Fabio Capello’s resignation means a new era for England. How will they line up against France in Donetsk on 11th June? ITV.com’s Luke McLaughlin selects his starting line-up.
With the England team wrong-footed by Fabio Capello's departure so close to Euro 2012, there is an argument that they should trust in players with big tournament experience - the likes of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.
I would argue the opposite. Now is the time to trust in a group of mainly young players. Lampard and Gerrard have served England well but they have never found success at a major tournament. They've had their chances.
England's international footballers do not have the same technical skills of their counterparts in Spain, Germany or indeed Brazil (if they do, why is there no creative player in the class of Mezut Ozil or Xavi to call on?).
For that reason it's important to select a striker who can maintain possession while isolated: Wayne Rooney if fit, or perhaps even QPR’s Bobby Zamora with Rooney suspended for the first two matches of Euro 2012.
This doesn't mean "knocking it long": the ball can be played into Zamora's feet where his link-up play and ability to hold the ball up will allow the midfielders to join attacks. He can retain possession for that crucial few seconds which allows team-mates to join the play, relieving pressure on the England defence.
As for the wide midfielders: The likes of Theo Walcott and Aaron Lennon have pace but how many times do they squander attacking opportunities through a lack of composure? Glen Johnson's defending has always been suspect but he excels in the opposition's half. So why not push him forward to play on the right of a five-man midfield.
Micah Richards has been in outstanding form for Manchester City and deserves his chance to start at right-back. His pace and strength will be a constant threat for opponents. His attacking potency is such that he plays almost like a winger (rather like Dani Alves at Barcelona). Johnson adds solidity on the right, in tandem with an attack-minded full-back.
Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole has had some very uncomfortable moments in the past few months, but providing his form stabilises before the end of the season he is the obvious choice at left-back. James Milner at left midfield is a dependable, solid option who has 23 caps to his name and has performed well (if unspectacularly) for England so far.
A model professional
In central defence Gary Cahill and Phil Jones is a partnership that could serve England for years with Chris Smalling another option to start against France in Donetsk. After the controversy of the past few months it would be better for England to have John Terry out of the picture.
In the middle Jack Rodwell in an unknown quantity in major tournaments but is one of the most talented young midfielders in the country. His athleticism and dynamism can drive England forward while Scott Parker in the holding role means Rodwell will not need to worry too much about defensive duties.
Daniel Sturridge is proving his footballing intelligence and finishing ability with a strong season at Chelsea. He is unhappy playing in a wide role under Andre Villas-Boas so here he has the chance to play centrally, off the striker. His pace will be an important weapon.
Scott Parker gets the captaincy. He will play every game if fit, he's a model professional and a family man, precisely the kind of character England need after so many controversies surrounding the captain.
It’s a 4-1-3-1-1 formation. If there are obvious weaknesses in the team then perhaps there is a lack of trickery but in theory the team will be solid. It will be capable of soaking up pressure and hitting teams on the break with direct attacks.
At the 2010 World Cup, England were incapable of even defending a goal-kick (see Germany's first goal in the 4-1 quarter-final defeat). This England team will be capable of keeping clean sheets, and defensive solidity is the first step to success at a major tournament.
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