sp88It's time for Fabio to start thinking about building a team and imposing a style. Which means having the stones to finally say no to Beckham.
Rooney needs a strong forward in front of him to allow him to play. Lennon and J. Cole offering different attacking options (could swap wings).
What would you do different?
08.10.2008
RedrebelAre you English first of all? What I would do is change Barry for Lampard and you said you want a strong forward why not Crouch?
08.10.2008
RedrebelFirst of all the English style rarely changes: vertical play, long balls, aerial play, and lots of running. That is probably why the English National team hasn't been successful as other National Teams like Germany, Italy, Brazil, etcet. I'm not saying they aren't successful, but the English have not revolutionized their play and the evidence is no EuroCup 2008, two time elimination in quarter finals in last 2 world cups if I am correct.
08.10.2008
sp88Crouch is certainly an option up front. I've just picked Heskey here for the sake of argument as he's closer to the old fashioned type centre forward.
Lampard is probably a better player than Barry but it's never worked for England when Gerrard and Lampard have played together (Lampard was on TV saying as much yesterday). I've picked Gerrard and Barry to allow Gerrard to get forward more with Barry sitting.
England have so far been a lot more patient in their passing and build up under Capello. It's a new way of playing for the national team so we'll see.
Generally, I think England's problems go a lot deeper than playing style with the opportunities for young players few and far between.
08.10.2008
GeorgieWasTheBestFormationwise this is ideal for a national side. Every player knows this one like the back of their hands. Simple yet deadly.
However I would have chosen different players. Lennon is only third choice for that spot for me after Walcott and Wright-Phillips. Given Heskey's lack of goals, and Walcott's current form and confidence, he's a starter.
I don't mind Carson playing against Kazakhistan but for more competetive games it must be James with his experience.
As for Heskey-Crouch argument, your selection is spot on. Despite his height and far better goal scoring record, Crouch gets bullied a lot by the opposing defenders. Heskey is a lot more physical and does not give in.
08.10.2008
nvrHow about a natural left footed player? Stewart Downing, anyone?
09.10.2008
RanulfoKnoxhow about carrick instead of barry? the poor lad is so underrated by non man utd fans... carrick just can get any midfield going with his discipline on the pitch
and to me joe cole is just class while downing is just another good left winger but not class...
09.10.2008
GeorgieWasTheBestAre you watching the England game redrebel? This is exactly why Lampard and Gerard should not play together. Two generals on the pitch, no leadership and 45 minutes gone without a shot on target against Kazakhistan. Such a shame...
11.10.2008
FeriAtsIt ended 5-1 :) Your point taken though. Kazakhistan came out with their U21 team, almost literally. Things looked better in the second half when they conceded from a set piece and even then England did not seem convincing till the scoreline was 3-1.
12.10.2008
