Seasons  »  2015-16  »  Everton News

Barkley and Stones named in initial Euro2016 squad

16/05/2016  49 Comments  [Jump to last]

The Everton duo make the provisional England squad for Euro2016 but there is no place for Leighton Baines or Phil Jagielka.

It seems that Jagielka's hamstring injury late on in the season has prompted Roy Hodgson to drop him from the England squad from the 2016 Euros. Baines's form and struggles with injuries of his own earlier tin the season have also contributed to him being overlooked for the 26-man shortlist.

Long lay-offs from injury haven't applied to Jack Wilshere, Jordan Henderson, Daniel Sturridge or Fabien Delph, however, who are all named in the squad, despite all spending time on the sidelines this season.

Stones and Barkley are included, however, in a squad heavily favouring central midfielders – as expected, Hodgson has selected just three central defenders.

Full story at BBC Sport

Reader Comments (49)

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Dave Pritchard
1 Posted 16/05/2016 at 13:45:24
Let's hope Ross gets some hard training in with England. Difficult to see him starting any matches on current form.
Bob Cumiskey
2 Posted 16/05/2016 at 13:47:47
Good luck to both of the lads.
Hope they do themselves and EFC proud.
Colin Glassar
3 Posted 16/05/2016 at 13:48:45
Feel sorry for Leighton and Jags but it's hardly surprising seeing they were part of one of the worst defences in the prem.
Paul Williams
4 Posted 16/05/2016 at 13:51:24
Shame. Could have done with some free defensive coaching over the summer.
Mike Green
5 Posted 16/05/2016 at 14:04:53
Jack Wilshere, I ask you.
Oscar Huglin
6 Posted 16/05/2016 at 14:07:57
I like it. Gone for youth. Shame for Baines and Jags, their England careers are all but over now.
Ian Riley
7 Posted 16/05/2016 at 14:25:13
Let's see how good Gary Cahill is now!!
Keith Monaghan
8 Posted 16/05/2016 at 14:44:21
I think it'll be good for us that neither Jags or Baines involved. Leighton needs to continue to recover his fitness so that he gets back to near his best, although reality says his best years are behind him – still a very valuable player for us. I think Jags was damaged by Brazil 2014 and will benefit from the rest.

I hope Stones does well – he looked much happier against Norwich.

It sums up the state of English football that Ross is in the squad – he has not been worth a place at EFC for ages; apart from one run on Sunday, his contribution was very poor... as it has been for ages.

Alan Bodell
9 Posted 16/05/2016 at 14:59:15
It's sad for the lads themselves but with Phil and Leighton both missing out it will benefit us in long run as both have been getting nasty injuries this last season and a nice rest should be good.
James Marshall
10 Posted 16/05/2016 at 15:01:52
Gary Cahill over Jags seems like a bad decision to me. As does picking Henderson and Wilshere. I'd go for form players over players still injured. Henderson hasn't kicked a ball for about a month, and Wilshere has only started 1 game all season and that was this weekend!

I see Woy is blowing the, "anyone can win it" trumpet, citing Greece and Denmark as examples......thus putting England in the 'no chance' bracket as ever. Sigh.

Dean Peamum
11 Posted 16/05/2016 at 15:07:01
Stones? Really surprising seeing he was part of one of the worst defences in the Premier League.
Michael Kenrick
12 Posted 16/05/2016 at 15:14:08
I feel I'm stating the obvious here, Dean, but he's a really... er, phenomenal player. And with the right coaching, he will be absolutely brilliant.

Hopefully yesterday showed that we do indeed have tremendous talent who were suffering disastrously under the Madness of Martinez. But I guess the healing process is going to take a while...

Steve Pugh
13 Posted 16/05/2016 at 15:55:47
When it comes to injuries there definitely seems to be one rule for some...
James Stewart
14 Posted 16/05/2016 at 16:12:21
Strange squad, looks unbalanced to me. Smalling, Cahill and Stones are all car crash defenders so really feel for Jags. He is a better centre half at present than all 3 of those.

