The F.A may have just made the biggest PR blunder in recent memory, having revealed some of the England stars heading to France as part of Roy Hodgson’s squad for Euro 2016… 3 months early.
The tournament bursts to life on June 10th, with Hodgson planning on releasing the squad list in May, but many controversial inclusions appear to have been leaked early by the F.A.
The F.A have a long-standing partnership with Marks & Spencer and endorse the brand’s suit range throughout every major tournament; every player sporting tailor made suits.
The Three Lions showcased their official suit for the Euro 2016 competition next summer, with some surprising additions for the photoshoot, including Jonjo Shelvey, featuring in the pictures.
Ryan Bertrand and Kieran Gibbs also feature in the official pictures, despite many critics doubting that the fringe players would feature in Hodgson’s final squad.
The duo from Southampton and Arsenal respectively, join such England veterans such as Joe Hart, Gary Cahill and fan-favourite, Harry Kane as they model the navy three-piece suit.
Excitingly for England supporters, youthful stars with great potential also seem to have made the cut for the trip to France. Everton’s Ross Barkley and Tottenham’s Deli Ali both feature within the promotional campaign; appearing to have cemented their places in the side.
Wayne Rooney, England and Manchester United captain, does not feature although it is still assumed that he will remain in the squad. Kane is the only striker called in to model – leaving the media to speculate about Hodgson’s other striker choices.
Vardy, Sturridge, Welbeck and Walcott will have to wait to earn their stripes. Kane has clearly impressed, having propelled Tottenham into the title race with 16 top-flight goals in 26 appearances.
The FA’s Commercial Director Stuart Turner remarked in a statement: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with M&S into a ninth successive year and ahead of another major tournament.
“The FA’s relationship with M&S continues to go from strength-to-strength and we are really pleased with the England team’s official suit for Euro 2016.
“Once again, the in-house design team at M&S has shown excellent attention to detail and the England squad will be heading to France in a suit of the highest quality.”
England face Russia, Wales and Slovakia in Group B having qualified for Euro 2016 with a perfect record.
Full Revealed Squad So Far
Goalkeepers
JOE HART
Defenders
GARY CAHILL
CHRIS SMALLING
PHIL JONES
KIERAN GIBBS
KYLE WALKER
RYAN BERTRAND
Midfielders
ADAM LALLANA
JONJO SHELVEY
ROSS BARKLEY
DELI ALI
Forwards
HARRY KANE
