England at Euro 2016: What does Roy Hodgson need to change?

England have done well in qualifying but what do they need to do if they are to translate that into success at Euro 2016? Adam Bate looks at the challenges facing Roy Hodgson and the mistakes that must be avoided…

England go into the latest round of European Qualifiers boasting a 100 per cent record after their 6-0 win over San Marino. They are the only team left able to make that claim with the likes of Germany, Spain and Belgium all having been beaten during qualifying.

It's nothing new for England in recent times. In fact, it follows the pattern of England's near immaculate record in qualifying ever since Steve McClaren's men failed to reach Euro 2008.

Fabio Capello won 14 of his 18 qualifying games, losing just once (having already qualified), while Roy Hodgson remains unbeaten in 17 qualifying games in total. His teams have scored more than seven goals for every one conceded.

But as the stats are reeled off, the lesson of history is inescapable. In each of these instances, that relentless form in qualifying was not matched at the tournament itself.

England's effort at the 2010 World Cup with Capello was officially their worst showing at the finals but, four years on, Hodgson's men couldn't even match that – becoming the first of the 32 teams to be eliminated.

So while the efficiency shown during qualification should be applauded, it's inevitable that thoughts will soon turn to what must change if England are to fare better at the tournament itself. Here are some of the key areas to address…

Euro 2016 Qualifiers

Protect the defence

Hodgson might be styled as a defensive-minded coach but the decision to put Danny Welbeck, Raheem Sterling, Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge in the starting line-up at the World Cup in Brazil last year was undeniably a bold move. Some would say foolhardy.

The then Liverpool pairing of skipper Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson – neither man a natural holding midfielder – were left to protect the back-four with little support. It wasn't enough and England were caught out in defeats to Italy and Uruguay.

Players such as John Terry, Rio Ferdinand or Ashley Cole at the peak of their powers might have been able to cope without a savvy midfield ahead of them. However, Hodgson's squad does not include a proven world-class defender.

As a result, there must surely be greater emphasis on organisation and shape in France next summer. It might not capture the imagination of supporters, but being hard to score against will be a prerequisite if England are to go deep into the tournament at Euro 2016.

Control the midfield

In order to do that, England need to gain more control in midfield. Hodgson started from a low base at Euro 2012 – Andrea Pirlo's 131 passes in Italy's quarter-final win scarring the memory of England's spirited efforts.

Some progress has been evident in this regard and England saw more of the ball against the same opponents in Brazil. Indeed, they even enjoyed more possession against Uruguay and Costa Rica. But control of the game as well as the ball is the key now.

Hodgson has gone with a three-man midfield of Henderson, Jack Wilshere and Fabian Delph for much of the qualifying campaign. It's an unusual blend with two hard-working recyclers of the ball flanking Wilshere in his near unique role of deep-lying dribbler.

There is evidence it can break down poor teams but it will require lots of drilling if Hodgson is to make this midfield work for England against the best. And with the ageing Michael Carrick the only natural holding midfielder to feature in qualifying, alternatives are limited.

Chemistry in attack

Hodgson's trio of midfielders leaves him with a challenge to get the right blend in attack. The most natural solution would be to go with two wide forwards and a central striker, but with Rooney only suited to one of those roles that presents potential selection difficulties.

What if Daniel Sturridge returns to fitness and form with Liverpool? How about Harry Kane repeating his 2014/15 efforts for Tottenham? If either man scores the goals of which they are capable, the temptation will be to go with a front two and sacrifice natural width.

Sterling has enjoyed some success for England as a No 10 and with both he and Rooney seemingly certain to start in France, England's attacking shape is likely to be dictated by the identity of that third man.

Andros Townsend and Danny Welbeck are Hodgson favourites but strong seasons for their respective clubs are far from guaranteed – and the Arsenal man is now facing a long spell out with a knee injury. So will England's front three really have the goalscoring power to expect anything approaching success in 10 months' time? It's a concern.

Conclusion

The tournament cycle is akin to A-Levels – two years of work with a few weeks of examinations at the end of it. For England, it's not a modular course. Next summer, Hodgson and his team will be judged on whether they've learnt from their lessons.