How England could line up in Basel now that industrious midfielder has been ruled out.
England manager Roy Hodgson has not had the best of weeks, having had to contend with criticism following his side’s tepid 1-0 friendly victory over Norway at Wembley and also injuries to star striker Daniel Sturridge and now midfielder Jordan Henderson, who could also miss the trip to Switzerland having picked up a knock in training.
This will have thrown Hodgson’s thinking into chaos, with Henderson certain to have been a key part of the England manager’s thinking having made a central midfield berth his own.
He has options, but this is how Hodgson could line up in Basel after his second injury disappointment:
GK) Joe Hart
Manchester City star Joe Hart is undoubted number one for England and looks every inch the future captain.
RB) John Stones
With regular right back Glen Johnson ruled out through injury, Everton youngster John Stones is set to make his competitive bow after starting against Norway.
CB) Gary Cahill
With England’s golden generation of centre backs now having moved on, Chelsea man Gary Cahill is the team’s defensive anchor and senior centre back.
CB) Phil Jones
With Phil Jagielka having been left out of the squad despite being a first team player at the World Cup, Manchester United man Phil Jones looks set to partner Cahill.
LB) Leighton Baines
Everton man Leighton Baines has established himself as Ashley Cole’s successor at left back and, in the absence of Luke Shaw, is clear first choice.
CM) James Milner
With Jordan Henderson set to miss out on the trip to Basel, Hodgson looks likely to turn to a faithful lapdog in James Milner, who will be given the nod in a holding midfield position.
CM) Jack Wilshere
The retirements of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have meant that it is time for Arsenal star Jack Wilshere to come of age in the England midfield.
ARM) Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Is well liked by Hodgson and could well be given a start on the right after featuring prominently in the victory over Norway.
ACM) Raheem Sterling
With a clamor having developed for Liverpool wonderkid Raheem Sterling to play through the centre, Hodgson looks set to change his system to accommodate him in the number ten role.
ALM) Danny Welbeck
Despite having moved to Arsenal in a £16m deadline day deal in search of increased opportunities upfront, Welbeck could again be shifted out of position, although it is likely to be a fluid system.
SC) Wayne Rooney
Newly named England captain Wayne Rooney will lead the line for Hodgson and could do with a performance against the Swiss to silence his growing list of critics.