What England team should Roy Hodgson pick vs San Marino?

There are no easy games in international football.

Well, unless you’re playing Micronesia...

...or San Marino.

England will win at the dubiously-named Olympic Stadium at Serravalle on Saturday, when they take on a side who have lost 124 of 129 official matches, racking up -530 goal difference in the process.

England will win. The only question is by how many. And even that’s not a very interesting question, because England’s qualification for Euro 2016 will be all but guaranteed by a seventh win out of seven.

So, faced with the ultimate ‘nothing’ game, who should Roy Hodgson pick?

This is a lot like the team many fans would like to see, with recognition for in-form players like Jonjo Shelvey and Jamie Vardy – the only forward in the England squad with a goal this season. It also allows youngsters like Jack Butland and Ryan Mason a taste of international action, and the big guns can rest ahead of Tuesday’s meeting with Switzerland.

But just because it’s San Marino, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it seriously. England play about 10 games a year, so why should Roy Hodgson abandon the diamond midfield he seems set on for Euro 2016? Plus this gives his out-of-touch strikers a chance to find some form – and Rooney the opportunity to break Sir Bobby Charlton’s scoring record.

Take another look at those Micronesia results – why shouldn’t England wreak a similar trail of destruction in San Marino? Poland stuck 10 past these – Netherlands 11 and Germany 13. Why even pretend you care about defence when you could put a scarecrow in goal and face no danger of losing your clean sheet?

Oh, but hang on a minute. What about 1993 and Stuart Pearce’s moment of infamy? The only thing that can come out of this game is humiliation. Perhaps Roy should trust his defensive instincts – man the barricades, score from a set piece, cling on for 1-0 and get out of there.

**All graphics made using best11.eurosport.com**