Euro 2012: The All-Euro Starting XI

Let's say you are the coach.

You can build a roster of 16 players—1 from each team heading to Euro 2012 in Ukraine/Poland.

From that pool, you must assemble a starting lineup with five reserves.

What follows is my list of selections. They are assembled into a generic 4-4-2.

Who would you pick? Where did I get it wrong?

GK: Petr Cech (Czech Republic)

His performances for Chelsea to close out the year were world class.

In the F.A. Cup Final, his rejection of Andy Carroll's header won the match.

Against both Barcelona and Bayern Munich, he made save after save to keep his team alive in the Champions League.

You are never out of a match with this guy in goal.

RB: Philipp Lahm (Germany)

Lahm is captain of his club and captain of the German National team.

He is a natural leader on a team stacked with talent.

Not sure what's going on in this photo though...

CB: Giorgio Chiellini (Italy)

The last time Italy had a match-fixing scandal they won the 2006 World Cup.

Do not sleep on the Azzurri, they have a habit of over-performing.

CB: Daniel Agger (Denmark)

Honorable Mention: Kyriakos Papadopoulos (Greece)

Agger is an underrated leader who put up solid defensive stats in an otherwise disappointing year for Liverpool.

He beats out teammate Christian Eriksen onto this list due to depth at midfield. But, both could start anywhere.

Denmark got a horrible draw, but they can play with just about anyone.

LB: Ashley Cole (England)

It should come as no surprise that Cole is the second Chelsea player to make this list.

The Englishman is about as dependable as they come. This is one position which the Three Lions should not have to worry about this summer.

CM: Luka Modric (Croatia)

Honorable Mention: Anatoliy Tymoshchuk (Ukraine)

A lot depends on Tottenham's star midfielder for Croatia this summer.

Rumors abound that numerous clubs including Manchester United are after Modric's signature.

A big performance in the tournament and he may bring in some pretty large bids.

CM: Xavi Hernandez (Spain)

At this point, Xavi is just piling up silverware.

He has won just about every honor available at the club and national level.

There is no better midfielder in the world right now.

RM: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Portugal is never out of it as long as they have no. 7 on the pitch.

Ronaldo can change a game with one flash of genius at any moment. If his team makes it out of this difficult group, it will be on his shoulders.

LM: Franck Ribery (France)

Honorable Mention: Aiden McGeady (Ireland)

Had Ribery not limped off with injury in the Champions League final things might have turned out differently for Bayern Munich.

France comes into the tournament having not lost in their last 18 matches. They are one of the favorites.

ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden)

Honorable Mention: Andrei Arshavin (Russia)

The mercurial striker leaves Sweden with an outside chance of beating England and advancing out of this group.

His form for AC Milan is undeniable. Whether or not the Scandinavian side can provide the proper build up remains to be seen.

ST: Robin Van Persie (Netherlands)

Honorable Mention: Robert Lewandowski (Poland)

Van Persie led both Arsenal and the Premier League with 30 goals.

The Dutch will be looking to avenge their World Cup final loss. If Van Persie is on form, they might just do it.