Richie
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, Ben Foster, Jack Butland
Defenders: Glen Johnson, Kyle Walker, Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Leighton Baines, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones
Midfielders: Raheem Sterling, Andros Townsend, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Jack Wilshere, Adam Lallana, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson, Ross Barkely
Strikers: Danny Welbeck, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Rickie Lambert
England’s first two keepers pick themselves, with Foster’s recent decision to come out of international retirement now seeing him leapfrog the likes of both Fraser Forster and John Ruddy to be Hart’s understudy. Hodgson should be brave and also take young Butland with him to Brazil this summer for the experience as the Stoke City backup will be Hart’s successor in goal for the Three Lions.
In defence, the England manager has few real headaches to contend with, with only the battle between veteran Chelsea left-back Cole and the young pretender from St Mary’s, Luke Shaw, likely to be most occupying his mind ahead of the final 23-man squad announcement in May.
However, Hodgson should go with the more experienced man to act as backup to Baines, while elsewhere a lack of serious alternatives means the Manchester United defensive duo of Smalling and Jones should get the nod to provide cover for first-choice centre-backs Cahill and Jagielka.
Midfield is where the Three Lions are most blessed with talent, which is why Hodgson should overload with players in this area of the field, especially on the wings where he has an abundance of choices to select from.
And that is why Hodgson should take all his wide men with him, especially as Sterling can play off the strikers in the ‘hole’ if needs be, while his club-mate from Anfield, Henderson, also deserves recognition for what has been an impressive campaign for the Reds.
Meanwhile, Saints skipper Lallana’s eye-catching 30-minute cameo against Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday was enough to see him also on the plane to Rio.
But it is up front where England have the most concerns, and that is why four front men will suffice for the tournament, three of which pick themselves, with the fourth spot going to in-form Southampton striker Lambert.