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Okay, I want this discussion to be a serious one. There are too many stupid and repeated discussions in this forum, this WILL NOT be another one.
Basically I want people's opinions on the starting line-up Sven will use against the three teams in England's World Cup groups. We all know the problems with the midfield (although it does look like Dyer may now be fit), but Gerrard and Neville are already out.
Firstly, at right-back, it looks like a straight slug-out between Wes Brown and Danny Mills. Now I would choose Brown, but then I am prejudiced as I am a Man U fan. I just feel that Mills' temperament will let him down, plus, I am still not convinced of his defensive abilities. Brown may not be a natural right back, but with Becks ahead of him, will he really need to get forward so much? I think there are pros and cons for both, who do you think?
The rest of the back line picks itself pretty much (Seaman, Rio, Sol and Ashley Cole) plus three of the midfield (Becks, Butt and Scholes) but who will he play left mid? Dyer is obviously first option, and there has been talk of playing Bridge and Cole together down the left, but I would go with Joe Cole. He at least is a midfielder who can use his left foot. He would also give the midfield an unpredictability that I feel we lack. Hargreaves is a central midfielder, not a winger, and I have never rated Murphy as an international player.
The other option being mooted is a change in system to 4-3-3. This would involve a central midfield of Becks, Scholes and Butt, with Vassell and Heskey alongside Owen dropping back to create a 5-man midfield when we lose the ball. I am not in favour of this. England is a 4-4-2 country and we should stay as such. There is no reason to change, we have the players to continue with our favourite formation.
So, let me know what you think. Esp. Solskjaer and Ortega, you guys know what you're talking about at least!
Basically I want people's opinions on the starting line-up Sven will use against the three teams in England's World Cup groups. We all know the problems with the midfield (although it does look like Dyer may now be fit), but Gerrard and Neville are already out.
Firstly, at right-back, it looks like a straight slug-out between Wes Brown and Danny Mills. Now I would choose Brown, but then I am prejudiced as I am a Man U fan. I just feel that Mills' temperament will let him down, plus, I am still not convinced of his defensive abilities. Brown may not be a natural right back, but with Becks ahead of him, will he really need to get forward so much? I think there are pros and cons for both, who do you think?
The rest of the back line picks itself pretty much (Seaman, Rio, Sol and Ashley Cole) plus three of the midfield (Becks, Butt and Scholes) but who will he play left mid? Dyer is obviously first option, and there has been talk of playing Bridge and Cole together down the left, but I would go with Joe Cole. He at least is a midfielder who can use his left foot. He would also give the midfield an unpredictability that I feel we lack. Hargreaves is a central midfielder, not a winger, and I have never rated Murphy as an international player.
The other option being mooted is a change in system to 4-3-3. This would involve a central midfield of Becks, Scholes and Butt, with Vassell and Heskey alongside Owen dropping back to create a 5-man midfield when we lose the ball. I am not in favour of this. England is a 4-4-2 country and we should stay as such. There is no reason to change, we have the players to continue with our favourite formation.
So, let me know what you think. Esp. Solskjaer and Ortega, you guys know what you're talking about at least!
i would agree with you teddy has not been on decent form lately
The reason I felt Vassel upfront for England with owen is because ive got this funny feeling beckham may have to play in the centre for England as they are severly lacking in midfield. I hear that Nicky Butt is still injured and has not trained in Dubai or Soth Korea, and if Becks plays in the middle the ball into feet or over the top may suit the likes of owen and vassel, but then it would also suit Sheringham, However I don't think Teddy's been in decent form of late.
A lot of anti-Heskey thoughts here! I have to say that I agree in a way. Heskey *should* be a great player. He has good speed and strength, and for a big man has good, quick feet. However, I still feel his first touch is slightly suspect, and he is certainly not a prolific goalscorer. The problem is that England have still not got anyone better. Sheringham has not finished the season well as Digby pointed out, and would he be able to last a whole game in the heat and humidity of the far east? Probably a better option as a sub.
