Which Arsenal players can we expect to see at the Euros? By AH
As we approach the final week of this seasons Barclays Premier League, Arsenal fans must certainly disappointed with how things panned out. Although it could have been so much better for the Gunners, with the rest of the usual top four blowing their domestic games off this year, Arsenal too fell short of the mark and allowed a remarkable season for the most spectacular of unexpected tales to occur.
After this Sunday’s games, football fans will turn their attention to the few remaining club matches of the season, with both European Cup finals and the FA Cup to play for, but after that we look forward to what is sure to be an entertaining European Championships.
So which Gunners stars can we expect to see in action over the course of the summer in France?
England: With Arsenal’s British core consisting off all English players apart from Welshman Aaron Ramsey, you’d expect some of Arsenal’s English players would be heading off to play for their nation. However it is currently expected that only Jack Wilshere may make the 23 man squad and even that is not a certainty. Welbeck was on point to be included until his injury against Man City on Sunday. Oxlade Chamberlain was a possibility for Roy Hodgson’s side but he too is out with injury. Chambers and Gibbs have not featured enough for the Gunners this season to warrant a place. Lastly Theo Walcott could be in line for a last minute place following Welbeck’s injury after previously expecting to miss out. However I still think that despite Walcott’s poor performances this season that he will still be on the plane to France.
France: The home nation of Euro 2016 and arguably one of the favourites to win the competition. In years gone by, Arsene Wenger has brought many notorious Frenchman to the club, however in recent years this has not been the case and only Laurent Koscienly and Olivier Giroud are expected to make the French squad. Whilst the centre-back is near-certain to go, Olivier’s poor performances in the second half of the season would have possibly seen him miss out, however due to Benzema missing out, the Arsenal striker remains likely to be included. Coquelin may also be in for a late shout.
Germany: Arsenal had three World Cup winners from the 2014 World Cup as Germany lifted the title. However as Podolski has long since gone, and Mertesacker having retired from the national side, only star man Mesut Ozil remains. He is certain to be included in the German squad this summer after his best season in an Arsenal shirt.
Spain: The Spanish team is always packed with competition and although Right Back Hector Bellerin remains unlikely to join up with Spain this summer, despite another great year, he is certainly worth a mention. Nacho Monreal, Mr Consistent, is also worthy of a mention however with Jordi Alba on their left side, I think it’s unlikely Monreal will displace him. Perhaps a squad role may be on the cards for either player.
Cazorla is unlikely to feature after being injured for most of this season.
Czech Republic: Goal Keeper Petr Cech is the Czech Republic’s number one and so will definitely be featuring at this year’s tournament.
Poland: Although currently out on loan, Arsenal’s Wojciech Szczesny is likely to feature as Poland’s number one this summer.
Wales: After playing such an important role in the qualification stages, Aaron Ramsey will certainly be going to Euros in the hope Wales can show off all their hard work for this summer!
Let know us if you think there is anyone you think we have missed or anyone that could be in with a shout of a shock inclusion for this summer’s Euros! And let us know in the comments who you think will be walking away with the trophy at the end of the competition!
By Ashley Hooker