Five surprise packages to make Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2016 England squad

At every international tournament, there is always a couple of surprise selections in the England squad. Either players who at the start of the season, nobody would have even thought of that excelled with their clubs, or an exciting youngster who burst onto the scene.

Just like when Theo Walcott was picked for the World Cup in 2006 or Rickie Lambert being named among those who went to the 2014 edition, there is always someone that makes the cut, who at the start of the Premier League season would not have been anywhere near the manager’s thinking.

As a result, Coral review five potential players who may force their way into the squad between now and next spring, with England 11/1 to win the tournament.

Joel Ward
Crystal Palace have a gem in versatile defender Ward, who over the last couple of seasons, has progressively got better. A natural right back, but able to play on the left, he can also score the spectacular, having netted two in four matches for the Eagles so far this season and at 25 is the right age to take his career to the next level.

The Bournemouth striker has had a sensational start to the campaign with four goals in as many matches and his pace panics opponents. With 20 Championship goals last term, he is looking to have a similar impact in the English top flight and at only 23 has huge potential.

Marc Albrighton
An important part of a Leicester City side that have started the season superbly. While Riyad Mahrez has taken most of the scoring plaudits, on the opposite flank Albrighton’s contribution has been just as effective, with one goal and three assists. Hodgson has already brought club teammate Jamie Vardy into the international fold, so why not do likeiwse with the 25-year-old ex-Aston Villa man?

While Leighton Baines and Luke Shaw are expected to fight it out for a position at left back, an injury to either of them will surely see the Hammers man called up, if he has another excellent campaign. A great left foot, Cresswell can do it all and may just be a wildcard selection next summer.

Scott Sinclair
Rescued by Tim Sherwood from his Manchester City nightmare, the 26-year-old hasn’t looked back. Sinclair’s impact after he joined Villa in January was almost immediate, and this term the winger has two goals in three matches. It is definitely too early to predict, though Sinclair is a natural talent and playing under Sherwood will do his career no harm at all.