ENGLAND entered Euro 2016 with high-hopes of a first major trophy since 1966 – but were soon sent crashing back down to reality.
The tournament, held in France, provided all too familiar heartbreak for fans, after England crashed out in the last 16 to Iceland.
How England lined up against Russia in the opening Euro 2016 game
But the warning signs were there from the off, with Roy Hodgson’s side managing just ONE win, thanks to Daniel Sturridge’s late winner against Wales.
Draws against Russia and Slovenia and shock defeat to Iceland left England underachieving on the big stage yet again.
Here SunSport looks at the starting 11 that kicked off the tournament against Russia, and where they are now.
GK: JOE HART
One of the biggest falls from grace since England’s disappointing showing in France.
Manchester City goalkeeper at the time but after mistakes against Wales and Iceland he returned to the Etihad to be swiftly axed by new manager Pep Guardiola.
Has since flopped for West Ham and Burnley in England since after a loan season with Serie A side Torino but currently provides backup for Hugo Lloris at Tottenham.
Joe Hart currently provides backup for Hugo Lloris at TottenhamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
RB: KYLE WALKER
Walker followed John Stones to City in the summer of 2017 but has been much more of a success story.
He had been a permanent feature for Guardiola since his move from Tottenham but was replaced as England’s right-back by Alexander-Arnold.
Walker has this season dropped out of the starting 11 at the Etihad, following the emergence of Joao Cancelo.
Kyle Walker has dropped out the Man City side this season following the emergence of Joao CanceloCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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CB: GARY CAHILL
The then Chelsea centre-back was an England regular and Hodgson’s vice-captain ahead of the tournament.
Blues form gradually started to dip in the next two seasons as he aged and eventually left for Crystal Palace last summer where he remains.
Cahill has become a fixture in the Eagles backline, showing his experience.
Gary Cahill is still showing his experience at Crystal PalaceCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
CB: CHRIS SMALLING
Smalling was a Hodgson favourite from their time together at Fulham and the Manchester United defender was a starting choice alongside Cahill in France.
Has never fully cemented his spot at Old Trafford since and spent last season on loan at Roma.
After impressing in Italy, the centre-half remained in the capital after signing permanently.
Chris Smalling is currently playing for RomaCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
LB: DANNY ROSE
Rose was playing some of his best football for Tottenham in 2016 and was a shoe-in at left-back.
He has made 15 England appearances since – but his last came in 2019.
Was loaned to Newcastle in January last year after being fronzen out of the Spurs squad.
But he failed to seal a move away this season, having not played a single minute of first team football.
Danny Rose has not played a single minute of first team footballCredit: Getty – Contributor
CM: ERIC DIER
Scored England’s opening goal of the tournament with an impressive free-kick and looked set to be a permanent fixture for seasons to come.
However, he has been inconsistent the the last couple of years before finding form and a more regular place under Jose Mourinho.
Recently signed a new contract at Tottenham much to the surprise of many.
Eric Dier scored England’s opening goal of Euro 2016Credit: PA:Press Association
CM: DELE ALLI
Fans had big hopes for the Tottenham playmaker before the tournament.
Afterwards, he became a regular for Spurs under Argentine Mauricio Pochettino, who was sacked last season and replaced by Jose Mourinho.
Alli got off to a good start under Mourinho, but was then dropped following a dip in form.
The midfielder tried to move in the winter window, but after failing to do so, he has been re-introduced into the squad.
Dele Alli tried to leave Tottenham this seasonCredit: EPA
CM: WAYNE ROONEY
Played in a deeper lying midfield role in France after being utilised there for Manchester United on occasion.
Will always be remembered for being England’s highest goalscorer and appearance maker with 53 from 120 games.
Eventually retired from international football in 2018 and has played for Everton, DC United and Derby County, where he is now manager.
Wayne Rooney is now manager at DerbyCredit: AP:Associated Press
RW: ADAM LALLANA
Started all of England’s group games but was replaced by Daniel Sturridge for the awful Iceland defeat.
The playmaker has been a solid enough player since, moving to Brighton last summer for a relegation battle having been limited to appearances off the bench in his final season at Anfield.
Adam Lallana is currently playing for BrightonCredit: EPA
LW: RAHEEM STERLING
The forward had sealed a big-money move from Liverpool to City the season before the Euros, enjoying game time but struggling for goals.
He made three appearances at Euro 2016, and season by season he improved at the Etihad, adding more goals and assists to his name.
Now, he is one of the most prolific wingers in the league and a favourite in Guardiola’s rotating line-ups.
Raheem Sterling has become one of Man City’s most prolific playersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
ST: HARRY KANE
Was and still is England’s most gifted No9 and has since become Gareth Southgate’s captain.
Still a guaranteed starter for the Three Lions which does not look likely to change soon despite the emergence of a wealth of options.
Could be a surprise Spurs departure this summer if a desire to win trophies emerges.
Harry Kane is still is England’s most gifted No9Credit: –
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
