The World Cup count down, come on England!

Assuming full fitness, the team I'd start the tourney with...

James

Johnson, Ferdinand, Terry, A. Cole

Parker

A. Johnson, Milner, Lampard, Gerrard

Rooney

4.5.1

James

Johnson, King, Terry, Cole

Lennon, Gerrard, Carrick, Lampard, Milner

Rooney

Speaking as a United fan, I'd be reluctant to take Carrick. He's been awful in the second half of the season. I mentioned him in the other thread, assuming he would come good, but he never did. He looks as if he's lost all sense of defensive awareness. The injury to Barry makes it harder to leave him in England, but I reckon the squad would be better off with Scott Parker and maybe Phil Neville in the holding roles if Barry can't get fit in time.

I agree with you on Carrick but at international level and in the heat we need somebody who can slow the game down and keep possession. Having said that, he's very lucky to be in my team.

I'm with you wholeheartedly on needing someone to put their foot on the ball in the middle of the park (although I'd quibble a bit about this "heat" everyone keeps mentioning. It's winter down there and it can get bloomin' nippy at times, especially at night), I just think there are better options for the pivot role in midfield at the moment. As well as Barry (fitness prevailing), Parker or Neville, I'd be quite happy to play Lampard or Milner in that slot (not Gerrard, I don't trust his footballing brain to stay disciplined after so long in a free role at Liverpool), as well as Ledley King (who did well there the last time he played in midfield for England) or even Tom Huddlestone. After the season Carrick has had, I think all of those I've mentioned would do a better job as the England pivot than Carrick could right now...

In fact, the more I think about it, the more I like the idea of Huddlestone (who's as good a central midfield passer of the ball who's available to England) as the pivot, with Gerrard and Lampard Shuttling and Milner and Johnson creating. Johnson can play on either flank and Gerrard is almost the perfect shuttler for either side of the pitch, as well as a better than average crosser of the ball if he happens to get goal side of the full back. Milner is versatile enough and sharp enough to move around as and when the space opens up from the running of the other three and has the skills to pick the passes out. People complain about Huddlestone's lack of pace, but you know, not many players in that niche are what you'd call quick anyway. Makelele couldn't run for toffee even at his peak, Xabi Alonso isn't renowned for his turn of pace and nor are Mascherano or Cambiasso. He could work out quite nicely in that niche, if we go with a 4-1-3-2/4-5-1/4-3-3.

Huddlestone's is a good option but I don't think he's proven at Premiership or European level yet. I've watched Johnson on loan at Leeds and I wasn't impressed. Aaron Lennon who was playing in the same team was just a kid at the time but in ability he was in a different league to Johnson. I've always wondered why Ferdinand hasn't been given a chance in the holding role because in my opinion it would be a breeze for him to play. Anyway, I'm not confident on England's chances for the World Cup. My pick would be Argentina!

I agree with Mister Gummidge on Ledley King playin as the Def/Mid although he can`t train all the time he could still play or come on when needed late in the USA game if we are winning as well as possilible oppos, 2nd r Germany/Serbia, QF Mexico/France, SM Brazil/Holland, Final Spain??

Not sure about Argentina as winners though Colbert they only played well in one quallifier that was the last one against Uruguay, yeah yeah Messi is on fire but Higuain not tested at international level albeit 2 goal in 2 games but he has struggled lately for Real, and Tevez is indisplined for the national side, they may also meet Mexico & the USA who are very tricky teams.

(10-05-2010 00:57 )Bring bk Minnie Wrote:  The Team i would play is.

Keeper-David James. we need experience in goal its the World Cup for ffs think Hart would be to nervous

Defence- Johnson-Dawson-JT-Cole

Midfield-Milner-Lampard-Stevie G-Joe Cole. Stevie G and Lamps can play together it utter bollocks

Striker-Rooney-Defoe. Goals Goals Goals

Well you chose Dawson, surely what you said about the keeper needing experience would apply to the CB as well?

That said though in my opinion him and King have been the best English CBs this season (although JT's form, or apparent lack of, has been exagerrated, I still think these two have been better).

I do agree with what you say about needing experience, but for me this applies all over the field, which is why I would prefer to see Rio lining up alongside JT rather than Dawson, despite his poor and injury plagued season

King's not a bad shout for DM

Played pretty well at Euro 2004 in that position if I remember right

However, taking King and Rio is probably a bit too risky. Taking one of them should be fine but 2 players that won't be assured to start every game?..Tricky one for Capello. Although King did recently played 3 games in a week so looks as though he's pretty capable of playing at the World Cup as long as his knee is managed properly

I'd still prefer to see Hargreaves in that DM role, but unfortunately it's way too little, way too late. I'll be happy though as long as Barry's fit

My team would be...

James

Johnson Ferdinand Terry Cole

Parker

Lennon Lampard Gerard Johnson

Rooney

With only one really world-class forward, I think we need to fill the team pace and play at a tempo that befits the English game. If it turns into a slow, technical battle we'll come unstuck against the better teams.

COME ON ENGLAND!