Countdown to South Africa ... England Squad

[Rob Noxious]

There's just over two months before Fabio selects the squad. Here's the latest one ...

Squad Selected For Friendly Against Egypt (03.03.2010) [SIZE=-1]James (Portsmouth), Green (West Ham United), Hart (Birmingham City), Brown (Manchester United), Milner (Aston Villa), Terry (Chelsea), Upson (West Ham United), Lescott (Manchester City), Shawcross (Stoke City), Baines (Everton), Warnock (Aston Villa), Beckham (AC Milan on loan from LA Galaxy), Walcott (Arsenal), Lampard (Chelsea), Gerrard (Liverpool), Barry (Manchester City), Carrick (Manchester United), Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Downing (Aston Villa), Heskey (Aston Villa), Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur), Rooney (Manchester United), Crouch (Tottenham Hotspur), C Cole (West Ham United).[/SIZE]

Only one right back in there for Wednesday (in Wes Brown) and five forwards. Fabio will hope that Glen Johnson, Ashley Cole and Rio Ferdinand will be fit - three 'definites' who are not in this one due to injury. My understanding is that there will be 23 players in the squad. Usually this means 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 8 midfielders and 4 forwards. Who would be your 23? Would you select 8 defenders and 8 midfielders or sacrifice one from these areas to accommodate 5 forwards? I would after the experience of 2006 when 4 strikers was not enough. Your squads please ... this one's open until early May! :clap:

 

[Rob Noxious]

Shrimpero's Selection

I think this would be the best bunch to go with if they were all fit.* I'm no big fan of Wes Brown but he could at least be called upon to cover at right-back or centre-half in a worst case scenario. Fabio once played Wright-Phillips in a defensive right-sided position during a reshuffle last year. I wonder whether he's thinking of him as an emergency right wing back for the squad in South Africa? Everything to play for, as they say ...

James, Robinson, Hart

Brown, Johnson, Terry, Ferdinand, Upson, Ashley Cole, Warnock

Milner, Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard, Barry, Ashley Young, Joe Cole, Lennon

Walcott, Rooney, Crouch, Heskey, Defoe

*PS Talking of fitness, I'd be delighted if Owen Hargreaves were fit enough to be in contention come May, but that's looking highly unlikely at the current time.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

I think this would be the best bunch to go with if they were all fit.* I'm no big fan of Wes Brown but he could at least be called upon to cover at right-back or centre-half in a worst case scenario. Fabio once played Wright-Phillips in a defensive right-sided position during a reshuffle last year. I wonder whether he's thinking of him as an emergency right wing back for the squad in South Africa? Everything to play for, as they say ...

James, Robinson, Hart

Brown, Johnson, Terry, Ferdinand, Upson, Ashley Cole, Warnock

Milner, Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard, Barry, Ashley Young, Joe Cole, Lennon

Walcott, Rooney, Crouch, Heskey, Defoe

*PS Talking of fitness, I'd be delighted if Owen Hargreaves were fit enough to be in contention come May, but that's looking highly unlikely at the current time.

That squad looks about right to me.

I think Micah Richards can play both right-back and centre-half. He's someone I rate highly, although I have no idea what form he is in. I'd probably prefer him to Brown.

As for players who can fill in at full-back, Shaun Wright-Phillips should be nowhere near the England squad for the World Cup. It's OK picking him for friendlies just for the comedy double substitution with Crouchinho, but he has no place in a World Cup squad. I'd like to see Downing get some games at left-back for Villa (Barry has also played there in the past). I've often thought Gerrard would be better off at right-back (it would get him out of the midfield at least).

 

[EastStandBlue]

Richards is also more than capable of playing as a defensive midfielder which, if you're only taking Lampard, Gerrard and Barry as out-and-out centre mids, is vital.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Richards is also more than capable of playing as a defensive midfielder which, if you're only taking Lampard, Gerrard and Barry as out-and-out centre mids, is vital.

Really? That's interesting.

Becks can also play centre-mid, especially if you want to go 3 in the middle.

My guess is that Ashley Young won't make it and Fabio will take 4 centre-halves. It's probably a bit risky to rely on Rio's fitness and Terry's form/ability not to get suspended to go in with just one and a half centre-halves.

How's Jagielka playing these days?

Also David Wheater?

