Perfect 10: How England forwards got on in Euro 2016 qualifying
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England are now 11/1 to win Euro 2016 having qualified with a 100 per cent record and as a result, Coral take a look at everyone who featured, blow-by-blow for every position. Here we analyse the forwards.
Danny Welbeck
Qualifying rating: 8/10
Top scorer in qualifying after five matches with six strikes, the Arsenal man missed England’s second half of the campaign due to injury and saw others overtake his goalscoring feats. If fit for Euro 2016, there is no doubt he will go with the attacker offering a vast amount of versatility. Welbeck should make the tournament if he can rediscover his previous form prior to injury, though is a Roy Hodgson favourite.
Euro 2016 squad chances: 9/10
Wayne Rooney
Qualifying rating: 8/10
Inspirational Three Lions captain Rooney broke Sir Bobby Charlton’s goalscoring record on the way to helping England top the group, hitting back at his critics. Missing England’s last two games, with Hodgson’s men already qualified he will be hoping for a successful tournament.
Euro 2016 squad chances: 10/10
Raheem Sterling
Qualifying rating: 6/10
With two goals and three assists in qualifying, Sterling hasn’t really shown fully what he can do and has looked somewhat average. Although Hodgson has mainly deployed him in the number 10 role, he appears to be more at home out wide for his club, so it will be interesting to see whether the manager has a rethink.
Euro 2016 squad chances: 8/10
Rickie Lambert
Qualifying rating: N/A
Made just two appearances from the bench totaling 11 minutes altogether. A somewhat sentimental pick for Hodgson and, while he offered something different, he is unlikely to be involved past the qualifiers.
Euro 2016 chances: 0/10
Theo Walcott
Qualifying rating: 7/10
While the Arsenal man missed England’s first six qualifiers due to injury, his return was marked by a prolifically consistent scoring spell. A strong finish to the season for the Gunners earned him regular call-ups for England’s last four matches, in which he scored three goals. Needs to stay fit.
Euro 2016 chances: 10/10
Harry Kane
Qualifying rating: 7/10
Brought into the England fold off the back of a great campaign for Tottenham, Kane made five appearances, scoring four goals with one duvbiously awarded, while contributing two assists. Another good season for Spurs will see him picked by Hodgson for next summer.
Euro 2016 chances: 8/10
Jamie Vardy
Qualifying rating: 6/10
Following a great start to the new season, Hodgson brought the Leicester City man in to add some guile and pace to the attack. He definitely has what it takes to trouble teams, with one assist over three appearances and, if Vardy continues to do well for the Foxes and is given a chance in warm-up matches, he has a chance of making the squad.
Euro 2016 chances: 6/10
Danny Ings
Qualifying rating: N/A
With his first senior cap coming in England’s final match against Lithuania, Ings cannot be judged. Likely to be monitored closely at Liverpool, if he goes on a hot streak, he could well surprise a few people.
Euro 2016 chances: 4/10
