Friday 8 April 2016 23:07, UK
Roy Hodgson faces a potential selection headache in midfield following the news that Jordan Henderson is a major doubt for Euro 2016 with a knee injury.
The England manager names his squad for the tournament in just under five weeks, with their opening group game against Russia a month later.
It leaves Henderson, who faces six to eight weeks out after damaging his lateral collateral ligament against Borussia Dortmund, a short window to prove his fitness.
The Liverpool midfielder had emerged as a key part of Hodgson's plans, starting England's first six Euro qualifiers before injury, and returning in the 3-2 friendly victory over Germany in March.
The impact of his injury on England's hopes polarised opinion on Sky Sports' social media channels, but where does his possible absence leave their midfield options?
Hodgson used a version of the 4-3-3 formation in Berlin, but also experimented with a 4-4-2 diamond.
Henderson had been earmarked as one of the two "shuttlers" in central midfield, using his energy to support attack and defence with Eric Dier in the holding role.
The Tottenham midfielder is unlikely to be affected after impressing against Germany, and with few alternatives in defensive midfield, his place is likely assured.
His team-mate Dele Alli looked a good fit alongside Henderson at the Olympiastadion. Both pressed well, with Alli free to roam forward and Henderson and Dier on the cover.
He could drop back now, but his best work for Spurs and England has been higher up the pitch. It would seem counter-productive to move him away from the opposition's goal, especially when it would likely limit his proximity to Harry Kane.
So James Milner, who many feel most closely matches Henderson's work-rate, may be the biggest beneficiary.
The Liverpool midfielder took his club-mate's place against the Netherlands and Hodgson clearly values his leadership, handing him the captain's armband at Wembley. Judging by recent team selections, Milner is a logical choice.
Meanwhile, those championing Danny Drinkwater may grow a little bolder. He slotted into the Dier position against the Dutch, winning his first cap, and the Leicester midfielder is another who may profit from Henderson's absence.
He "enjoyed the role" against the Netherlands, even if it differed from his typical Leicester assignment, but he could now get the chance to play further forward if Henderson doesn't make it. Jamie Vardy, recipient of four Drinkwater assists this season, could find his case boosted too.
Hodgson could always opt to reshuffle his attacking midfielders, leaving Ross Barkley and Adam Lallana possible contenders. Both have played there for their clubs, but so far Hodgson has preferred advanced roles for both.
It looks like Jack Wilshere will be the big "if" for England. Henderson now joins the Arsenal midfielder and Fabian Delph on the list of players who must prove their fitness.
All three have strong claims and were heavily involved in England's qualification, and Hodgson has said a lack of game-time doesn't necessarily rule out a call-up.
He knows the strengths and weaknesses of all three players, and the trio may actually have been his first-choice midfield three - Delph, Wilshere and Henderson kicked off England's qualification bid in the impressive 2-0 win in Switzerland.
"For me it's all about the class of the player," Hodgson said when discussing Wilshere. If the Arsenal man takes the field before Euro 2016, he remains the hypothetical favourite to replace Henderson.
A look back at the midfielders capped over the last 12 months provides a snapshot of alternative options for the England boss.
Jonjo Shelvey had ambitions of an England place when he moved to Newcastle in January.
He must have fancied his chances too after he won five caps in 2015, but to date his hopes have gone the same way as Newcastle's survival bid. The former Swan has not featured since an 11-minute cameo against France last year.
Many felt Michael Carrick fluffed his chance in the 2-0 friendly defeat by Spain in November, and he was overlooked in favour of Drinkwater for recent friendlies. But if Hodgson requires an experienced head, he could do worse than Carrick.
Ryan Mason won his single England cap against Italy last March, but he has since slipped well down the pecking order. With just six Premier League starts to his name this season, the Spurs midfielder would be a left-field choice.
Similarly Tom Cleverley, who has played just about half of Everton's league matches this season. He actually replaced an injured Mason for England's June friendly against Republic of Ireland last year, but didn't get on.
England right-back Alex Scott tipped Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for the squad, and the injured Arsenal man famously impressed in a central midfield role against AC Milan four years ago last month.
As recently as March, Hodgson seemed keen for Oxlade-Chamberlain, who featured four times for England last year, to return, and if fit his versatility could offer an extra option.
Who do you think Roy Hodgson should take to Euro 2016? Leave a comment or tweet us @SkyFootball…'