At least Jags and Baines will get a break and be fresh for the new season, I couldn't give a toss what England do so the less Everton players involved the better.

Simon Jones
15 Posted 16/05/2016 at 16:22:53
I know it's nowt to do with us, but no Jermaine Defoe?
Julian Wait
16 Posted 16/05/2016 at 16:33:13
Not only was Stones part of one of the worst defensive setups, he was arguably the worst performer in that setup. Even compared to Galloway, Browning, and the Hibbert cameo. Only Howard and the maverick Funes Mori came close.

But he may well be better suited to playing in a Euro competition.
Time will tell.

Paul Andrews
17 Posted 16/05/2016 at 16:39:06
Looking forward to watching John play in the Euros.

He has struggled defensively this season, be good to see if it was because of his mistakes or because of the team he played in.
Andrew Ellams
18 Posted 16/05/2016 at 16:47:12
Delph? Really???
Paul Thompson
19 Posted 16/05/2016 at 17:25:45
Don't forget that the final squad has to be trimmed to 23. Rashford won't make it and injuries will no doubt knock out one or two. There are 3 friendlies in which to impress. Unless Stones is even worse than he's been for us recently he will go as the number of centre backs as limited (Dier is defensive mid but can cover). Ross might have to fight for his place in the friendlies, but I suspect he will be named over Delph at least. If they make the cut, I look forward to seeing both of our lads play thier part in what should be an interesting tournament.
Les Netherwood
20 Posted 16/05/2016 at 17:45:19
Wilshire? Delph?

Hodgson has no idea......it will be the world cup all over again

Ian Burns
21 Posted 16/05/2016 at 17:53:24
Feel for Jags and Bainsey - a year ago they were shoe-ins.

Ross has lost his way a bit; he won't start but maybe an influence from the bench. However, I have faith that JS will be a big hit at the Euros but wish both lads all the very best.

Tom Bowers
22 Posted 16/05/2016 at 18:18:30
Hodgson obviously has his favourites especially his RS bootlickers.
Another manager could just as easily left them out as well as Stones and Barklay who have been very indifferent this season.
Can't however understand what he sees in Sterling who has been the biggest flop I've seen in years.
Despite the form of Kane, Alli and Vardy I cannot see this squad doing much in the Euros which will finally lead to the axing of Hodgson.
Kevin Turner
23 Posted 16/05/2016 at 18:56:49
Jack Wilshere!! Gimme strength. It's been at least 2-3 weeks since he was pictured coming out of club for a) a fracas b) a fag or c) both so another bit of bad press is due any day now. Thick as pig shit and anyway will last about 30 mins before another injury.

As for our lads I'm sorry for Jags but he has been found out before at the very top level. Stones and Barkley are lucky lads to get selected. Stones should start and will probably play blinders to put himself in the window. Barkley will be benched as media fave Alli gets the nod, at least until he's sent off.

Kase Chow
24 Posted 16/05/2016 at 19:39:08
Tom #22

What do you mean Barkley and Stones have had indifferent seasons? Indifferent to what?

Stones was excellent last season and crap this season: that's VERY different

And Barkley wasn't very good last season but had an excellent 1st half to this season (count the goals and assists). That's pretty different too

What do you mean matey?

Peter Roberts
25 Posted 16/05/2016 at 20:53:25
Jack Wilsheres selection beggars belief. Feel sorry for Danny Drinkwater who will probably get cut from the squad in favour or bigger names despite being the linchpin to the midfield of the champions.

As for Jags and Baines; Jags got found out at the World Cup and is only just coming off another injury this season and Baines has regressed since coming back from his ankle problems.

