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England’s predicted starting lineup for EURO 2016

By Jonathan Perelman

(L-R) Vincent Janssen of Holland, Kyle Walker of England, Jamie Vardy of England during the friendly match between England and Netherlands on March 29, 2016 at Wembley stadium in London, England.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
(L-R) Vincent Janssen of Holland, Kyle Walker of England, Jamie Vardy of England during the friendly match between England and Netherlands on March 29, 2016 at Wembley stadium in London, England.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /
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SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 13: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United controls the ball during the Barclays Premier m/ match between Sunderland and Manchester United at The Stadium of Light on February 13, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 13: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United controls the ball during the Barclays Premier m/ match between Sunderland and Manchester United at The Stadium of Light on February 13, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty images) /

3. Wayne Rooney

Many people have questioned whether or not Rooney should be in the starting lineup when they open against Russia this summer. But for me, he should be the captain for this young team. He is the best leader that England has and that could be his biggest upside for this team. They need someone who can step up and lead. It seems like that could be Joe Hart or Gary Cahill in the back, but upfront Rooney will be the leader for this squad.

He also has a little bit of experience in scoring goals. Although he has had an offseason for Manchester United, being hurt, only scoring seven goals and four assists, he should still be in the starting lineup for this team. If Raheem Sterling was healthy, I might consider him for this position, but with him being hurt, it seems like a no brainer to me to put Rooney in the first team.

At 30, Rooney will be hungry to finish (most likely) his international career (major tournaments) in style. He works extremely hard no matter where he plays. At Manchester United, when he was healthy, he wasn’t surrounded by as many weapons as he will have for this English team.

Now, he will not be looked to in order to create everything. Rather he will be looked to in order to lead and help calm the young talent on this team. Barkley said he has helped both on and off the field with confidence. England need that experience to help this team as they head to France.

Next: 2. The goalscorers