mitroglou.
Subs: Nikos, Tzanakakis, Avraam, Kone, Gekas, Stafylidis, Tatos.
Hodgson left out some of England's key player with the most notable absentees being Joe Hart, Gary Cahill and Steven Gerrard all being replaced by John Ruddy, Phil Jagielka and Michael Carrick.
Young John Stones started on the bench after being recently backed by Roy Hodgson that he will take part in this competition regardless of not having any international experience except playing for the England Under 21's.
England kicked off to a hostile reception from the Greek fans, however the experienced Michael Carrick tried to settle down England by slowing down the tempo of the game, however he wasn't given any room to breathe as both Samaras and Fortounis were tasked by their manager to press England's midfield so they cannot operate.
Greece continued to press against England's midfield however Carrick was able to find some space and pick out the advanced Jordan Henderson in the Greek half, he was able to turn and pick out Wayne Rooney who was just outside the box, he was able to flick the ball towards Raheem Sterling, but the young Liverpool winger couldn't get his shot past Karnezis in the Greek goal.
Greece had the first big chance of the game, as Samaras gained possession, he saw Mitroglou advancing and he picked him out with a peach of a pass and Mitroglou did well to control the ball, he ran into the England box and fired the ball low and hard which forced a save out of Joe Hart to force a corner for Greece.
Samaras took the corner and Sokratis rose the highest and headed the ball down where Siovas was waiting, he swung his leg at the ball but Steven Caulker got in the way and allowed Phil Jagielka to clear the ball away from danger.
Greece carried on pushing England but Tachtsidis lost possession as Henderson challenged him and won the ball cleanly and laid it off to Jack Wilshere, who only had two men to get past. He did some lovely skill to get past Sokratis and knocked the ball past the final defender Manolas and only had to beat Karnezis, which he did in a calm fashion as he lifted the ball over the keeper and into the bottom corner to make it 1-0 England.
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Composed: Jack Wilshere(above) scored a beautiful chip to relieve pressure on his England team-mates.
England looked more confident and Lallana gained possession and looked up towards the Greek box where white shirts were advancing, and played a long, swerving ball towards the back post, where Raheem Sterling ran towards and controlled the ball into the bottom corner with a exquisite volley which went through Karnezis' legs to give England a two goal lead.
England were on a high but gave away possession cheaply and Mitroglou was the first to reaction and gained possession, he flicked the ball past Jagielka and was clean through, but unlike last time, he was able to swipe the ball under the despairing hands of Joe Hart to give Greece some hope going into the second half.
Greece kicked off with a spring in their step as their fans roared and cheered them on to try and get an early goal to level the game. They started quickly and tried to catch England out straight away as their captain Samaras broke free from Kyle Walker and was able into the box and fire a shot at Joe Hart but the England number one was able to cover the shot and hold it.
Greece continued to push and Mitroglou was in space, he passed it to Samaras and made a run, after some bad organisation from the England defence Mitroglou broke through the offside trap as Samaras played him through and he was able to level the game after going round Joe Hart and tapping the ball into the back of the net which he celebrated furiously with the Greek fans behind England's goal to make it 2-2.
England then settle down after early pressure and tried to create an opening when Carrick passed it to Henderson, who was able to run into a pocket of space and weight a lovely ball to Rooney, who took a perfect first touch and was challenged by Sokratis and went down in the box, the England players protested along with the small number of England fans who travelled with the squad to Greece, but the referee did not give the penalty which infuriated the England bench. The replays showed that Sokratis didn't get any of the ball and went in behind Rooney and took him out, which should have been a penalty and a red card.
England turned up a gear and when the game was getting really stretched, Rooney got hold of the ball and saw the run of Henderson in the middle, he played it towards him and Henderson ran, he went past the challenge of Siovas and ran straight at Sokratis, he lured in a challenge from the Dortmund centre half and dodged it, leaving him one-on-one with Karnezis and the ever improving Liverpool midfielder calmly placed the ball past the goalkeeper to restore England's lead.
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Frustrated: Mitroglou(above) saw his team-mates concede Henderson's goal after the star forward scored two goals to level the tie.
Greece then pushed every player forward to assault England's goal, with Samaras coming close with a low shot which smashed against Joe Hart's left hand post and bounced out to the feet of Lallana, who had space to run towards Karnezis' goal, he drove from the edge of England's box and didn't stop running, his England team-mates tried to cover up as much ground as they could to aid Lallana but the Southampton captain smashed a shot which was going wide of the post but it deflected off Sokratis and spun into the net to finish off Greece.
Greece tried to mount a comeback but it was too little too late as the referee blew for full time with England beating Greece 4-2 after a long and hard battle. England will be delighted by taking all three points from an inspired Greece.
