Perfect 10: How England defence got on in Euro 2016 qualifying

For the first time in their history, England secured an incredible perfect record in qualifying for the European Championships, winning all 10 of their outings to rampantly book a place in France for next summer, where they are 11/1 with Coral to taste glory.

After completing the perfect 10 results, and conceding only three times throughout Group E battles, Roy Hodgson will now focus on what squad he will be bringing to the tournament, as that familiar question of ‘who’s on the plane?’ returns to the lips of fans and pundits.

Following the successful qualification campaign, here’s how the Three Lions goalkeepers and defenders performed throughout and what chances they have of stepping out in France for their country.

Qualifying rating: 9/10

The Manchester City shot stopper’s place on the plane is the safest of any player, having featured in every minute of qualifying before his young successor Jack Butland was awarded a run-out against Lithuania. Hart is certain to start in goal for England in France, providing he can remain injury-free until then.

Euro 2016 squad chances: 10/10

Qualifying rating: 6/10

Earlier in the year, Hodgson outlined the former Under-21 skipper as the senior side’s third-best goalkeeper, behind Hart and Fraser Forster, but a long-term injury to the latter means the Stoke City number one has moved up the pecking order.

Butland is undoubtedly the country’s best young stopper and should be heading to France, with his clean sheet over Lithuania not doing his chances any harm.

Euro 2016 squad chances: 9/10

Qualifying rating: 7/10

Everton’s sought-after defender was drafted in to start against San Marino last month, and then selected for the Switzerland encounter too. Despite being seemingly on the fringes, the rest of the Premier League campaign could prove to be a deal-breaker in order to challenge ageing stars Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka to a possible starting spot.

Euro 2016 squad chances: 8/10

Qualifying rating: 5/10

Previously stating Luke Shaw was his main option at left back, Hodgson will now have to turn back to the more experienced Baines in France after the Manchester United defender unfortunately picked up a serious leg injury.

Having begun qualifying as first-choice and been his country’s go-to man in this position in Brazil, Baines’ talents and cool head should see him prevail over the younger competitors, if he regains fitness and form.

Euro 2016 squad chances: 7/10

Qualifying rating: 8/10

England’s vice-captain under Hodgson and first-choice centre back, Cahill has been solid in front of Hart and been a key component of that impressive defensive record. The only question really surrounding the Chelsea defender is who will partner him in the rear guard in France?

Euro 2016 squad chances: 9/10

Qualifying rating: 5/10

Once regarded highly as the future of English football, Jones has stuttered since at both club and international level, being unable to cement an assured position in either starting line-up. Although, Hodgson utilised him for over 300 minutes of qualifying, which could see the Old Trafford youngster selected as full back cover due to his versatility and there being plenty better in the central area.

Euro 2016 squad chances: 6/10

Qualifying rating: 6/10

The Toffees defender previously lost his starting berth to the in-form Chris Smalling and has been unable to win it back, despite captaining the side against Lithuania. However, his inclusion in that experimental line-up suggests he will be part of the travelling roster as back-up next year.

Euro 2016 squad chances: 7/10

Qualifying rating: 4/10

Chambers has not been involved in qualifying action since October last year and his club career looks likely to stall this term as well. Having also failed to come off the bench for the Three Lions Under-21s this summer, it looks like France may be a step too early for the Arsenal full back.

Euro 2016 squad chances: 3/10

Qualifying rating: 5/10

After being handed a start against Lithuania, Gunners left back Gibbs looks likely of being involved in a tussle with Ryan Bertrand as Baines’ back-up in France. His lack of game-time at the Emirates could be a hindrance, though he possesses more experience than his position competitor.

Euro 2016 squad chances: 6/10

Qualifying rating: 8/10

After a meteoric rise from the Southampton ranks to Liverpool, and into Hodgson’s senior set-up, Clyne has already been assured that he is the main right back, providing injuries are avoided. Kyle Walker and Chambers are his only competition, meaning it would take a massive slump to fall from grace altogether.

Euro 2016 squad chances: 9/10

Qualifying rating: 9/10

Alongside Chelsea’s Cahill, the ever-improving Smalling looks set for a starting place in France, with his calmness and composure being key to England’s qualifying success. Trusted by Louis van Gaal as well, the Red Devils defender should enjoy a superb 2016 for club and country.

Euro 2016 squad chances: 9/10

Qualifying rating: 8/10

After suffering such a horrific double leg break in the Champions League for United, Shaw will probably miss out on the France finals, with recovery time being factored in as well. Unless he enjoys a miraculously-swift return to health, the unlucky left back will have to watch from on holidays next summer.

Euro 2016 squad chances: 4/10

Qualifying rating: 6/10

Having returned to the fold after struggling with injury all summer, Bertrand looks set to capitalise on Shaw’s untimely injury, but faces strong competitions from Gibbs between now and next year.

Euro 2016 squad chances: 5/10

Qualifying rating: 5/10

Hodgson’s use of Jordan Henderson and Jones at right back throughout this year may worry Tottenham’s Walker, with other more versatile players possibly set to earn a call-up to back-up that position. The Spurs defender missed the World Cup through injury and the win over Lithuania was his first England start since 2013.

Euro 2016 squad chances: 3/10