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Many commentators are agreed on Sven's first choice eleven for this summer's World Cup, and I'm not really going to argue, but here are the 23 names I'd pick.
Goalkeepers
1 David Seaman (Arsenal)
2 Nigel Martyn (Leeds)
3 Richard Wright (Arsenal)
Seaman, at 38, is still first choice (I think most would agree). The surprise here is I'd pick Wright over David James. Both, to be honest, are guilty of occasional clangers, and Wright is inexperienced. At the moment, however, all England's goalkeepers are getting on a bit. James or even Martyn might make Euro 2004, but I think we need to bring through some younger players. In the long term, I hope Chris Kirkland will take the goalie's jersey, but this has probably come a bit too soon for him (especially with recent injury). The third goalie's rarely used, so I'd take Wright as I think the experience would be good for him.
Defence
4 Gary Neville (Man U)
5 Sol Campbell (Arsenal)
6 Rio Ferdinand (Leeds)
7 Ashley Cole (Arsenal)
I don't think there's much argument over the back four, although they are fairly inexperienced.
8 Wayne Bridge (So'ton)
9 Jamie Carragher (Liverpool)
10 Gareth Southgate (M'Bro)
11 Ugo Ehiogu (M'Bro)
12 Graeme Le Saux (Chelsea)
Bridge has played himself into a possible left back slot, especially with an impressive performance against Italy. I'd still favour Cole for the starting place, but the two are very similar. I'd take Le Saux as well, as despite a questionable disciplinary record, he's an experienced left back. Given England's left-sided problem, I'd say any of these three could probably play left-wing if need be too.
The Middlesbrough duo are good solid centre backs, and edge old the OAPs Adams and Keown (even if they are fit). Carragher's also an must in my opinion, as he can play either flank, central defence or, if need be, in the awkward holding midfielder role.
Midfield
13 David Beckham (Man U)
14 Paul Scholes (Man U)
15 Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
16 Kieron Dyer (Newcastle)
Again there's not much debate about the first four. Dyer is somewhat untried as a left-winger, but seems the best player we have for the position. Hopefully he'll be fit as it's a problem area, but as I said Le Saux would be one potential replacement.
17 Nicky Butt (Man U)
18 Danny Murphy (Liverpool)
19 Nicky Barmby (Liverpool)
Given Gerrard's proneness to injury, it's difficult finding someone to replace Ince or Batty as a holding midfielder. Butt would be my best bet, but I might try playing a defender in midfield too. Murphy's had a fantastic season at Liverpool and deserves a chance with his ability to play either flank and dead ball skills. Barmby's a doubt having missed plenty of games recently, but can play on the left or up front, and should be fresh!
Unfortunately this summer's just a bit too soon for Joe Cole and Owen Hargreaves (although they are an exciting prospects). As much as I like Steve McManaman, his inconsistency and inability to shine at international level got him the chop. We look a bit light on midfielders, but if the first four fail, there's always the possibility of playing the likes of Le Saux or Heskey on the wing, or someone like Southgate or Carragher as a defensive midfielder.
Up Front
20 Michael Owen (Liverpool)
21 Emile Heskey (Liverpool)
22 Robbie Fowler (Leeds)
23 Teddy Sheringham (Spurs)
Taking only four strikers seems risky, as one may always be injured, and in knock out games you sometimes have to go for it. With the likes of Scholes and Barmby, however, I think we have enough options up front. Fowler in particular I rate highly, and if, as was thought at Liverpool, he can't play with Owen, I might opt for Fowler and Heskey to start (especially with fears for Owen's hamstring). Sheringham adds another dimension to England's attack, being the only one who specialises in dropping back and creating chances for others.
Well thats the team I'd pick for the World Cup, do you agree?
Goalkeepers
1 David Seaman (Arsenal)
2 Nigel Martyn (Leeds)
3 Richard Wright (Arsenal)
Seaman, at 38, is still first choice (I think most would agree). The surprise here is I'd pick Wright over David James. Both, to be honest, are guilty of occasional clangers, and Wright is inexperienced. At the moment, however, all England's goalkeepers are getting on a bit. James or even Martyn might make Euro 2004, but I think we need to bring through some younger players. In the long term, I hope Chris Kirkland will take the goalie's jersey, but this has probably come a bit too soon for him (especially with recent injury). The third goalie's rarely used, so I'd take Wright as I think the experience would be good for him.
Defence
4 Gary Neville (Man U)
5 Sol Campbell (Arsenal)
6 Rio Ferdinand (Leeds)
7 Ashley Cole (Arsenal)
I don't think there's much argument over the back four, although they are fairly inexperienced.
8 Wayne Bridge (So'ton)
9 Jamie Carragher (Liverpool)
10 Gareth Southgate (M'Bro)
11 Ugo Ehiogu (M'Bro)
12 Graeme Le Saux (Chelsea)
Bridge has played himself into a possible left back slot, especially with an impressive performance against Italy. I'd still favour Cole for the starting place, but the two are very similar. I'd take Le Saux as well, as despite a questionable disciplinary record, he's an experienced left back. Given England's left-sided problem, I'd say any of these three could probably play left-wing if need be too.
The Middlesbrough duo are good solid centre backs, and edge old the OAPs Adams and Keown (even if they are fit). Carragher's also an must in my opinion, as he can play either flank, central defence or, if need be, in the awkward holding midfielder role.
