Euro 2016: England's best squad since 1996?

This summer will mean it has been 20 years since the England national team last made it to the semi-final of a major tournament, a lot has changed since then and England fans have dealt with the same disappointment at every tournament.

However, in just one month the European Championships kicks off in France and a strong England fan base is expected to make the short trip over the channel to support their national side. 20 years ago the Euros were held in England and the national side did not disappoint, a fantastic run to the semi-finals to eventually be knocked out to fierce rivals Germany… On penalties AGAIN!

That tournament showcased some magic from Paul Gascoigne and goals for the tournament’s top goalscorer Alan Shearer. Since that tournament that had the whole nation believing again, England have always hit the brick wall at the quarter-final stage or less at a major tournament.

Although, every tournament brings hope and belief for England, it usually fails to deliver. However, there is an excitement that is coming with Euro 2016 as England are seemingly using it as a building block for the World Cup in 2018. So the young squad have less expectations and can go out and play fearlessly.

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A fantastic and surprising Premier League season has seen a whole host of England players hit top form and emerge onto the big stage. This springs hope that there are no limits to what this young team can do at Euro 2016, with the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Ross Barkley, Joe Hart and Chris Smalling all eager to showcase their talents.

England games during major tournaments brings a nation together and rivalries between clubs are usually forgotten and every Englishmen/women will be behind the team. The build up to the Euros this summer has a different feel to it compared to other major tournaments, because usually you can easily point out weaknesses in the side, whereas Roy Hodgson is spoilt for choice in all positions.

Another successful and enjoyable run to the semi-finals like back in 1996 will surely give hope and joy for the young team as they head into the next World Cup in 2018. There is no doubt that it will not be easy to get pass some of the best international teams in the World, however, this young team has so much confidence they will feel like they can beat anyone. Especially after that win against Germany recently after coming back from 2-0 down and a man of the match performance from Dele Alli against some of the world’s best has got England fans very excited.

In every position you can quite easily argue that there is two or more players worthy of a starting place. This is a list of just how good England’s strength in depth is compared to previous tournaments. And a lot of players will be left out that deserve to be there.

Goalkeeper – Joe Hart and Fraser Forster

Right Back – Nathaniel Clyne and Kyle Walker

Centre Back – Jon Stones, Chris Smalling, Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka

Left Back – Danny Rose and Ryan Bertrand

Holding Midfield – Eric Dier, James Milner and Jordan Henderson

Attacking Midfield – Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli, Ross Barkley and Adam Lallana

Striker – Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge

It will be one fantastic tournament at Euro 2016 in the summer and England’s squad could prove to be the team to challenge the best for the first time since 1996.

Euro 2016: England’s best squad since 1996?

By Jake Cole | May 11, 2016

This summer will mean it has been 20 years since the England national team last made it to the semi-final of a major tournament, a lot has changed since then and England fans have dealt with the same disappointment at every tournament.

More from Playing for 90