Hodgson’s Euro 2016 headache: Who will make England XI v Russia?

Right back: Nathaniel Clyne

Centre back: Chris Smalling

We hope we haven’t now jinxed this beastly and bullish centre back, one of the most in-form across Europe, who is 1/4 to turn out against Russia.

Centre back: Gary Cahill

Cahill’s case is helped by Phil Jagielka’s injury-interrupted campaign, his successful showings alongside Smalling in qualifying and John Stones’ recent slip-ups. Hodgson may just balk at throwing skillful Stones into the deep end, with his passing proving risky for Everton at the moment, though the youngster (10/11) could still turn it around.

Left back: Leighton Baines

In that case, Baines (2/5) is Hodgson’s best option to provide width down the left flank, as he is in fine vintage with two assists in eight Premier League games and has regularly torn apart opposition this term. Underrated Aaron Cresswell (25/1) and Ryan Bertrand (3/1) are unlikely to get a look-in.

Central midfield: Jordan Henderson

Central midfield: Dele Alli

Yet, Alli’s seamless transition to Spurs’ starting XI and England set-up has seen him rocket to an odds-on 8/11. On current form, he is the Three Lions’ best midfielder, having proven he can add guile from deep and also spring attacks, with his cracker of a long-range strike also adding to his locker chock full of skill.

Hodgson could see the teenager as another risk, but England need to go for Russia’s jugular from the off if they are to avoid repeating the mistakes from Brazil. Alli would undeniably provide an edge.

Take a look at what Alli could add:

Right wing/forward: Jamie Vardy

A new contract is apparently in the offing, and the attacker would also add hard graft and magic movement. Hodgson is a fan of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (12/1), but he faces greater challenges for game time at Arsenal.

Left wing/forward: Raheem Sterling

Support striker: Wayne Rooney

The captain is 1/5 to start, having hit five international goals in eight across 2015 and struck against the Russians before. A revival for the Red Devils, with seven in his last seven at club level signalling a resurgence just at the right time, can only help. Unfortunately, this may mean Ross Barkley (11/1) misses out, as he has looked much more effective behind a striker this season.

Centre forward: Harry Kane

Hodgson always kept faith in his hitman, however, and the current joint-second Premier League top scorer should get the chance at 2/7 to start. It would seem complacent to leave the most promising Three Lions forward on the bench against unpredictable opposition; as a super sub he would be wasted.

Remind yourself of Kane’s first Three Lions goal:

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