Guy Hastings
26 Posted 16/05/2016 at 21:15:39
The manager is a 'big club' man. It killed him to have to ever put Baines in the squad in the first place. Unless EFC have a player in the team, I couldn't give a fuck about England and even then I'm praying that it's not an Everton player who gifts the game to the opposition. Thank God, Germany didn't win 1-0 in 1966, Ray Wilson would never have heard the end of it.
Andrew James
27 Posted 16/05/2016 at 22:03:43
So Smalling and Cahill have had better seasons than Jags? Really? I seem to recall we let more goals in when Jags was injured.

Next...Barkley being talked of behind Sterling and Ali. The former is so over rated and the latter has not performed better than Ross in terms of goals and assists but played in a far better team. Ali is way more likely to get sent off as well.

But don't worry I am sure Woy knows what he's doing when we are eliminated in the QF's with over rated players who only get to play because Alex Ferguson once said they'd be world class or City or the Shite paid too much for them.

Phil Sammon
28 Posted 16/05/2016 at 22:08:05
I have high hopes for Stones in the future but right now he isn't half the defender Jags is. what good is he to England right now?

Defoe not getting in is possibly the biggest joke. A proven goal scorer in tremendous form. Nah, let's go for proven flops instead.

Kieran Kinsella
29 Posted 16/05/2016 at 22:21:00
So I thought the phenomenal McGeady was injured but apparently he's been unable to even make the Sheff Wed bench for the last month so he's sweating on his Euro spot. What a joker.
Peter Mills
30 Posted 16/05/2016 at 22:24:27
Against Norwich, John Stones hoofed the ball when necessary. And once, in the second half, next to Bullens Rd, Ross stopped the ball with his left foot and passed it 5 yards forward immediately with his right foot with his next touch.

Such great progress in the space of a couple of days.

Kieran Kinsella
31 Posted 16/05/2016 at 22:27:40
Jags is three years older than Cahill and the latter has more big game experience in CL. Baines has been indifferent and again he's plus 30 while the others are younger. The Wilshere and Henderson thing could be argued that they're fresh which has supposedly be an issue for other players in big tournaments. Roy though clearly is a big club guy. Case in point is Shelvey who made the squad as an RS sub and got in the mix as a mediocre bar code but couldn't get a look in at Swansea. Clyne suddenly caught his eye after he left Soton while Llana plays more for England since he swapped a starting spot for Soton for the Reds subs bench.
Colin Glassar
32 Posted 16/05/2016 at 22:41:27
Kieran, we all know Roy still feels in debt to the rs for almost getting them relegated. He should've stayed.
Patrick Carty
33 Posted 16/05/2016 at 22:47:53
Im an Irish fan and not so long ago we had Paul Green and Glenn Whelan as our midfield pairing so be grateful for what you have.

O yeah, we still have Glenn Whelan!!!

Ray Robinson
34 Posted 16/05/2016 at 22:54:53
Only an opinion, but Jags is better than any of the defenders selected.

Nothing against Delph, but how does he get in the team after a season of bench warming?

John Pickles
35 Posted 16/05/2016 at 23:01:08
Long term, John Stones will possibly be a great player, but on current form and confidence level, would any Evertonian pick Stones ahead of Jagielka ?
Charlie Lloyd
36 Posted 16/05/2016 at 23:05:19
Jags would have been a good backup but it's better for us he gets a summer rest. Likewise with Leighton break will do him good.

Stones as the only real CB cover is a curious one. Hope Cahill and Smalling stay fit cos I expect Dier to be needed at defensive CM.

I'll be amazed if Ross makes the cut. Expect sick notes Wilshere & Henderson to go cos they are Hodgson favs. Mind you on current form Ross isn't assured a start for us never mind a squad place at national level. A summer off could do him a world of good as long as he looks after himself.

Kase Chow
37 Posted 16/05/2016 at 23:07:57
John #35

Agree, on form, Jags much better than Stones

Ernie Baywood
38 Posted 17/05/2016 at 00:24:14
Ultimately I don't give a shit about England and I'm happy that the older players can now have a decent break and pre-season for us.

