Who will be England’s number one at Euro 2016?

Whichever side you’ll happen to be supporting throughout this summer’s finals – from the out-in-out tournament favourites, to all those hopeful nations staking their claim with a certain point to prove – Euro 2016 is bound to excite one way or another.

 

From an English perspective in particular, the upcoming summer competition could be one of renewed fortunes for Roy Hodgson and his partially revamped squad. A selection of new stars have certainly emerged since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, with expectations surrounding England feeling somewhat more relaxed than the predictable sense of blind hype that usually comes part and parcel of supporting the Three Lions. 

 

So then, with talk of Roy Hodgson’s final Euro 2016 squad selection rife within the English footballing community right in the here and now, just who will eventually go down as England’s first choice goal-keeper when all is said and done?

 

 

JOE HART

Well, as the current Manchester City shot-stopper has successfully held the post for a succession of back-to-back tournaments now, it seems as if Joe Hart remains the most likely choice for Roy Hodgson to fall back on with all things considered.

 

The 28-year-old has established himself as one of the most renowned goal-keepers in the entire Premier League. Although his general sense of distribution has in-fact been questioned at times, this is a player who can seemingly be relied upon when Euro 2016 finally arrives.

 

However, as Manuel Pellegrini’s side haven’t looked all that organised from a defensive point of view this season, maybe England should actually look past Joe Hart this summer, and potentially call upon one of the somewhat less obvious contenders available for selection…

 

 

JACK BUTLAND

…And one of those aforementioned candidates would certainly arrive in the form of 22-year-old, Jack Butland. The current Potters goal-keeper has arguably represented Stoke City’s overall best performer throughout the 2015/16 campaign thus far, with his immediate future among the English top-flight looking rather promising indeed.

 

Jack Butland has so far proven himself to be physically capable of defending his own penalty-area, impressively reliable in one-on-one situations with opposing strikers, and surprisingly confident for someone of his emerging status.

 

We are admittedly yet to see whether or not Butland will be able to maintain such promising form in the long-term down at the Britannia Stadium of course – but as Euro 2016 arguably represents the perfect stage for someone of his quality to impress on the international scene – maybe Roy’s ultimate decision isn’t so cut and dry after all…

 

 

FRASER FORSTER

Although the current Southampton shot-stopper has certainly suffered with his fair share of injury related concerns in 2015/16, Fraser Forster has been in truly sensational form since returning to the first team fold down at St. Mary’s. He must therefore go down as yet another name worthy of consideration within Roy Hodgson's summer plans.

 

Ronald Koeman’s side have looked distinctly more organised with Forster manning the Saints goal-mouth this season after all. Via his quick-reactions and composed nature at the back, it seems as if Southampton could really push on between now and the rest of the league campaign with their first choice 'keeper solidly among the action.

 

As Forster has indeed missed out on a great deal of first team game-time this season however, perhaps Euro 2016 may have come slightly too soon for the former Newcastle United and Celtic goalie.