 

[Pubey]

I think this would be the best bunch to go with if they were all fit.* I'm no big fan of Wes Brown but he could at least be called upon to cover at right-back or centre-half in a worst case scenario. Fabio once played Wright-Phillips in a defensive right-sided position during a reshuffle last year. I wonder whether he's thinking of him as an emergency right wing back for the squad in South Africa? Everything to play for, as they say ...

James, Green, Hart

Brown, Johnson, Terry, Ferdinand, Richards, Ashley Cole, Warnock

Milner, Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard, Barry, Ashley Young, Carrick, Lennon

Bent, Rooney, Crouch, Heskey, Defoe

*PS Talking of fitness, I'd be delighted if Owen Hargreaves were fit enough to be in contention come May, but that's looking highly unlikely at the current time.

A few changes. Joe Cole misses out due to current (lack of) form. I like Darren Bent and he could be a pacey sub if Defoe got injured. Walcott has been dire (when fit) this season. Carrick has been quietly impressive for United.

 

[MrB]

How's Jagielka playing these days?

Came back from LONG term injury last week so too early to judge.

 

[EastStandBlue]

Really? That's interesting.

Becks can also play centre-mid, especially if you want to go 3 in the middle.

My guess is that Ashley Young won't make it and Fabio will take 4 centre-halves. It's probably a bit risky to rely on Rio's fitness and Terry's form/ability not to get suspended to go in with just one and a half centre-halves.

How's Jagielka playing these days?

Also David Wheater?

I wouldn't call Becks an out-and-out centre mid though... He's played there for Milan and his passing range would certainly be welcome, but I'd question his defensive abilities. He'd be the perfect "Quarter Back" role if you have the luxury of being able to play one.

Jagielka's just coming back from a nasty injury, although two months of football should see him reach full fitness and I'm not sure on Wheater. Like I said in the other thread, if Shawcross can shake the Ramsey incident and maintains his form I'd be tempted to take him. Although, I'd be tempted to promote Scott Dann from the U21's for a friendly to see how he copes... He's been nothing short of ever-present for Brum this season.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

I wouldn't call Becks an out-and-out centre mid though... He's played there for Milan and his passing range would certainly be welcome, but I'd question his defensive abilities. He'd be the perfect "Quarter Back" role if you have the luxury of being able to play one.

Jagielka's just coming back from a nasty injury, although two months of football should see him reach full fitness and I'm not sure on Wheater. Like I said in the other thread, if Shawcross can shake the Ramsey incident and maintains his form I'd be tempted to take him. Although, I'd be tempted to promote Scott Dann from the U21's for a friendly to see how he copes... He's been nothing short of ever-present for Brum this season.

Yeah, I'd be reluctant to play Becks in the middle unless it was as part of a three man central midfield for that reason.

Is Scott Dann the former Walsall guy?

 

[EastStandBlue]

Yeah, I'd be reluctant to play Becks in the middle unless it was as part of a three man central midfield for that reason.

Is Scott Dann the former Walsall guy?

That's him... and Coventry. Old fashioned centre half who's dominant in the air and at 6'2 there won't be many taller than him.

 

[Rob Noxious]

Richards is also more than capable of playing as a defensive midfielder which, if you're only taking Lampard, Gerrard and Barry as out-and-out centre mids, is vital.

I don't think Richards reads the game well enough to warrant a place frankly. Milner has been playing in the centre of midfield for Villa and even though he's not from Billericay, he's been doing very well.

 

[EastStandBlue]

I don't think Richards reads the game well enough to warrant a place frankly. Milner has been playing in the centre of midfield for Villa and even though he's not from Billericay, he's been doing very well.

Brown showed enough of his shortfallings while being carved open by Luis Fabiano in the friendly against Brazil last year.

 

[Rob Noxious]

Brown showed enough of his shortfallings while being carved open by Luis Fabiano in the friendly against Brazil last year.

You're absolutely right and like I said earlier, I'm no big fan of his. The RB berth is a problem position - although Johnson has improved defensively, we are still quite suspect there.

 

[Rob Noxious]

A few changes. Joe Cole misses out due to current (lack of) form. I like Darren Bent and he could be a pacey sub if Defoe got injured. Walcott has been dire (when fit) this season. Carrick has been quietly impressive for United.

Despite his injuries and poor form, Capello seems to believe in Walcott. I think he will probably get the nod if he can stay fit. Carrick is also likely to get the nod too, though I think he is actually quietly unimpressive in big games. Darren Bent is a game trier, but I think Fabio would turn to Carlton Cole before him. It's a real shame about Joe Cole - I'd love to see him hit some form in time as he is someone who can turn a game when he is on song. I'd like to see him play 'in the hole' too - that is probably his best position now.