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"The team was excellent. Our attacking play was outstanding as we created numerous chances. I am kind of concerned at our defending but you must credit their player Mitroglou as he really showed to us that he can finish and he played very well for them. I am very pleased with Jordan Henderson's performance tonight, he really showed me just how good he is and if he continues he will be called up more often. Taking all three points from here tonight is great, we stand in a good position but now we must look ahead to facing Finland and prepare for that."
England lucky to beat Greece after a honourable comeback
A quick fire double from Mitroglou wasn't enough as Jordan Henderson inspired England to a lucky victory.
After England's World Cup success, they now looked ahead to Euro 2016 in France, where they will want to continue their good form and possibly win the competition.
Hodgson stated that this tournament will be one where he offers the inexperienced players a chance to play at the top level at the expense of some more experienced players who will have to wait their turn.
England XI vs Greece
(4-3-3)Ruddy; Walker, Jagielka, Caulker, Baines; Carrick, Wilshere, Henderson; Lallana, Sterling, Rooney(c).
Subs: Butland, Stones, Chamberlain, Welbeck, Rodriguez, Barkley, Sturridge.
Greece XI vs England
(4-5-1)Karnezis; Torosidis, Sokratis, Manolas, Holebas; Siovas, Tachtsidis, Samaris, Fortounis, Samaras(c); Mitroglou.
Subs: Nikos, Tzanakakis, Avraam, Kone, Gekas, Stafylidis, Tatos.
Hodgson left out some of England's key player with the most notable absentees being Joe Hart, Gary Cahill and Steven Gerrard all being replaced by John Ruddy, Phil Jagielka and Michael Carrick.
Young John Stones started on the bench after being recently backed by Roy Hodgson that he will take part in this competition regardless of not having any international experience except playing for the England Under 21's.
First Half
England kicked off to a hostile reception from the Greek fans, however the experienced Michael Carrick tried to settle down England by slowing down the tempo of the game, however he wasn't given any room to breathe as both Samaras and Fortounis were tasked by their manager to press England's midfield so they cannot operate.
Greece continued to press against England's midfield however Carrick was able to find some space and pick out the advanced Jordan Henderson in the Greek half, he was able to turn and pick out Wayne Rooney who was just outside the box, he was able to flick the ball towards Raheem Sterling, but the young Liverpool winger couldn't get his shot past Karnezis in the Greek goal.
Greece had the first big chance of the game, as Samaras gained possession, he saw Mitroglou advancing and he picked him out with a peach of a pass and Mitroglou did well to control the ball, he ran into the England box and fired the ball low and hard which forced a save out of Joe Hart to force a corner for Greece.
Samaras took the corner and Sokratis rose the highest and headed the ball down where Siovas was waiting, he swung his leg at the ball but Steven Caulker got in the way and allowed Phil Jagielka to clear the ball away from danger.
Greece carried on pushing England but Tachtsidis lost possession as Henderson challenged him and won the ball cleanly and laid it off to Jack Wilshere, who only had two men to get past. He did some lovely skill to get past Sokratis and knocked the ball past the final defender Manolas and only had to beat Karnezis, which he did in a calm fashion as he lifted the ball over the keeper and into the bottom corner to make it 1-0 England.
Composed: Jack Wilshere(above) scored a beautiful chip to relieve pressure on his England team-mates.
England looked more confident and Lallana gained possession and looked up towards the Greek box where white shirts were advancing, and played a long, swerving ball towards the back post, where Raheem Sterling ran towards and controlled the ball into the bottom corner with a exquisite volley which went through Karnezis' legs to give England a two goal lead.
England were on a high but gave away possession cheaply and Mitroglou was the first to reaction and gained possession, he flicked the ball past Jagielka and was clean through, but unlike last time, he was able to swipe the ball under the despairing hands of Joe Hart to give Greece some hope going into the second half.
Second Half
Greece kicked off with a spring in their step as their fans roared and cheered them on to try and get an early goal to level the game. They started quickly and tried to catch England out straight away as their captain Samaras broke free from Kyle Walker and was able into the box and fire a shot at Joe Hart but the England number one was able to cover the shot and hold it.
Greece continued to push and Mitroglou was in space, he passed it to Samaras and made a run, after some bad organisation from the England defence Mitroglou broke through the offside trap as Samaras played him through and he was able to level the game after going round Joe Hart and tapping the ball into the back of the net which he celebrated furiously with the Greek fans behind England's goal to make it 2-2.
England then settle down after early pressure and tried to create an opening when Carrick passed it to Henderson, who was able to run into a pocket of space and weight a lovely ball to Rooney, who took a perfect first touch and was challenged by Sokratis and went down in the box, the England players protested along with the small number of England fans who travelled with the squad to Greece, but the referee did not give the penalty which infuriated the England bench. The replays showed that Sokratis didn't get any of the ball and went in behind Rooney and took him out, which should have been a penalty and a red card.
