Predictably, the latest Euro 2012 betting odds list England as one of the favourites to win the tournament – their constant failures at major finals never seem to stop the Three Lions from figuring among the contenders going in. In another respect, however, Fabio Capello’s side appear likely to break from tradition somewhat. Whereas much of recent history has seen England squads heavily populated with seemingly undroppable big-name players, this could be the rare tournament where a host of relatively new faces are set to establish themselves.  

Many of the ever-presents of the past decade or so could find their places very much in peril. Rio Ferdinand’s injuries and declining athleticism could see him replaced as John Terry’s central defensive partner by Gary Cahill, especially with the former Bolton man joining Terry at Chelsea. Ferdinand’s United teammates, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, are among those who could keep him out of the squad. Ashley Cole is unchallenged at left-back, but the opposite full-back position sees the more experienced Glen Johnson seeking to hold off young guns Kyle Walker, Micah Richards, Smalling, and Jones.   

The age-old question of whether Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard can play together in midfield may give way to the possibility of neither starting at all, with the former no longer an automatic first choice and the latter continually struggling for fitness. Young Jack Wilshere (himself spending plenty of time on the treatment table of late) and veteran Scott Parker look likely to figure prominently in a revamped engine room, as could Tom Cleverley and the versatile Jones and Jack Rodwell.  

The wide attacking positions in Capello’s 4-3-3 formation also appear up for grabs. Darren Bent looks set to lead the line with Wayne Rooney suspended for the first two games, but who will join him? Ashley Young, Adam Johnson, Theo Walcott, and Stewart Downing have shown indifferent form in 2011/12, allowing the likes of Scott Sinclair to dream of sneaking into contention. Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge have long since displaced the struggling Andy Carroll as the most promising young English forward, but boast only four caps between them.  

With first-choice goalkeeper Joe Hart yet to play at a major finals in his young career, England could commence Euro 2012 with Terry and left-back Ashley Cole the only established internationals in the starting eleven. Fans who feel the team has long needed refreshing are likely to get their wish, and for once England’s appearance at a major championships may hold some amount of intrigue.