Fowler and Owen have never really hit it off together, at club or international level, although I would like to see Fowler in the team. Vassell is too similar to Owen, can't see either of them making the most of a Beckham cross!
Andy Cole certainly did enough to make the squad - 13 goals in 20 appearances for Blackburn. However, his and Macca's exclusion seem to me to be for non-footballing reasons. Apparently both are not exactly good for squad morale. Sven seems to rate this as very important. Whether you agree with this or not, at least he is sticking to his principles.
Southgate definitely deserves a chance. He has been magnificent for Boro all season.
I think Sven has just made the decision that it is going to be hard for England to win this World Cup, so he is going to give as many of the younger players experience as possible. If you take out Sheringham, Southgate and Keown (none of whom I expect to see starting against Sweden) the oldest players outfield are Becks Scholes and Butt (Digby - I guess you meant Butt, not Batty!). It is a young squad, they might surprise people, but even if they don't, it will prepare them for 2004 and 2006.
Fowler and Owen have never really hit it off together, at club or international level, although I would like to see Fowler in the team. Vassell is too similar to Owen, can't see either of them making the most of a Beckham cross!
Andy Cole certainly did enough to make the squad - 13 goals in 20 appearances for Blackburn. However, his and Macca's exclusion seem to me to be for non-footballing reasons. Apparently both are not exactly good for squad morale. Sven seems to rate this as very important. Whether you agree with this or not, at least he is sticking to his principles.
Southgate definitely deserves a chance. He has been magnificent for Boro all season.
I think Sven has just made the decision that it is going to be hard for England to win this World Cup, so he is going to give as many of the younger players experience as possible. If you take out Sheringham, Southgate and Keown (none of whom I expect to see starting against Sweden) the oldest players outfield are Becks Scholes and Butt (Digby - I guess you meant Butt, not Batty!). It is a young squad, they might surprise people, but even if they don't, it will prepare them for 2004 and 2006.
England have been so unlucky with all the injuries, we know they will miss Gerrad, Dyer and Gary Neville.
I agree with you with playing Brown at right and I believe G.Neville getting injured has got Brown that place, D.Mills is a good young player with a high level of temprement, but I don't think he has what it takes to be an international player. I think Wes Brown is a flexible player because on a counter attack which may see Rio or Sol Bombing forward, Brown can cover the Central defence role if they lose the ball, the Only worry I hav about Brown is his Physique, he ha s afew times this season muscled off the ball by players stronge than him.
Interms of the midfield we know that gerrad wont be there and Dyer has got a lot better than first thought and maybe fit latr on in the tournament, I think Joe Cole may get a chance on the left because he has a few tricks up his sleeve and he has shown this in warm ups, I belive Sven will go with him on the left should dyer not be fit and I think they will stay in a 4-4-2 formation, Swen also believe Heskey can play on the left but im not too sure about that, but if he does that lave Teedy to take up the 'hole' position behind Owen..
However I think Vassel is a good player and everytime ive seen him play for England he has show great skill and determination, and this is the type of player we need upfront, id like to see him upfront with owen or at least get a chance against a few top teams to see if he's really got what it takes.
I agree with you with playing Brown at right and I believe G.Neville getting injured has got Brown that place, D.Mills is a good young player with a high level of temprement, but I don't think he has what it takes to be an international player. I think Wes Brown is a flexible player because on a counter attack which may see Rio or Sol Bombing forward, Brown can cover the Central defence role if they lose the ball, the Only worry I hav about Brown is his Physique, he ha s afew times this season muscled off the ball by players stronge than him.
Interms of the midfield we know that gerrad wont be there and Dyer has got a lot better than first thought and maybe fit latr on in the tournament, I think Joe Cole may get a chance on the left because he has a few tricks up his sleeve and he has shown this in warm ups, I belive Sven will go with him on the left should dyer not be fit and I think they will stay in a 4-4-2 formation, Swen also believe Heskey can play on the left but im not too sure about that, but if he does that lave Teedy to take up the 'hole' position behind Owen..
