asuradaThe pathetic performance in South Africa has told us that the best players don't necessarily make the best teams, and that there needs to be some new players introduced to the squad. Joe Hart should start in goal, with the backups depending on form. Only Ashley Cole retains his starting spot, with the likes of Terry, Rio, Carragher, King and Upson all being dropped in favor of youth. Dawson had a wonderful season at Spurs and should be rewarded with a chance to start alongside the dependable Jagielka. Richards was once hailed as the replacement for the aging Gary Neville, and he is preferred to Glen Johnson, who has proven that he was/is the weakest link in the back four. In midfield, a fit Barry provides the proper balance between defense and attack. Rodwell should be brought in to perform the Gilberto Silva role, and he can drop back in defence when Cole and Richards push forward. An attacking trio of Adam Johnson, Gerrard and Walcott will support Rooney, who will perform the tasks that the likes of Fabiano and Klose do for their respective countries. Some options from the bench include the impressive Wilshere, who will be groomed to replace Gerrard after Euro 2012, Gibbs, Smalling, Gosling, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor, Bostock, Lennon, Carroll, etc.
05.07.2010
nvrRichards has gone backwards a lot from the days when he was considered a hot prospect. He needs to get out of City and revive his career somewhere else.
I think it's time Gerard hanged his national boots too. Wilshere is my favourite for that position.
Defoe and a tall guy combination, probably Crouch, has still mileage in it. I don't know if Rooney has any credit with English footballing public.
05.07.2010
ZolaI don't see Dawson or Jagielka good enough for England. Terry would probably pair up with a younger defender, possibly Smalling.
05.07.2010
asuradanvr: Rooney is what Messi is to Argentina. His mere presence on the pitch already brings fear in defenders. To drop him because of a poor World Cup is outrageous. When he is in form he is easily one of the best players in the world. I think Capello is convinced that Crouch cannot do it against the big boys, so I would rather the likes of Carroll and Bent be given a chance. Richards definitely should leave Man City and hopefully rediscover the form that led to him being the youngest capped defender in England's history. As we all know, Gerrard and Lampard cannot play in the same side, I would argue Gerrard should start because he is more comfortable in that position than Lampard, who plays in a deeper position at Chelsea. While changes have to be made to the side that crashed out to Germany, it is important to keep a core of players who have the experience at international level. Therefore, unless Capello decides that Wilshere can be fast tracked into the starting lineup, the same way Ozil, Muller, Khedira and Neuer have for Germany, then Gerrard should start ahead of Wilshere at least for the Euros.
Zola: The definition of "good enough for England" is too vague. England's previous mistake is selecting the best 11 players and throwing them onto the pitch. We can argue that individually, Rio and Terry are better than Jagielka and Dawson, but that does not mean they are better in the team, possibly not even as a pair. With Rio's injury problems, he certainly should not be considered as a contender for a starting position. As for Terry, clearly he has been affected by the whole Bridge scandal and his performances have reflected it. Dawson is used to having different partners at Spurs, while Jagielka has been ever present in the Everton lineup whether it is alongside Heitinga, Yobo or Distin. Smalling should not be one of the players fast tracked into the senior squad. He will not get much playing time at Man Utd, his time would be better spent at the U-21s to gain more international experience.
05.07.2010
ZolaLet me try to explain, what I mean by "good enough for England". Let me start with Jagielka. Who was the hot prospect at Everton before him? Julian Lescott. If I am not wrong he had a few caps back then, but after he switched to City he disappeated. Why? Because the way Everton plays makes any defender look good. What happens when Jagielka is left one on one with Ozil at a 30 yard space? Nobody knows.
Dawson had an OK season with Spurs. But he had his fair share of errors and blunders, too. People do not see these when you play at a underdog. Do these at the national team and you instantly become a Youtube hit.
I single out Smalling from others just because he's very young. If he gets his minutes, and I believe he will, due to Ferdinand's injuries, he'll become a huge asset.
And as for Terry, the reason he looked bad is he had to play on the wrong side of the pair to accommodate for Upson. Even then, he wasn't that bad. I'd understand if Capello drops him for disrespecting his authority, but his football does not warrant being dropped.
06.07.2010
