England's World Cup Hopes

[mjrevie]

Trying to be as unbiased as possible, England's chances of winnig the world cup appear to be getting slimmer by the day.

Rooney looks to be missing, Owen's not played a competitive game in almost 6 months, Crouch and Walcott as back up strikers?? Granted, the midfield is very strong and the defence is capable, but this will only take England so far, i.e. into the next stages but once the knockout begins, England will need players who can score and can score on the day. Gerard, Lampard and Cole offer superb support to whichever front two are playing. The only thing that offers hope is that England are very closely resembling Germany at the last World cup and they got to the final. Keep it tight at the back, and try and win by the odd goal.

[Graham C]

I think we've got one of the most exciting midfields in the competition and 3 of them are quite capable of playing in a dropped back forward postition behind Owen or whoever.   Walcott did ok I thought last night, the effort he had was a cracking shot and considering it's his first appearance, he did ok.  Lennon was outstanding last night, I hope he gets to play some more as a super-sub during the games.  As for only Owen, well I'm sure he's working on his fitness and there is another friendly to go before the big event starts.

We'll be ok.  One man doesn't make a team and we'll cope without Rooney if we have too

[EuroChamps]

England have a great chance of winning, the best for ages.  i just hope our key players stay fit and perform.  If Robinson plays well, Terry outstanding and if Stevie G keeps up his form thoughtout the entire tournament then we have a great chance.

Too much emphasis is being put on Rooney and Walcott, i'm gutted for Wayne, he is exceptional but are we a one man team???  If Ronaldinho get injured do you think Brazil could cope?? Of course so why cant England??  We have better players IMO.

It'll be down to the luck on the day against the bigger teams, if we have that (because in euro 2004 we had none) England will be world champs!

Prediction:  England will beat Argentina in the Final with Gerrard scoring the winner!  You heard it here first

[The Baron]

Andy why dont you take part in the world cup prediction thread?

There are great prizes on offer.

[Triple X]

France won the world cup in 1998 with no centre forwards - just a great defence and midfield.

Their front line was led by Stephan Guiv'rache!!  This guy makes Crouch look a world beater.

In midfield they had Zidane, Vieira, Petit and Djorkaeff - we will have Beckham, Cole, Lampard and Gerrard

not saying we will win it - just saying that with goal scoring midfielders you actually dont always need deadly strikers to progress far.....