However I think Vassel is a good player and everytime ive seen him play for England he has show great skill and determination, and this is the type of player we need upfront, id like to see him upfront with owen or at least get a chance against a few top teams to see if he's really got what it takes.
I don't personally agree with previous posters regarding McManaman & Andy Cole - both great at club level, but have rarely done anything worthy in an England shirt - seems Sven thinks so too.
I agree about Sherringham and Owen on Beck's crosses, though Teddy has not exactly been on sparkling form lately. Heskey? sorry not a fan, all in all, I would rather see Fowler in the starting line up alongside Owen.
The Midfield? Well you would think Becks, Batty & Scholes would be obvious starters, and if Dyer does stay, I would rather rest him for the first game to make sure he is fit, and give Joe Cole a chance. At some stage I would like to see Hargreaves given a chance too, and in the heat and humidity it is likely there will be regular substitutions anyway.
With the back four, I am yet to be convinced by the Rio/Sol partnership - can't fault either player, but they don't gel too well, often both going for the same ball and leaving a man unmarked - basically too similar in the way they play. Not much chance, I know, but I would like to see Southgate partner Ferdinand in the middle as they seem to play together better.
Digby
I agree about Sherringham and Owen on Beck's crosses, though Teddy has not exactly been on sparkling form lately. Heskey? sorry not a fan, all in all, I would rather see Fowler in the starting line up alongside Owen.
The Midfield? Well you would think Becks, Batty & Scholes would be obvious starters, and if Dyer does stay, I would rather rest him for the first game to make sure he is fit, and give Joe Cole a chance. At some stage I would like to see Hargreaves given a chance too, and in the heat and humidity it is likely there will be regular substitutions anyway.
With the back four, I am yet to be convinced by the Rio/Sol partnership - can't fault either player, but they don't gel too well, often both going for the same ball and leaving a man unmarked - basically too similar in the way they play. Not much chance, I know, but I would like to see Southgate partner Ferdinand in the middle as they seem to play together better.
Digby
Being Scottish I don't really have as much interest in England doing as well as the others on here would hope. But there are a lot of players who deserve a shot and first point I would like to make is the lack of Steve McManaman, big mistake I think as England lack a player like him especially with Gerrard out. Beckham is a deffinate starter, probably with sheringham. I don't rate Heskey that much and don't see him starting many games at all.
Not having a player on the left is a worry I would think. Alan Thompsons was a player who I think deserves a lot more credit, I think he could have worked well if given the chance. It could be a weakness not having a natural left sided player for the games.
Not having a player on the left is a worry I would think. Alan Thompsons was a player who I think deserves a lot more credit, I think he could have worked well if given the chance. It could be a weakness not having a natural left sided player for the games.
Personnally I would have took Andy Cole as he was the most in form player for the last 5 games of the premiership.
Agree with what most of you have said.
I dont think Joe Cole shouldnt be starting any games at all. Still lacks experience and it showed against Italy to let in Montella. Start with Dyer and then have Joe Cole as back-up. I think its mad how the papers are already saying he'll do a "gazza" like in italia 90...
Up front Owen is definite. Heskey maybe against Sweden but he woudnt work against Nigeria (heskey's main strengh being his strengh) And against Argentina he would just get conned as he is a dumb-ass.
Some of that stuff about Heskey probably sounds stupid but thats how I feel..
Sheringham and Owen all the way for me...Who else can finish a beckham cross better? Beckham is gonna be Englands main supply of goals and Sheringham is the best at connecting with them...
I really dont think England have enough fire power upfront to make any sort of challenge and Argentina will win the group with Sweden coming 2nd.
Place a £10 bet now and you'll get £65 back for that...
Agree with what most of you have said.
