The Italian-influenced XI that could've worked for England

Roy Hodgson's England tenure ended in disaster.

A 2-1 loss against Iceland - a country with a population similar to that of Coventry's - marked arguably the most embarrassing major tournament exit in the Three Lions' history. And it wasn't a plucky, small team nicking a win over a dominant giant either. Iceland was in control; it outfought and outthought England.

Hodgson's mindless meddling with his team's system was detrimental - a player was shoehorned here, another shunted there - as he seemed at a loss in how to utilise his best players. It was disjointed and wholly unattractive.

Here's how the departed gaffer should've lined up England at Euro 2016:

Borrowing from Carlo Ancelotti's two-time Champions League-winning AC Milan side in the 2000s, the 4-3-1-2 would see the fulcrum of the attack shared between Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, and Dele Alli. In behind, the industrious pair of Mark Noble and James Milner would zip around while the pivot Eric Dier and back four all remain disciplined in their positions.

GK - Joe Hart

With Jack Butland injured, the Manchester City shot-stopper's No. 1 spot was assured. But after a poor tournament, Hart can expect greater pressure for his place between the sticks.

RB - Nathaniel Clyne

Overall, Kyle Walker had a decent tournament at right-back, emerging as one of England's biggest threats going forward. He's not a great defender positionally though, and Clyne would provide more awareness in a system that doesn't require much attacking impetus from the full-backs.

CBs - Gary Cahill & Chris Smalling

After decades of an English production line of fine, international-standard centre-backs, the choices yield just Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling. John Stones and Scott Dann would be the automatic backup options.

LB - Ryan Bertrand

At times, Danny Rose looked out of his depth - and that was against Russia, Wales, Slovakia, and Iceland. Like Clyne, Bertrand would be better defensively and, if he fails, West Ham United's Aaron Cresswell can ease into the position.

CM - Mark Noble

On the left of the narrow midfield three would be Noble, who was inexplicably overlooked by Hodgson. The West Ham skipper is familiar with this role, and certainly has the industriousness required to protect his full-backs, but also to make the occasional bomb forward.

DM - Eric Dier

Dier performed well in the opening two matches of the tournament. The Sporting CP academy graduate uses the ball wisely and can slot into a back four if the ranks there are momentarily lacking. He'll undoubtedly travel with his country to more tournaments.

CM - James Milner

Milner brings a consistent seven- or eight-out-of-10 performance each match. He grew into his role at Liverpool in 2015-16, and at 30 and with 61 caps offers some much-needed experience to the XI. An ideal balance for Noble.

AM - Dele Alli

Fulfilling the position that was taken by Rui Costa and Kaka at the Rossoneri is Alli. Wayne Rooney simply doesn't merit a place; he knocks the lineup off-kilter, and a few precise diagonal balls in the opening matches is not the equivalent of a stirring captain's performance - Danny Drinkwater can supply those passes. Alli, the PFA Young Player of the Year, should've been integral to Hodgson's campaign. Instead, he was wasted out of position.

FW - Harry Kane

Kane looked burned out in France, but would've been in everyone's England XI before Euro 2016 began - and it's not his fault he was astonishingly charged with set-piece duties. With the familiarity of Tottenham Hotspur teammate Alli behind him, Kane could've thrived.

FW - Jamie Vardy

At 29, this is perhaps the only England tournament where Vardy would've been at the peak of his powers. Alongside the physical Kane, the Leicester City speedster would've complemented him superbly. They tallied a combined 49 goals in the Premier League last season.