Any Hammers on the plane for Euro 2012?

With England qualified for the Euros quite smoothly (surprisingly) and the groups drawn for the tournament next summer, talk has turned to Fabio Capello’s potential squad selection.  Everyone knows the regulars, and most people have strong ideas about who the other players should be when England heads to Poland and Ukraine next summer.

Most everyone agrees that Scott Parker deserves his spot in the midfield ( I say it’s been long overdue), and he remains close to many Hammers fans’ hearts, but what about the current West Ham squad? Are there any players that deserve a look from Capello?  Let’s have a look by position:

Between the sticks, the only name to mention here is, of course, Rob Green.  Now, everyone remembers South Africa.  But I would like to take the time here to make a point. First, yes Green made a mistake, even an awful mistake, but that mistake in no way accounts for England’s dismal performance in that tournament or even in that game.  That being said, Green has been in amazing form in the Championship this season, making save after save and often being the difference between one point and three for West Ham.  I won’t say he deserves the spot above Joe Hart, but he definitely deserves to be on the bench.

In defence, England look troubled but so does West Ham with the current injury situation.  James Tomkins is the only name that can come to mind but at 22 years old and with the current crop of English youngsters currently playing in the Premiership such as Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, and Micah Richards, it seems that this is even more farfetched than a pipe dream.  In midfield, Capello already has a selection headache and has finally realized what all the Upton Park faithful have known for three years:  That Scott Parker is England’s best midfielder.  Midfield is probably England’s strongest position, with a wide range of options suitable for many different tactical scenarios.  The only two names that can be given a second glance are Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble, but this really doesn’t seem possible for a wide number of reasons.  On a positive note, Mark Noble looks like he could be a regular in the England camp after Scott Parker and Gareth Barry have moved on, but England look set in midfield for Euro 2012.

Last but certainly not least, the ordeal up front.  Wayne Rooney is, at the time of this writing, on his way to Switzerland to find out if his Euro 2012 ban will be upheld.  If it is, England look very weak at striker for the Group Stage.  Carlton Cole has been in great form for West Ham and has played for England before, and given his competition I feel he must get his chance again.  Who else can Capello call up?  Crouch? Done nothing for Stoke.  Defoe? Possibly, but can’t even get a start for Spurs.  Andy Carroll? I don’t even think Dalglish would suggest it.  Heskey? Don’t make me laugh so hard. The only Premiership option I would suggest would be the young Daniel Sturridge, who has really impressed for Chelsea this campaign.  All in all, it seems a long shot that any West Ham player will be looked at by Capello leading up to the Euros, much less called up.  The most probable choices are Robert Green and Carlton Cole, and only time will tell if their form and the form of their England colleagues changes.  Whatever the case, the club can take pride knowing they have some real international pedigree in the squad.

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