England: Predicting Fabio Capello's Starting XI for Euro 2012

Two friendly victories, two goals scored and no goals conceded later, Fabio Capello's England team continue their quiet resurgence, ending the year with no defeats.

England's recent home wins against Spain and Sweden were the result of two professional team performances, from squads that featured many young, new faces.

As the new boys announce their arrival on the international stage and in the eyes of Don Fabio, what will happen to the old guard? Will they still stick around to provide much-needed experience, or will they fade away as the Golden Generation that never fulfilled their promise?

As the international year draws to a close, let's jump ahead and look to next summer.

What will Fabio Capello's starting XI be next summer?

This is my prediction, in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Feel free to have your say below.

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart

This one isn't too much fun to call.

Having established himself as a hugely promising goalkeeper during his year-long loan at Birmingham City, Joe Hart returned to Eastlands and ousted Shay Given—one of the outstanding keepers in the modern Premier League era—as Manchester City's No. 1.

And he hasn't looked back since.

Joe Hart is easily the best English goalkeeper there is now, but the question is: who will come in if he's injured?

Right-Back: Glen Johnson

When Gary Neville stepped out of the international frame, many feared for the future of England's right-back slot.

No longer.

Among recent call-ups, three are first-choice right-backs for their club teams: Glen Johnson, Kyle Walker and Micah Richards. Three more are accomplished centre-backs who are more than capable of filling in: Phil Jagielka, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. And there is yet another uncapped starlet making waves for his club: Martin Kelly.

Expect a multiple-way fight for this slot.

It's a great generation for English right-backs, and Glen Johnson is only edging the crop because of his top-level experience.

Left-Back: Ashley Cole

Say what you will about the man's character and personality, but Ashley Cole is without doubt one of the finest English left-backs in history.

Accomplished defensively and devastating going forward, Cole has been a fantastic servant for his country.

Now on the wrong side of 30, he faces competition from an up-and-coming Leighton Baines, who has been producing outstanding performances for Everton season after season.

But Cole's international experience and all-roundedness mean that he will be starting Euro 2012 as England's first-choice left-back.

Centre-Back: Phil Jones

Gary Cahill has proved to be a reliable and efficient centre-back alongside skipper John Terry.

Joleon Lescott has staked his claim for a regular spot during this international break. Phil Jagielka is as reliable and rugged as ever. Chris Smalling is attracting headlines with his performances for Manchester United.

But unfortunately, they have a Phil Jones-shaped obstacle in front of them.

Comfortable on the ball, capable of making marauding runs and cool in possession, Phil Jones has attracted comparisons to Italian legend Franco Baresi from none other than Capello himself.

His rawness and inexperience mean that others still have a chance, but his versatility and sheer talent will see him start as England's centre-back next summer.

And by then, he will have had a full season at Old Trafford under his belt.

Centre-Back: John Terry

For now, John Terry is still innocent in his racism row.

For now, John Terry is still England's captain.

For now, John Terry is still the bedrock of the England defence.

For now, John Terry is still the undisputed leader on the field.

For now, John Terry is still the best header of a ball, defensively or offensively, that England possess.

For now, John Terry is still one of the finest English defenders of his generation.

And that is why John Terry will go to Poland and Ukraine as one of England's starting back two.

For now.

Defensive Midfielder: Scott Parker

When was the last time a player made himself so indispensable for the England national team so late in his career?

Scott Parker turned heads with his inspirational leadership and relentless energy from the West Ham midfield. He brought his tirelessness and infectious work rate to Tottenham Hotspur. And he is putting in the same influential performances on the international level for England.

Great at breaking up plays, efficient in passing and quietly packing a punch in the shot, Parker is a modern midfield general.

Given his recent performances for England, barring any sort of serious injury, he'll be one of the first to pack his bags for Poland and Ukraine. 

Central Midfielder: Frank Lampard

The Premier League, Liverpool and England have been missing a fit Steven Gerrard. A Steven Gerrard who, at his best, still provides energy, pace and is a goal threat. A Steven Gerrard who would fit into this pacy, energetic, new England side.

But who's to say that he will be fit for next summer?

Step up Frank Lampard, Gerrard's eternal rival for a place as England's attacking midfielder.

Absurdly written off at the start of the season, Lampard has come back with a bang, scoring goals as often as ever. 

His incredible stamina, fitness levels and goalscoring ratios will see him go down as one of the Premier League's great central midfielders.

And they might just see him go to the Euros starting in Capello's midfield.

Right Winger: Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott has saved some of his most devastating performances for England.

Having always been blessed with electric pace, Walcott has improved on his decision-making, finishing and crossing, making him into one of the Premier League's most exciting wingers.

On his day.

While he moves ever further away from being labeled a flop, given the amount of hype he once attracted, he will be afforded more opportunities to step up and mature in a new Arsenal side under Arsene Wenger.

In doing so, he will make it on the plane as Capello's first-choice right-winger.

Left Winger: Ashley Young

One of the first names on both the Manchester United and the England team sheets, Ashley Young has established himself as a real wing wizard and an undroppable member of both squads.

Since his days at Aston Villa, Young has perfected the art of cutting in on his favored right foot from a left-wing position. He has improved his crossing, shooting and finishing, making him one of the finest attacking forces in England, if not the whole of Europe.

It'll take some spectacular drop in form if he weren't to start the Euros as England's left winger.

Attacking Midfielder: Jack Wilshere

The future of England.

That's not a huge tag to have hanging around your neck at 19 years of age. Not at all.

Fabio Capello, just like so many before him, is a confirmed fan. 

And he should be too: Jack Wilshere has pace, energy, drive, vision and a goalscoring touch.

As he currently fights his way back from injury, so much will depend on whether he can sustain a whole season at full fitness.

If he does, he'll have had another half season as Arsenal's talisman, and he'll be heading to Poland and Ukraine behind the lone striker.

Striker: Wayne Rooney

In an ideal world, Wayne Rooney will be spearheading Fabio Capello's England attack.

He might even move deeper into the attacking midfield position to support Darren Bent, a tactic that has worked to good effect in their previous partnerships.

Unfortunately, in an ideal world, Rooney would also not have gotten himself a three-match ban for an act of stupidity against Montenegro.

So as England wait to hear the outcome of the appeal, Darren Bent will have to step up as England's main goalscorer for the time being.

With a host of attacking players behind him capable of creating chances for him, Bent will get the chance to shine at the highest level.

And who knows? When Rooney comes back from his ban, he might even find it hard to take Bent's spot.