That said, I do feel for Leighton. He was the best English left back for years but had to wait for the experienced Cole to vacate the role. Finally it's his time and he gets landed with a manager who completely negated his game and tarred him with the title of playing for one of the worst defences around. I wouldn't blame him for being very bitter towards Roberto.

Francis Gibson
39 Posted 17/05/2016 at 05:39:24
The pragmatist in me is hoping Stones has a ripper tournament, only so his price tag inflates a fair bit.

I simply can't see him staying with us, so am hoping the Euros provide a nice shop window for him. Lukaku, as well. I reckon they're both goners.

Paul Andrews
40 Posted 17/05/2016 at 06:34:35
I would sell Stones before the Euros to get the best deal possible.

I have a feeling he will be exposed against top class forwards.

Kevin Gillen
41 Posted 17/05/2016 at 08:34:22
Really pleased that Jagielka and Baines will have a Summer rest after their injuries this year. I suspect Ross Barkley may miss out too and that will do him the world of good.
Andy Meighan
42 Posted 17/05/2016 at 09:25:48
They don't deserve to be in the squad. The pair of them have been poor for months – especially Barkley, who half the time looks as though he doesn't know what day it is.

That said, I still believe a good manager could make a great player out of him because he's got everything in his locker to be a top player. It's whether or not he takes it on board.

But Jack Wilshere... what's that all about? And is that Henderson in the squad? – hes another one... only an international because he plays for them.

Geoff Williams
43 Posted 17/05/2016 at 10:49:56
Disappointed for Jagielka and Baines but it is good news for Everton. The England squad was so predictable and has as much chance of winning the tournament as Wales. Having looked at the number of caps each player has it appears that Barkley with 21 caps is now one of the Senior players, SCARY.
How discourteous of Hodgson not to phone Baines about his ommission. He lacks class but what would one expect from anyone associated with Liverpool football club.
Colin Malone
44 Posted 17/05/2016 at 11:02:51
Martinez blew Jagielka's hopes of being in the squad by the system the team played. Roy will regret not taking Jags.
Paul Burns
45 Posted 17/05/2016 at 12:35:25
I don't remember Jags getting found out at the top level... I remember Gerard getting found out and Jags getting the blame.
Mark Boulle
46 Posted 17/05/2016 at 14:40:36
Some odd selections, or indeed non-selections, for sure. I agree with those who say Jags should be one of the three centre halves, for me ahead of Stones on form and ahead of Cahill on the basis that Cahill is a bang average player who'd be nowhere near the squad if he didn't play for Chelsea. Remember him ending up facing completely the wrong way when Rom ran at him to score in the FA Cup...? He's no England central defender.

Strange that, on the one hand, Woy picks some players on form despite them playing for an 'unfashionable' club (Vardy, Drinkwater), whilst giving a place to others like Sterling and Wilshere at the 'big' teams who have either had crap seasons (Sterling) or no season at all in Wilshere's case!

West Ham fans probably have the most to be aggrieved about. They've had a great season but not one of Cresswell, Antonio or Noble gets a look-in.

Some amusing howls of outrage when the squad was announced yesterday along the lines of 'Vardy and Drinkwater are in, but we're crying out for a dominant centre half and he doesn't pick Wes Morgan'. Yes, the same Wes Morgan with a number of Jamaica caps already under his belt!

Tony J Williams
47 Posted 18/05/2016 at 11:30:04
"I don't remember Jags getting found out at the top level... I remember Gerard getting found out and Jags getting the blame."

Yup, but Captain Marvel was untouchable.

Also, can't really have a go at him for being fleeced by Ratboy, he's a monster proven again this year with the Spanish Champions

Tony Doran
48 Posted 18/05/2016 at 19:20:15
Stones and Barkley should count themselves very lucky.
Colin Malone
49 Posted 22/05/2016 at 12:13:00
Just watched Smalling in the cup final... Slow as fuck. Anyone know Woy's contact address? Jags for England.

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