Coauthored by Seth Johnson and Stephen Kirchner
Obtained from Google search “Jamie Vardy,” labeled for noncommercial reuse
Height: 178 cm
Weight: 76 kg
Senior Experience: 2007-present
Caps: 6
Club: Leicester City (English Premier League)
Season Statistics: 19 Goals; 6 Assists; 43 Tackles
Role and Projected Tournament Outlook:
The face of the upstart Leicester City squad in the English Premier League this season, Jamie Vardy poses another threat to displace Wayne Rooney in the attacking third for Hodgson’s squad. Whether the English manager decides to keep his older, experienced striker upfront or if he opts for the slightly younger, but much more inexperienced forward in France is another question in the packed front line. Despite being a senior footballer since 2007, Vardy just made his way to the EPL in the last few seasons and is mostly known as an unheralded figure. But his success in the league earned him three appearances in Euro qualifying after just making his international debut for England (UEFA, 2016).
Although Rooney is the consistent striker upfront alongside Harry Kane, Vardy is pressing for the spot due to his recent success for Leicester. So far this season, Vardy is second in the Premier League behind only Kane in goals scored and will make a surge to see time on the pitch as a key substitute for Hodgson (Fox Soccer, 2016). In addition to his goal scoring ability, Vardy’s high work-rate, relentless running and direct approach make him an extremely fast and dynamic striker that is a master of good positioning (James, 2015). As a result, expect to see the Leicester striker compete for a starting spot and push Rooney and Kane to earn every minute in France this summer. If Vardy continues on his current trajectory, he could very well replace the Golden Generation’s last chance at the starting XI and herald in the new era of English football.
How to cite this article: “Jamie Vardy” Written by Seth Johnson and Stephen Kirchner (2016), European Cup 2016 Guide, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/european-cup-2016-guide/english-national-team/key-substitutes/jamie-vardy/ (accessed on (date)).