How they qualified: Finished 1st in European Qualifying Group G

Team Base: Krakow

 It’s the first time in a long time that England have gone into a major tournament without the pressure of being held up by the media as potential finalists.

In fact, with all the turmoil of finding a new manager, the fading of the ‘golden generation’, the off field problems that surround John Terry, and the surprising squad inclusions and injury problems mean that if England get out of the group stage, most fans will be happy with what Roy Hodgson has done.

This could work in England’s favour and that, combined with a solid defence, could see England do what Greece did in ’04 and surprise all of us by going all the way.

The defence will be lead by Manchester City keeper Joe Hart, while the loss of Gary Cahill with a broken jaw means Joleon Lescott will partner John Terry, or Phil Jagielka, in England’s back four.

Ashley Cole provides a world class left-back and Glenn Johnson brings pace and cover to the right side of the English back line.

With Rooney missing England’s first two group games, Danny Welbeck looks set to lead the line for Hodgson, while we all wait to see what part, if any, Arsenal’s Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain will play in the tournament.

WFD Predicted Starting XI: 4-4-1-1

Hart

 G. Johnson - Lescott - Terry - A. Cole

Milner - Gerrard - Parker - Downing

A. Young

Welbeck

WFD predicted group finish: 1st

Match 1: June 11 v France - Donbass Arena, Donetsk (19:00)

Match 2: June 15 v Sweden - Olympic Stadium, Kiev (21:45)

Match 3: June 19 v Ukraine - Donbass Arena, Donetsk (21:45)