Midfield
13 David Beckham (Man U)
14 Paul Scholes (Man U)
15 Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
16 Kieron Dyer (Newcastle)
Again there's not much debate about the first four. Dyer is somewhat untried as a left-winger, but seems the best player we have for the position. Hopefully he'll be fit as it's a problem area, but as I said Le Saux would be one potential replacement.
17 Nicky Butt (Man U)
18 Danny Murphy (Liverpool)
19 Nicky Barmby (Liverpool)
Given Gerrard's proneness to injury, it's difficult finding someone to replace Ince or Batty as a holding midfielder. Butt would be my best bet, but I might try playing a defender in midfield too. Murphy's had a fantastic season at Liverpool and deserves a chance with his ability to play either flank and dead ball skills. Barmby's a doubt having missed plenty of games recently, but can play on the left or up front, and should be fresh!
Unfortunately this summer's just a bit too soon for Joe Cole and Owen Hargreaves (although they are an exciting prospects). As much as I like Steve McManaman, his inconsistency and inability to shine at international level got him the chop. We look a bit light on midfielders, but if the first four fail, there's always the possibility of playing the likes of Le Saux or Heskey on the wing, or someone like Southgate or Carragher as a defensive midfielder.
Up Front
20 Michael Owen (Liverpool)
21 Emile Heskey (Liverpool)
22 Robbie Fowler (Leeds)
23 Teddy Sheringham (Spurs)
Taking only four strikers seems risky, as one may always be injured, and in knock out games you sometimes have to go for it. With the likes of Scholes and Barmby, however, I think we have enough options up front. Fowler in particular I rate highly, and if, as was thought at Liverpool, he can't play with Owen, I might opt for Fowler and Heskey to start (especially with fears for Owen's hamstring). Sheringham adds another dimension to England's attack, being the only one who specialises in dropping back and creating chances for others.
Well thats the team I'd pick for the World Cup, do you agree?
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Danny Murphy, not the most talented players that Liverpool have ever had. What he lacks in skill he makes up in determination, which can be good in one way but can bring danger as well.
I think he would be an asset to the world cup squad, but can Sven trust him on the pitch. When you look at him, I see a bit a rough diamond. Someone who when provoked can be a bit dangerous.
Could you trust Danny Murphy not do lose his head in a tense semi or final when England are losing, and England need to score.
Danny Murphy is not experienced enough in international football so I don't think he is ready to play at theat standard.
I think he would be an asset to the world cup squad, but can Sven trust him on the pitch. When you look at him, I see a bit a rough diamond. Someone who when provoked can be a bit dangerous.
Could you trust Danny Murphy not do lose his head in a tense semi or final when England are losing, and England need to score.
Danny Murphy is not experienced enough in international football so I don't think he is ready to play at theat standard.
Solskjær wrote:
> I'd have James as a keeper instead of Wright (due to experience) and i'm still
> not too sure about Danny Murphy, so i'd replace him with Joe Cole.
Apart from
> those 2, and maybe even Trevor Sincalair, I think you've got it very close to
> the squad that WILL be announced by the end of May, Snuggles!
i agree wit u i think they should take james,cole and sinclair cause they are quality players and danny mills should be in it! BUT DEFINITLY NOT HESKEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is crap
> I'd have James as a keeper instead of Wright (due to experience) and i'm still
> not too sure about Danny Murphy, so i'd replace him with Joe Cole.
Apart from
> those 2, and maybe even Trevor Sincalair, I think you've got it very close to
> the squad that WILL be announced by the end of May, Snuggles!
i agree wit u i think they should take james,cole and sinclair cause they are quality players and danny mills should be in it! BUT DEFINITLY NOT HESKEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is crap
I wouldn't take Sherringham. Even though i'm a Spurs fan, I think he's been very poor recently.
As well as being in poor form, his attitude has been awful. He's always arguing with referees and getting himself "nearly" sent-off for flying in on players. He moans, he over-reacts,and he DOESN'T do his job of keeping cool heads on all the players.
When a situation fires up, he should be the first one to pull his own men away, but instead he flies in with arms raised.
I think he's done himself out of contention now.
As well as being in poor form, his attitude has been awful. He's always arguing with referees and getting himself "nearly" sent-off for flying in on players. He moans, he over-reacts,and he DOESN'T do his job of keeping cool heads on all the players.
When a situation fires up, he should be the first one to pull his own men away, but instead he flies in with arms raised.
I think he's done himself out of contention now.
Snuggles said:
Barmby's a doubt having missed plenty of games recently, but can play on the left or up front, and should be fresh!
But Barmby will not be match fit and will not be ready to ready to play at an international standard. I would not take him.
Barmby's a doubt having missed plenty of games recently, but can play on the left or up front, and should be fresh!
But Barmby will not be match fit and will not be ready to ready to play at an international standard. I would not take him.
as im in a rush ill just post the starting side
martyn
neville ferdinand campbell bridge
becks scholes gerrard dyer
owen heskey
martyn
neville ferdinand campbell bridge
becks scholes gerrard dyer
owen heskey
I'd have James as a keeper instead of Wright (due to experience) and i'm still not too sure about Danny Murphy, so i'd replace him with Joe Cole.
Apart from those 2, and maybe even Trevor Sincalair, I think you've got it very close to the squad that WILL be announced by the end of May, Snuggles!
Apart from those 2, and maybe even Trevor Sincalair, I think you've got it very close to the squad that WILL be announced by the end of May, Snuggles!
as terry can't go i would give joe cole his place. if he could i'd drop ehiogu and bring cole
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