gazlfcforeverI don't think we're better without Rooney but certainly we have more fluid positioning options if Young plays the false nine role. Walcott and Young could change positions frequently and we definitely have a lot of pace to hit teams on the break. As well as a young midfield to provide intelligent passes and forward runs.
14.10.2011
ZolaI'd rather see Defoe, Bent or Carroll depending on their form as we get nearer to the Euro 2012.
Now, the real question is, should Capello take Rooney into the squad with his 3 match ban? That's all of the group stage games.
14.10.2011
gazlfcforeverNah I think using Defoe, Bent or Carroll makes us too predictable.
I would definitely take Rooney since a fresh Rooney after the group games could win us some games. In fact could be an advantage he is banned.
14.10.2011
mojojojo101I think using a big man (Crouch/Carroll) makes England a much worse team, defenders are to willing to hoof the ball up field in search of said 'big man' (neither of whom are actually that good at holding up the ball) instead of carefully building play in deep positions and using clever movement to get into goal-scoring positions.
To stick with your 4-6-0 (ish) formation I would personally use one of either Cleverley and Wilshire (with lots of lisence to get forward to support the front 3), then use Parker/Lampard alongside them as a box-to-box player (where I believe Parker is most useful and most comfortable). In the defensive midfield role you could then use a player like Carrick/Hargreaves/Huddlestone who can distribute the ball well from deep positions and stay disciplined to allow the other midfielders/full backs to get forward and build attacks.
14.10.2011
mojojojo101I'd also pick Richards over Jones at RB, Jones is quality but he's a CB and shouldn't be played ouut of position in favor of someone who is going to be more effective just because he has shown promise.
14.10.2011
ZolaIs there an evidence that "a big man" makes England predictable/worse, or is it just that we didn't have a proper big man in the recent years. Heskey didn't have that scoring touch and Crouch was just tall, not big.
17.10.2011
gazlfcforeverI'd probably swap Walcott for Sturridge based on current form too.
@Zola
I think a lack of technique compared to other teams makes using "a big man" hard since retaining the ball is more difficult. We'd be better using a fluid formation that allows the strikers to drop deep and help keep possession and using our pace advantage on counter attacks.
17.10.2011
gazlfcforever@mojojojo101
Regards to right back, we are pretty strong in that area. Richards, Jones, Johnson, Kelly and Walker are all very good right backs.
I prefer Jones in that role at the moment since he is very good a finding space going forward and can beat players.
He also can slot into a number of roles like defensive midfield and centre back allowing him to cover when other players go forward. Gutted Liverpool didn't get him.
17.10.2011
ZolaI am not sure we can play a fluid formation at all with the current state of affairs in English football. Our players come to tournaments completely exhausted, due to heavy game load and physical demands PL puts on players.
With limited energy, I guess it's best if went back to basics.
17.10.2011
gazlfcforever@Zola
It's definitely a factor, after a international tournament the players who aren't involved usually have a better season than the ones that were.
However I don't think a fluid formation has to be physically draining, in fact if done right can be less so since a player slots in where you vacated allowing more recovering time to get back into position. It does require much more preparation though and you have to think of the unit more than yourself.
17.10.2011
nvrBent is our best bet during absence of Rooney. He's more of a fox in the box than a big man.
18.10.2011