England turned up a gear and when the game was getting really stretched, Rooney got hold of the ball and saw the run of Henderson in the middle, he played it towards him and Henderson ran, he went past the challenge of Siovas and ran straight at Sokratis, he lured in a challenge from the Dortmund centre half and dodged it, leaving him one-on-one with Karnezis and the ever improving Liverpool midfielder calmly placed the ball past the goalkeeper to restore England's lead.
Frustrated: Mitroglou(above) saw his team-mates concede Henderson's goal after the star forward scored two goals to level the tie.
Greece then pushed every player forward to assault England's goal, with Samaras coming close with a low shot which smashed against Joe Hart's left hand post and bounced out to the feet of Lallana, who had space to run towards Karnezis' goal, he drove from the edge of England's box and didn't stop running, his England team-mates tried to cover up as much ground as they could to aid Lallana but the Southampton captain smashed a shot which was going wide of the post but it deflected off Sokratis and spun into the net to finish off Greece.
Greece tried to mount a comeback but it was too little too late as the referee blew for full time with England beating Greece 4-2 after a long and hard battle. England will be delighted by taking all three points from an inspired Greece.
Roy Hodgson's Post Match Comments:
"The team was excellent. Our attacking play was outstanding as we created numerous chances. I am kind of concerned at our defending but you must credit their player Mitroglou as he really showed to us that he can finish and he played very well for them. I am very pleased with Jordan Henderson's performance tonight, he really showed me just how good he is and if he continues he will be called up more often. Taking all three points from here tonight is great, we stand in a good position but now we must look ahead to facing Finland and prepare for that."
Good way to start the World Cup, with a win! Shame to concede two goals but you got the result you needed so who cares about that 
A good win mate!
Great update and a good win too!
http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af34/JonathanSaunders/Euro2016Banner_zps2ea2f940.png
Euro 2016 Group B Match Week 1 Review
After the first match week of Euro 2016, there were wins for group favourites England, Finland and Lithuania.
To start the first match week of Euro 2016 in Group B, World Cup Champions England were to face Greece, Finland were set to take on Slovenia and Lithuania were to travel to San Marino.
Greece 2 - 4 England
Jordan Henderson inspired England to a well deserved win at the Karaiskakis Stadium as England defeated Greece 4-2.
England started well when Jack Wilshere scored a superb chipped strike over Karnezis in the Greek net which gave England a one goal lead over Greece.
Raheem Sterling made it 2-0 as he scored an exquisite volley at the back post after Adam Lallana crossed in a sublime ball which headed to the back post where Sterling was waiting and he coolly put England two goals to the good.
Greece's Konstantinos Mitroglou gave Greece some hope as he pulled the game back to 2-1 after he beat the defence and struck the ball underneath Joe Hart which inspired Greece to perform better in the second half.
Mitroglou got his second of the night after he broke the offside trap and again fired past Joe Hart to bring the game level at 2-2.
Jordan Henderson then put England back in front after going on a superb solo run and capping the move off with a calm and precise finish into the bottom corner of Karnezis' net.
Greece's Sokratis then finished the game off as he got in the way of Adam Lallana's shot and deflected it past his own goalkeeper and into his own net to make it 4-2 England in which the referee blew his final whistle.
Finland 3 - 0 Slovenia
Teemu Pukki scored two goals as he helped Finland overcome the challenge of Slovenia by winning 3-0.
Finland were the dominant force throughout the first half but wasted many chances with the best one going to Pukki but he was unable to find the target after going through on goal by a lovely weighted ball by Joni Kauko.
However Finland finally scored the first goal of the game when Tim Sparv found Joel Pohjanpalo who was able to turn his man and calmly slot the ball past Handanovic in the Slovenian goal to make it 1-0 Finland.
Pukki added to their lead after he was put through on goal from a 35 yard pass and was able to round the goalkeeper and coolly slot the ball into the middle of the net to make it 2-0 Poland.
Pukki then finished the game by making it 3-0 by scoring a low driven shot which deceived Handanovic and ended up in the bottom corner.
San Marino 1 - 2 Lithuania
San Marino made Lithuania battle hard but they couldn't get that decisive goal and lost 2-1.
Gabriele Gasperoni gave San Marino the lead as he went past the Lithuanian defence and scored a fine strike past the goalkeeper to give San Marino a surprise lead.
However they couldn't hold on as Fabio Vitaioli scored an own goal for San Marino to level up the game to 1-1.
And midway through the second half Andrius Leskys was able to beat the San Marino goalkeeper to take all three points from a resilient San Marino side.
Player of Match Week 1
Jordan Henderson
The young England midfielder inspired England to a well deserved victory over Greece. His approach play and his passing was top notch and he got the decisive goal to take all three points back to England.
You are reading "England - The Roaring Lions".