 

[Clinton Baptiste]

Warnock had a nightmare in front of Fabio yesterday, and Brown is absolute toilet.

I would seriously consider taking Sol Campbell, has looked solid for Arsenal and has the big tournament experience. If Rio is injured I would have Sol over Upson or lego head Lescott anyday. Would also consider Michael Dawson but as he hasnt made this squad, think he can be discounted.

The midfield and strikers pick themselves I think. Theo doesnt deserve to go, would have Lennon and Milner and maybe Downing.

 

[TheSouthendUnitedRunner]

How Wes Brown is even near the squad is frightening as well as baffling. Did Fabio not watch him against Brazil for England, did he not watch him for Man U against Everton the other day? The guy is woeful. Micah Richards is a much, much better player and should definately be in the squad.

Darren Bent is nowhere near International class. He has had opportunities to impress and failed each and every time.

Gabby A seems to be rated by Fabio, although he misses out this time around. He gave Vidic the run around yesterday. Owen showed his class in his all too brief appearance. His run, before being taken down by Collins, had shades of Argentina 98.

Like ESB, I'm a big fan of Shawcross, and hope he can shake the leg break from his mind and impress on Wednesday night. Rio is injury prone just at the moment, and Terry is having a real wobble at the moment. It opens the door to the likes of Shawcross, and possibly a Sol Campbell return. Especially with King only being able to play once a week if your luckly, Woodgate and Dawson picking up injuries regulary, Upson out of form, and Lescott coming back from injury.

Warnock didn't impress yesterday, I'd like to see Baines given ago there. He has been terrific for Everton this season.

 

[Pubey]

How Wes Brown is even near the squad is frightening as well as baffling. Did Fabio not watch him against Brazil for England, did he not watch him for Man U against Everton the other day? The guy is woeful. Micah Richards is a much, much better player and should definately be in the squad.

Darren Bent is nowhere near International class. He has had opportunities to impress and failed each and every time.

Gabby A seems to be rated by Fabio, although he misses out this time around. He gave Vidic the run around yesterday. Owen showed his class in his all too brief appearance. His run, before being taken down by Collins, had shades of Argentina 98.

Like ESB, I'm a big fan of Shawcross, and hope he can shake the leg break from his mind and impress on Wednesday night. Rio is injury prone just at the moment, and Terry is having a real wobble at the moment. It opens the door to the likes of Shawcross, and possibly a Sol Campbell return. Especially with King only being able to play once a week if your luckly, Woodgate and Dawson picking up injuries regulary, Upson out of form, and Lescott coming back from injury.

Warnock didn't impress yesterday, I'd like to see Baines given ago there. He has been terrific for Everton this season.

He gave Vidic the runaround because neither player could predict where Agbonlahors touch would send the ball!! He's quick, and a pretty nifty finisher, but he isn't a top class striker.

Bent has a great record against the big four.

Shawcross is a very decent player, it's a race between him and Jagielka IMO.

 

[TheSouthendUnitedRunner]

He gave Vidic the runaround because neither player could predict where Agbonlahors touch would send the ball!! He's quick, and a pretty nifty finisher, but he isn't a top class striker.

Bent has a great record against the big four.

Shawcross is a very decent player, it's a race between him and Jagielka IMO.

Quick? His rapid. He gave Vidic the runaround because Vidic couldn't get near him.

Don't get me wrong, his finishing is a bit wayward, but he has lightening pace that unsettles defenders and that alone will create chances for him just like it did with Theo Robinson and us. I'm not suggesting his International class, but he hasn't had the opportunities that Bent has. Gabby A is still young and can prove himself. I believe this is his best goal scoring season for Villa.

At the end of the day, either Gabby A, Darren Bent, Michael Owen, Carlton Cole or Theo Walcott would only go as the 5th striker behind Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey, Jermaine Defoe and Peter Crouch.

 

[SUFCStu]

James, Green, Hart

Brown, Johnson, Terry, Ferdinand, Upson, Richards, Ashley Cole,

Milner, Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard, Barry, Ashley Young, Lennon, Carrick

Rooney, Crouch, Heskey, Defoe

 

[ian_the_girth]

kirkland, robinson, james
brown, ridgewell, cole, terry, ferdinand, upson, johnson
milner, gerrard, lampard, barry, walcott, carrick, beckham
rooney, defoe, bent, crouch, aggy