England vs. San Marino: How England Should Line Up in Euro 2016 Qualifier
England face the least daunting fixture in international football on Thursday night: a home tie with San Marino.
The minnows currently lie joint-bottom of the 208 teams in FIFA's world rankings and have just one win from 123 games in their history.
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Past clashes have brought England 26 goals in four meetings, though one of San Marino's 20 international goals came during a 7-1 defeat in 1993.
Two of the four previous ties have been in the past two years: England were sluggish during a 5-0 win at Wembley in 2012 before racking up their biggest win over San Marino (8-0) in 2013's corresponding fixture.
England Team News
Roy Hodgson named a 21-man squad for this game and Sunday's away tie in Estonia:
The England manager has already made one change to that roster, promoting Calum Chambers from the under-21s in place of the injured John Stones.
As reported by Henry Winter, there may also be a slight doubt over Fabian Delph, who missed training on Tuesday:
Selection
With that team news considered, here's how Hodgson should start:
England need to rediscover an identity, and for that reason, Hodgson should try and sustain the chemistry and team cohesion forged during the recent 2-0 win in Switzerland.
Therefore, a similar diamond system should be deployed, with the forward positions remaining exactly the same. The hosts will clearly win this game, but, in what will effectively be attack versus defence, it's a good opportunity to develop these partnerships further.
At the back, though, that is not so important. The starting goalkeeper is almost irrelevant. Fraser Forster has started the season well at Southampton and is yet to make his competitive debut for England; Hodgson may as well hand him one at this stage.
In defence, the best attacking unit should be selected. That means the best centre-backs in possession—as each will presumably have more touches than any England player—and the most attacking full-backs.
Nathaniel Clyne and Leighton Baines are two of the most adventurous full-backs in the Premier League. Hodgson may opt for Gibbs at left-back, but Baines' experience would be useful to a young side.
Despite Everton's current defensive woes, the 29-year-old has played well and remains his nation's best attacking full-back, creating almost twice as many chances (16) as any other Premier League defender this season. Gibbs' strengths lie more with his defensive contribution, and that head-to-head is for another day.
There are limited options at centre-back. Cahill will start, as vice-captain, and he will be partnered by either Chambers or Phil Jagielka. Given Chambers' more consistent form—and comfort in possession—he deserves the call.
Further up the field, continuity becomes more important.
That means Jack Wilshere should remain in the deepest midfield role, a position he didn't always look comfortable in against Switzerland. This game, though, is all about attack, and it provides Wilshere with a decent platform to control the game.
Jordan Henderson and Delph provide the legs and energy to the system, and they should continue in central midfield. Delph's attacking work with Baines was particularly impressive against Switzerland, and both should be given the chance to advance that understanding in this game.
Raheem Sterling is rapidly becoming England's key man and must be used at the tip of the diamond—which became a 4-3-3 against Switzerland when the Liverpool man pushed forward.
Finally, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck should line up in their slightly wider roles. Both strikers will be confident of improving their current goal ratios in this game.
Prediction
The only question is how many. After some unconvincing opening exchanges, expect England to secure a convincing win.
England 7-0 San Marino
Statistics via WhoScored.com.
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