Euro Cup 2012: England Unveils Roster for Intense European Tournament

England has unveiled its roster for the upcoming Euro 2012 tournament. After a string of disappointing results during international competition, the Three Lions are looking to bounce back behind new manager Roy Hodgson.

Here's the entire squad, according to Mirror Football:

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, Robert Green and John Ruddy

Defenders: Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, John Terry, Joleon Lescott, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines

Midfielders: Theo Walcott, Stewart Downing, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Steven Gerrard, Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard, Scott Parker, Ashley Young and James Milner

Forwards: Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Andy Carroll

According to The FA, Hodgson has also announced his captain for Euro 2012:

"

Hodgson: "Steven Gerrard will captain England."

— TheFA.com (@thefadotcom) May 16, 2012"

Mirror Football also passes along the standby players for the tournament:

"

England standbys:Butland, Jagielka, Henderson, A Johnson Sturridge

— MirrorFootball (@MirrorFootball) May 16, 2012"

As you would expect, it's a very strong roster featuring many of the usual suspects from past years. 

Following the release, Rio Ferdinand took to Twitter to announce how he was feeling about the snub. 

"

Absolutely loved playing for england....to say I'm gutted is an understatement of the highest order...

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 16, 2012"

The problem for England recently hasn't been talent—it has plenty of that—but rather, a lack of cohesiveness on the pitch.

That's why Hodgson's job is so important. He must figure out which 11 players will work best together instead of just throwing the most gifted players out there and hoping for the best. Chemistry is always key in marquee events like Euro 2012.

The Three Lions will be in Group D along with France, Sweden and Ukraine. It's a group they should win despite a tough test in France. Finishing first would most likely allow England to avoid Spain in the first round of the knockout stage, which, in turn, would provide a huge boost to the team's chances.

Rooney's production up front will be the most important factor. The other three players up top for England are all streaky, so the Manchester United star has to provide plenty of scoring opportunities to push his team into the quarterfinals and beyond.

England starts the tournament on June 11th against France.