These in-form players could make a big impact at Euro 2016

By Ryan.

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France midfielder Hatem ben Arfa races p” (CC BY 2.0) by  Ben Sutherland 

It’s not long now until the next major international football tournament for England and fans, who are normally fairly apprehensive, are enjoying what they are seeing from some of their players in the Premier League. It may be a bit early to get too hopeful, but if these players can retain this immaculate form, then Roy Hodgson will have no choice but to put them in his starting XI.

Jamie Vardy

Jamie Vardy has been the story of the season. As if from nowhere he has suddenly become the most prolific striker in the Premier League, breaking records in the process. He has the ability to tear through the opposition defence at blistering speed, and his finishing seems to be improving by the week.  His goal against Liverpool in the 2-0 victory is a contender for goal of the season, and shows just how intelligent a footballer he has become. He is one of the main reasons why Leicester, at the time of writing, are 2/1 to win the league with bookmakers like 32red UK, Unibet and Betway. Many would like to see Vardy deployed alongside Harry Kane, who is also in fine form, in a 4-4-2 set-up.

Danny Drinkwater

Leicester‘s other star man, Riyad Mahrez, has outshone the rest of his counterparts this season. But there have been a couple of other key players in the centre of the park who have helped turn the team into such a dangerous attacking force. One of these players is Drinkwater, who has proved to be a complete workhorse, tracking back to defend but also running forward and creating chances on the break. He has displayed excellent vision, with some key balls in behind the opposition defence for Vardy to run onto and put away. This understanding between the two players could prove to be an excellent link in the England national team. He deserves a chance, but whether he will get the nod over other more experienced players in that position, such as Jordan Henderson and James Milner, is another question entirely.

Dele Alli

Dele Alli has burst onto the scene at Tottenham Hotspur this season and quickly established himself as a key player in the first-team line-up.  Since being deployed “in the hole” behind the striker, he has already scored seven league goals and assisted in eight. He is one of the reasons why Spurs are 9/2 with 32red and others to win the league. His connection with Kane is another good reason why he could walk straight into an England starting eleven. He is only 19 years old, and looks to have a bright future ahead of him. England need to get him blooded early, and he could become a stalwart for the country.

Managers in the past have preferred to go with experience at the major tournaments, but these three players have proven how fearless they are already in the league this season. Hodgson should go with the form and put his trust in them, and they may well reward him for that faith.

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Football
Published
Feb 09, 2016