Just a few days after being appointed England manager, Roy Hodgson has unveiled his 23-man squad for the forthcoming European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.
As has become customary, there has been much comment on the dwindling pool of top-quality players which England have at their disposal, because of the prevalence of overseas players in the Premier League. For me, this time around it does not feel like the numbers were lower, but the average quality is not what it was, even in the recent past. Too many of the players are either past their prime, or else have major question marks hanging over them.
The headlines will doubtless concentrate mainly on the selections in attacking positions, but one thing which perturbs me is the flimsiness of the defensive resources which Hodgson will possess. A lack of genuine and proven international quality in this area, with one or two exceptions, and it could cost England dear. One thing which the side has generally been able to count on over the years is a solid foundation at the back.
There would appear to be more bounteous options in midfield and attack, and the likes of Ashley Young and Theo Walcott could provide the team with some proper cutting edge. Although the selection in midfield looks good on paper the secret, as ever with England in this area of the team, will be arriving at a suitable balance.
Personally, I would have preferred to see Peter Crouch selected, with his experience and good international goalscoring record. His inclusion might have negated some of the imponderables and variables.
Unlike many other people, I am not yet writing England and Roy Hodgson off. Many of the other competing nations are probably having the same debates and doubts. Much will depend on how the squad gels in the short time available with their new supremo before the beginning of the tournament.
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