I dont think Joe Cole shouldnt be starting any games at all. Still lacks experience and it showed against Italy to let in Montella. Start with Dyer and then have Joe Cole as back-up. I think its mad how the papers are already saying he'll do a "gazza" like in italia 90...
Up front Owen is definite. Heskey maybe against Sweden but he woudnt work against Nigeria (heskey's main strengh being his strengh) And against Argentina he would just get conned as he is a dumb-ass.
Some of that stuff about Heskey probably sounds stupid but thats how I feel..
Sheringham and Owen all the way for me...Who else can finish a beckham cross better? Beckham is gonna be Englands main supply of goals and Sheringham is the best at connecting with them...
I really dont think England have enough fire power upfront to make any sort of challenge and Argentina will win the group with Sweden coming 2nd.
Place a £10 bet now and you'll get £65 back for that...
Okay, I want this discussion to be a serious one. There are too many stupid and repeated discussions in this forum, this WILL NOT be another one.
Basically I want people's opinions on the starting line-up Sven will use against the three teams in England's World Cup groups. We all know the problems with the midfield (although it does look like Dyer may now be fit), but Gerrard and Neville are already out.
Firstly, at right-back, it looks like a straight slug-out between Wes Brown and Danny Mills. Now I would choose Brown, but then I am prejudiced as I am a Man U fan. I just feel that Mills' temperament will let him down, plus, I am still not convinced of his defensive abilities. Brown may not be a natural right back, but with Becks ahead of him, will he really need to get forward so much? I think there are pros and cons for both, who do you think?
The rest of the back line picks itself pretty much (Seaman, Rio, Sol and Ashley Cole) plus three of the midfield (Becks, Butt and Scholes) but who will he play left mid? Dyer is obviously first option, and there has been talk of playing Bridge and Cole together down the left, but I would go with Joe Cole. He at least is a midfielder who can use his left foot. He would also give the midfield an unpredictability that I feel we lack. Hargreaves is a central midfielder, not a winger, and I have never rated Murphy as an international player.
The other option being mooted is a change in system to 4-3-3. This would involve a central midfield of Becks, Scholes and Butt, with Vassell and Heskey alongside Owen dropping back to create a 5-man midfield when we lose the ball. I am not in favour of this. England is a 4-4-2 country and we should stay as such. There is no reason to change, we have the players to continue with our favourite formation.
So, let me know what you think. Esp. Solskjaer and Ortega, you guys know what you're talking about at least!
Basically I want people's opinions on the starting line-up Sven will use against the three teams in England's World Cup groups. We all know the problems with the midfield (although it does look like Dyer may now be fit), but Gerrard and Neville are already out.
Firstly, at right-back, it looks like a straight slug-out between Wes Brown and Danny Mills. Now I would choose Brown, but then I am prejudiced as I am a Man U fan. I just feel that Mills' temperament will let him down, plus, I am still not convinced of his defensive abilities. Brown may not be a natural right back, but with Becks ahead of him, will he really need to get forward so much? I think there are pros and cons for both, who do you think?
The rest of the back line picks itself pretty much (Seaman, Rio, Sol and Ashley Cole) plus three of the midfield (Becks, Butt and Scholes) but who will he play left mid? Dyer is obviously first option, and there has been talk of playing Bridge and Cole together down the left, but I would go with Joe Cole. He at least is a midfielder who can use his left foot. He would also give the midfield an unpredictability that I feel we lack. Hargreaves is a central midfielder, not a winger, and I have never rated Murphy as an international player.
The other option being mooted is a change in system to 4-3-3. This would involve a central midfield of Becks, Scholes and Butt, with Vassell and Heskey alongside Owen dropping back to create a 5-man midfield when we lose the ball. I am not in favour of this. England is a 4-4-2 country and we should stay as such. There is no reason to change, we have the players to continue with our favourite formation.
So, let me know what you think. Esp. Solskjaer and Ortega, you guys know what you're talking about at least!