England and the World Cup

[The Baron]

Can we win it now? Although it was a friendly and we still looked wobbly at the back but I think we have a chance.


                                                             Robinson

                     Neville                 Terry                          Campbell              Cole


                                                           King/Carrick


                                   Beckham            Lampard         Gerrard


                                                  Rooney
                                                              Owen



Is this the team to win it? Should Ferdinand play even though IMO he was at fault for both Argentina goals? Is Gerrard wasted in this position?

Is Micheal Carrick a better choice than King as King's distribution is sometimes a let down? Maybe even Owen Hargreaves?

Can we beat Brazil?

Thoughts....

[The Baron]

Also what about Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole?

Should Beckham be captain with the likes of Terry and Gerrard in the side?

[TightEnd]

We have talent to match everyone including Brazil

I like King as the holding player, not Hargreaves. Not Carrick yet. I am unconcerned about King's distribution there is Ferdinand plays...I just want a stopper to prevent our midfield being overrun

I prefer Terry and Ferdinand, assuming Ferdinand's form returns, because I think against a Brazil you need distribution from the back not two stoppers...current form though would suggest Terry and Campbell

Has Woodgate any chanced of making squad or team if his form for Madrid in October continues? I would hope so

Remain unconvinced that Lampard and Gerrard can operate effectively in same team, but you have to play them both

my major major doubt comes down to Erikkson's ability to change things in the big games...the prime example of this was against Portugal in Euro 2004...if push comes to shove is he tactically flexible enough to adapt and motivate his players?...also see versus Brazil in Japan

Beckham will be captian, so no point arguing about it

Wright Phillips and Joe C valuable on the bench with Defoe


 

[Nem]

I think that we should play Ferdinand and Campbell in defence.

I also think that Carrick should be in the team infront of King.

Cole did well when he came on againts the Argies, but that was his best performence in an England shirt.

Beckham should be Englands captain.

Also, alot depends on the fitness/form of Rooney. He is so good, he could develope into as good a player as Zidane.

[Rod Paradise]

England have a group of players capable of winning it yes.

BUT the press need to stop alternately saying it'll be easy, then demanding success (undue pressure on the team IMHO).

The Team need to stop thinking there are easy games. IF they actually manage to play every game without attempting to coast, then they have a chance. But I reckon they'll still take a Sweden/Denmark/Romania for granted, drop points, get a harder draw, then go out on penalties (to much laughter from those of us who didn't qualify )

[TightEnd]

Terry has to play, full stop, it's who plays with him

[The Dundonian]

Wow! How long ago was it that N. Ireland beat England 1-0..................

[patman]

Genuinly, honestly i dont think England are good enough or consistent enough no matter who is fit or who plays.

and the press and fans will destroy the players for any slip up which wont help

Brasil and italy can both beat england, Germany on their home patch will be hard  and never forget there are a load of middle ranked teams capable of turning England over.
Neville and beckham both look pale imitations of what they were and Lampard and gerrard whilst i really like as players will falll over each other playing in the same space. That is of course if gerrard doesnt get shuttled round 4 positions in the team.
Honestly cant see it

[TightEnd]

   you see Dundonian that illustrates my point as well...on a lot of occasions when the game has been going against the team, Erikkson doesn't change things......N Ireland being a case in point


that's why I doubt they will win the thing

[Nem]

Terry has to play, full stop, it's who plays with him

I think that you believe the 'media hype' which surronds the Chelsea captain, he isn't as good as either Ferdinand or Campbell IMO.

[Ironside]

i think rio should be tried out in that midfeild holding role leaving campbell and terry in central defence (serious)


but i think james should be in goal with crouch and heskey up front (well one can dream)

[TightEnd]

we'll agree to disagree Nemesis. Me falling for Media hype indeed!  

I think it's extremely difficult to leave him out. Campbell is older, more injury prone and Terry is a born leader/organiser

[The Baron]

I agree Terry is 1st choice. On present form Campbell/Carragher/Woodgate.

What if...... Gerrard and Lamps actually clicked? Shouldn't the world be scared?

IMHO we need someone as Captain to take the team and drag them through games. Beckham leads by example but he is no warrior. I reckon Gerrard or Terry.

[redsimon]

The most money will be made by those who LAY England on Betfair, easy money...

[The Baron]

My last post was not to say Ferdinand isn't good. When he's on form he's the out and out number 1 for me. His form is an issue though. He's afraid to get stuck in. For me that makes JT number 1 and Campbell number 2.

I get Nemesis point though. On sheer talent alone Rio/Sol everytime but sometimes talent isn't enough.