Euro 2012 line up

[dinelli]

i think when the other big clubs came in for gerard a few years ago he should have gone.
preferably to another country.
even if just for a year.
the experience would have helped him.

[The Baron]

Not sure I agree - Gerrard's best form ever was after he stayed at Liverpool. In 2006/2009 he was probably one of the very best (ie 2 or maybe 3) midfielders in the world. When we beat Real 4-0 in the CL Zidane came out and said he was the best. The issue now isn't his ability, he hasn't become bad, it's his age.

[Horneris]

Gerrard was poor yesterday but he didn't play in Liverpools last few matches of this season and clearly wasn't fully fit.

Slightly too early to rule him out after a friendly against Norway!

[pleno1]

Being unfit has nothing to do with passing though, getting overrun or not getting box to box yes, but being able to pass to another blue shirt is just simple, especially for a world class midfielder. Gerrard is good at hustling, bustling, driving through the middle and penetrating teams, it just doesn't wrk at international football.

One positive was our set pieces, we have a really bg, strong team and I we get a good delivery then we can seriously threaten it of these teams. If Downing is so shot why not play baines in front of cole?

[horseplayer]

agree with the baron as mad as it sounds i would have gerard on the right wing if anywere

i remember when benitez persisted in playing him there for liverpool and the press had a hissy fit (how could an unknown Spaniard called alonso move golden boy out wide) and i believe he had his best ever return in terms of goals and assist?

for those who state gerard is world class can they name five or even three games he has dominated at international level for england in his numerous caps?

[The Baron]

agree with the baron as mad as it sounds i would have gerard on the right wing if anywere

i remember when benitez persisted in playing him there for liverpool and the press had a hissy fit (how could an unknown Spaniard called alonso move golden boy out wide) and i believe he had his best ever return in terms of goals and assist?

for those who state gerard is world class can they name five or even three games he has dominated at international level for england in his numerous caps?

Yeah he scored 23 that season and basically won us the FA Cup on his own.

Again, agree with your last sentence but how many times has he been on the left, or employed as a DM/deep lying CM etc etc.

[pleno1]

Yep I agree too, especially of Carroll leads the line.

[horseplayer]

a fair few times but he has had more than enough times were he hasn't and still has not performed to a world class level.

again i feel a few years ago he could get away with it to a degree as if he gave the ball away he had the physical edge to get the ball back something which appears to have gone a bit now

[The Baron]

FWIW Champions League >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> International Football imo.

[77dave]

Pleno what midfield lineup/formation would you play, you seem to think none of the players are good enough but dont offer any alternatives.

[MANTIS01]

I think fitness is connected to form. Many players need to play themselves back into form after returning from injury even if they are fully fit. Getting into a flow, feeling the rythmn, or 'seeing' the game doesn't just snap happen for every player returning from injury. Very happy Gerrard is captain and he would be one of the first names on the team sheet for me, and no doubt he will be for my man Roy as well. Already getting into my man Roy's stewardship and think he will do just swell.

[pleno1]

Full fit I'd go for

             Parker
        Cleverly wilshire
              Young
 
     Rooney.   Carroll

Making it young and Rooney wide depending on game flow, can also move wilshire to left, young to the right and Rooney behind Carroll. Lots of options with that team. I'd have Richards and coke as full backs.

[George2Loose]

Full fit I'd go for

             Parker
        Cleverly wilshire
              Young
 
     Rooney.   Carroll

Making it young and Rooney wide depending on game flow, can also move wilshire to left, young to the right and Rooney behind Carroll. Lots of options with that team. I'd have Richards and coke as full backs.

No point in this. Use his squad. What team would u play? Personally I wouldn't start with Carroll. Think he's better off the bench

[pleno1]

Caroll is really bad off the bench imo.

I'd play..


 Walcott  parker Lampard  Young

                  Gerrard
                 
                  Carroll

carroll can nod down to gerrard, Lampard has been really disciplined this season and been impressed with him defensively too. Young/Walcott would provide alot of pace and energy on the wings. We could put young on the right and baines infront of Cole.

Other option would be to play Defoe off Carroll which I think would work very well, but we would probably need to play baines/young on the wings as it would be too attacking.

Anything but gerrard/parker as a pairing in the middle.
                   

     

[The Baron]

Caroll is really bad off the bench imo.

I'd play..


 Walcott  parker Lampard  Young

                  Gerrard
                 
                  Carroll

carroll can nod down to gerrard, Lampard has been really disciplined this season and been impressed with him defensively too. Young/Walcott would provide alot of pace and energy on the wings. We could put young on the right and baines infront of Cole.

Other option would be to play Defoe off Carroll which I think would work very well, but we would probably need to play baines/young on the wings as it would be too attacking.

Anything but gerrard/parker as a pairing in the middle.
                   

     

Agree here except the Ox as he's a beast, Walcott from the bench.