Tottenham's surprise title challenge this season was spearheaded by youth and surprisingly, England's youth. Spurs manager Pottechino put faith in the likes of Eric Dier and Dele Alli and suddenly everyone's feelings towards Roy Hodgson's squad are much more positive.
England's defence could again be their Achilles heel
Nathaniel Clyne and Danny Rose are both exciting players who can offer much going forward and are both solid defensively. It's the centre of defence which is the real cause for concern, Gary Cahill will be expected to start after a very poor season at Chelsea which resulted in him being dropped for Zouma.Cahill's a solid defender but can make mistakes and has never reached the levels of team mate John Terry.
Chris Smalling will be expected to start besides Cahill after a very good first half of the season withUnited.
When you compare England's centre half's with that of: Spain's, Germany's, France's, and Belgium's we are way behind, even the Italians defensively will be stronger. Many were hopeful John Stones would be ready for the competition and he may well would of been if he had been properly managed or, joined Chelsea. Stones has had a frustrating season at Goodison and at times looks anxious at the back, it would beencouraging to see him start for England but he doesn't look quite ready just yet.
In midfield, Eric Dierhas to start after a brilliant season, the 22-year-old has a brilliant future and gives you more hope than the likes of Henderson or Milner.
If he's at his best, Jack Wilshere should start as England don't possess another midfielder with the same technical ability, the young Arsenal man has had his career halted to a stop on many occasions through injury but if he can stay fit, he could form an exciting partnership with Dier.
Both Dele Alli and Harry Kane have to start, simple.
The spurs men have been at the front of Tottenham's title challenge and Alli has emerged as England's best young player. Alli and Dier were virtually unknown at the start of the season but Pochttino's faith in the youngsters have now given England hope. Jamie Vardy's unbelievable campaign for Leicester and impressive form for Roy Hodgson's side probably won't be enough for a stating place.
Wayne Rooney should start for England
Rooney still possesses vision and class on the ball that no other player has and of course has major tournament experience, Sterling will likely start despite a tough first season at the Etihad but if he doesn't perform Ross Barkley will likely take his place, the Everton midfielder has been inconsistent but will still be a huge threat coming off the bench.
England's 'golden generation' of players, the likes of: Terry, Cole, Lampard and Gerrard is now completely over, which is important as you don't feel there will be as many ego's in the England dressing room. This is a new era for England and although the expectation for this young squad is not to necessarily win the tournament but to hopefully at least reach the semi-finals, a target which we should hope is reachable considering we are fourth favourites to win the competition.
World champions Germany will be favourites
Along with hosts France who have their best squad of players since reaching the world cup final in 2006,on paper, Spain still have an elite squad but they have been found out in recent years and I believe this young squad could well match Del Bosque's team. Belgium have their 'golden generation' of players and are among the favourites.
It's difficult to tell just how good these young England players are compared to the likes of the Germans and the Spanish but if they are managed well and reach the potential they have at the moment then I am optimistic England can have one of their best tournaments in years.
