ENGLAND’S embarrassing Euro 2016 defeat to Iceland was one of the lowest moments in the national team’s long history – and there have certainly been a few.
It all started so well when Wayne Rooney slotted in from the penalty spot.
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But Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson grabbed the goals to turn the game on its head before Iceland – with a population of just 330,000 – held on for more than 70 minutes to complete the win.
The short-term ramifications were obvious: The Three Lions crashing out of another major tournament and another two years of fans’ pain.
But as England prepare for the first European Championship since that infamous night in Nice, how has the squad changed?
First thing’s first, the manager did not last long.
In fact, Roy Hodgson resigned immediately after the game before he was given the boot.
Sam Allardyce came in, beat Slovakia 1-0, then left after 67 days and was replaced by Gareth Southgate, promoted after his fine work with the Under-21s.
Joe Hart came in for plenty of criticism during the tournament in France five years ago and his career has hit a downward spiral.
Fraser Forster and Tom Heaton were England’s other goalkeepers at Euro 2016.
But the trio have been all replaced, with Jordan Pickford, Sam Johnstone and Dean Henderson the favoured three in 2020-21.
The back four against Iceland was Kyle Walker, Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling and Danny Rose with Nathaniel Clyne, John Stones and Ryan Bertrand unused subs.
But only Walker and Stones are still part of the set-up.
Walker could be used again next summer, possibly on the right of a back three, with Kieran Trippier and Ben Chilwell the likely wing-backs.
Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Conor Coady, Reece James and Luke Shaw are the other defenders in the frame to play this summer.
Further forward, Hodgson went with a midfield three of Dier behind Dele Alli and Wayne Rooney.
Ex-captain Rooney retired from international football in 2017 – but did play in a friendly match the following year.
The Manchester United legend is now manager of Derby having retired from all football earlier this season.
Alli struggled at Tottenham and has been overtaken by a number of attacking midfielders rising to prominence over the past few years, hence he was omitted from the Euros squad.
Mason Mount, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden are the future of England’s midfield, with Declan Rice also in contention.
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Jordan Henderson, an unused sub against Iceland, is now a key player for club and country, although his fitness is under question.
But his Euro 2016 team-mates James Milner, Adam Lallana, Jack Wilshere and Ross Barkley have been moved on.
The attack is where things have changed the least.
Harry Kane still leads the line as he did against Iceland, while Raheem Sterling still has one of the spots on the wing.
Marcus Rashford – now a national treasure – is likely to start having been a wildcard pick in 2016. He was behind Daniel Sturridge in the pecking order five years ago.
But rather than Sturridge getting in his way, it is now Jadon Sancho who may get the nod.
Jamie Vardy’s decision to stop playing for England after the 2018 World Cup has been beneficial for Leicester.
And it’s also opened up the door for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to stake a claim for a first team place.
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England squad vs Iceland – Euro 2016
THIS was the side that crashed out in humiliating fashion five years ago. But who is still involved with the Three Lions and where are they all now?
Joe Hart – OUT (Back-up at Spurs)
Kyle Walker – IN (Man City regular)
Gary Cahill – OUT (Crystal Palace starter when fit)
Chris Smalling – OUT (Roma starter)
Danny Rose – OUT (Exiled at Spurs, played U23s)
Eric Dier – OUT (Spurs starter)
Dele Alli – OUT (Bit-part squad player at Spurs)
Wayne Rooney – OUT (Derby boss)
Daniel Sturridge – OUT (free agent after Trabzonspor release)
Harry Kane – IN (Spurs starter)
Raheem Sterling – IN (Man City starter)
Subs:
James Milner – OUT (Liverpool regular)
Adam Lallana – OUT (Brighton starter)
Jamie Vardy – OUT (Leicester starter, 2019-20 golden boot)
Nathaniel Clyne – OUT (Crystal Palace regular)
Fraser Forster – OUT (Back-up at Southampton)
Jordan Henderson – IN (Liverpool captain)
John Stones – IN (Man City starter – heading for recall)
Jack Wilshere – OUT (Bournemouth regular)
Ross Barkley – OUT (Aston Villa starter, on loan from Chelsea)
Ryan Bertrand – OUT (Southampton starter)
Marcus Rashford – IN (Man Utd starter)
Tom Heaton – OUT (Long-term injury at Aston Villa)
Roy Hodgson (manager) – OUT (Crystal Palace boss)
