England Euro 2016 squad: IBTimes UK writers select roster for summer finals

Roy Hodgson will finally unveil his England squad for the European Championships on Monday [16 May]. After allowing injured players prove their fitness as many teams played their final Premier League game of the campaign, 23 individuals plus a number of stand-by players will learn their fate for the summer.

England face Russia, Wales and Slovakia in their three group games at Euro 2016 as they attempt to reach the last 16 in an expanded 24-team tournament. Hodgson's side may be required to play seven matches in four-and-a-half weeks so can ill-afford to select players carrying fitness concerns.

Liverpool's Jordan Henderson, Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere and striker Theo Walcott perhaps have the biggest question marks over their place and it remains to be seen whether Hodgson keeps faith with the players who helped England progress with an unbeaten record in qualifying, or looks to the future ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

If Hodgson does have any late concerns however. then he need not worry, as each of IBTimes UK's sports team have selected their squad for the finals in France. Sharpen those knives.

Josh Evans

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster, Ben Foster, Joe Hart

Defenders: Ryan Bertrand, Gary Cahill, Nathaniel Clyne, Phil Jagielka, Danny Rose, Chris Smalling, John Stones, Kyle Walker

Midfielders: Dele Alli, Ross Barkley, Eric Dier, Danny Drinkwater, Adam Lallana, Raheem Sterling, James Ward-Prowse, Jack Wilshere

Forwards: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Daniel Sturridge, Jamie Vardy

There are probably two surprising omissions from my squad: Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott.

The current England captain has enjoyed a record-breaking, trophy-laden career, but based on this season's performances, he no longer merits a place in the England team. His club-mate Marcus Rashford has shown a turn of pace and enthusiasm that has been sadly lacking from Rooney's game for too long. The Manchester-born striker represents the future of English football, whereas Rooney's best days are evidently in the past.

Meanwhile, I've omitted Walcott on the basis he has barely made an impact at club level this season and by contrast, Southampton's James Ward-Prowse, at 21, still has scope for considerable improvement and will benefit from the Euro 2016 experience.

George Flood

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster, Joe Hart, Tom Heaton

Defenders: Ryan Bertrand, Gary Cahill, Nathaniel Clyne, Phil Jagielka, Danny Rose, Chris Smalling, John Stones, Kyle Walker

Midfielders: Dele Alli, Ross Barkley, Eric Dier, Danny Drinkwater, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, James Milner, Raheem Sterling

Forwards: Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Jamie Vardy

No real surprises, although I simply cannot justify picking Jack Wilshere based on his chronic lack of first-team football this season. Theo Walcott has not done anywhere near enough to make the squad.

Jordan Henderson's place is dependent upon his recovery from a knee injury, otherwise the likes of West Ham's Mark Noble might merit a mention.

Leighton Baines has fallen behind Ryan Bertrand, Danny Rose and Aaron Cresswell in the pecking order at left-back. Phil Jagielka makes the cut purely due to a concerning lack of credible alternatives in central defence. Danny Drinkwater has been a crucial cog in Leicester's incredible title success and did not look out of place on his international debut in March.

Nick Howson

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, Jordan Pickford

Defenders: Nathaniel Clyne, Chris Smalling, John Stones, Ryan Bertrand, Aaron Cresswell, Calum Chambers

Midfielders: Eric Dier, Dele Alli, Ross Barkley, Fabian Delph, Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana, James Milner, James Ward-Prowse, Jordon Ibe

Forwards: Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Wayne Rooney, Andy Carroll, Marcus Rashford

After a domestic season dominated by an extraordinary narrative, it is easy to get misty-eyed when looking ahead of England's latest appearance at a summer international tournament. The reality is Roy Hodgson does not have the players available to him to make a tangible impression – yet.

Only a handful of players have earned their place in this England squad on merit, so Hodgson should look to supplement it with individuals who can actually learn something from the experience in France.

Jordan Pickford, Aaron Cresswell, Calum Chambers, James Ward-Prowse and Jordon Ibe are what you would call my stand-out selections, with Andy Carroll ahead of Daniel Sturridge due to recent form and his fitness this term.

Tony Mogan

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, Tom Heaton

Defenders: Kyle Walker, Nathaniel Clyne, Chris Smalling, Gary Cahill, John Stones, Phil Jagielka, Danny Rose

Midfielders: Danny Drinkwater, Jack Wilshere, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Dele Alli, Ross Barkley, Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana

Forwards: Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford, Daniel Sturridge

Jack Wilshere's domestic season has been a total right off but he remains England's most talented central midfielder by some distance. A start against Aston Villa on the final day of the season for Arsenal should be enough to ease any fitness concerns Roy Hodgson may have had. As many Premier League defenders have learned, Marcus Rashford remains very much an unknown quantity and can be a real wild card in France this summer. His role in hugely decisive games since making his Manchester United debut in March has shown he can handle the pressure that comes with these competitions.