England 2010 World Cup Squad

[TrickyTrev]

What if Heskey struggles to get a game for Villa this season? I can see Capello using the next two qualifying games to see if he can get England to play as well as they have been without having to rely on a non-goal scoring centre forward. This may mean Rooney playing upfront or seeing if Carlton Cole is the player that he sometimes looks. If Joe Cole were fit then moving Rooney up top would not be the worst idea in the world, he really is a world class lone front man, but at the moment moving him out of the attacking free role position would have too greater cost, James Milner is simply too bigger drop down.

[ousefox]

GK- James, Green, Foster

DEF- Johnson, Brown, A.Cole, Terry, Ferdinand, Upson, Lescott

MID- Walcott, Lennon, J.Cole, Young, Lampard, Gerrard, Barry, Carrick, Becks

FOR- Rooney, Defoe, Heskey, Crouch/Owen(if he does well with United this season)

[Brainy]

James Foster Green

Johnson Richards Terry Ferdinand Upson Lescott Cole

Lennon Walcott Beckham Gerrard Lampard Carrick Barry Young Cole

Heskey Bent Rooney Defoe

Richards and Lescott cover for RB and LB

Walcott could possibly act as our 5th striker if need be

[Aleksz]

Welbeck will be picked.

Shout.

[sdb]

What if Heskey struggles to get a game for Villa this season? I can see Capello using the next two qualifying games to see if he can get England to play as well as they have been without having to rely on a non-goal scoring centre forward. This may mean Rooney playing upfront or seeing if Carlton Cole is the player that he sometimes looks. If Joe Cole were fit then moving Rooney up top would not be the worst idea in the world, he really is a world class lone front man, but at the moment moving him out of the attacking free role position would have too greater cost, James Milner is simply too bigger drop down.

I reckon he'll leave in Jan if things continue the way they're going. O'Neill really not fancying him at the mo it seems.

[leicesterfox86]

The most important thing for England ahead of next summer is that the likes of Rooney and Defoe stay as sharp as they are right now. You just know that Rooney is going to be on fire all season and then pick up an injury just before South Africa, but hopefully this won't be the case.

There is no doubt though that, at the moment, England have some bang in-form players. If this continues until next summer, then the squad will pretty much pick itself with the exception of one or two places. We all know who the key men are going to be.

As for the people who could suprise us and take one of the last slots, what about Darren Bent? He has started the season well and this article on the Premier League's English players thinks he has an outside chance of making the World Cup squad.

It is so hard to tell at this stage though. Injuries are bound to occur and this will open the door for another player. I just hope not much changes between now and next summer, because all things England are looking good right now.

[Samilktray]

Darren Bent is quality, now he'll be playing week in week out at a good side like Sunderland theres no reason why he shouldnt go to South Africa.

[Joe.]

Darren Bent is quality, now he'll be playing week in week out at a good side like Sunderland theres no reason why he shouldnt go to South Africa.

Four probable reasons: Rooney, Defoe, Heskey, Crouch. All more important to England than Darren Bent in my opinion. No need for a 5th striker, especially when we'll more than likely have Walcott as well.

[dandannieldanok]

I reckon he'll leave in Jan if things continue the way they're going. O'Neill really not fancying him at the mo it seems.

If O'Neill isn't fancying him then who will? Heskey is on a downward spiral, I can see him easily making the World Cup squad but certainly not on merit, instead on the fact that he's one of Capello's chosen men.

[Joe.]

If O'Neill isn't fancying him then who will? Heskey is on a downward spiral, I can see him easily making the World Cup squad but certainly not on merit, instead on the fact that he's one of Capello's chosen men.

And the fact he does a good job for the team?

[dandannieldanok]

And the fact he does a good job for the team?

Does he?....or are people, especially on this forum, clouded by sentiment. It's definitely up in the air that.

First of all he doesn't even play for Villa. Second of all he's a striker than doesn't score. Those are facts. Thirdly, this one being my opinion, all this business of him being great at holding the ball up and so forth, I'm not buying it myself. For me he spends more time on his arse than on his feet and a lot of the time the ball seems to bounce off him rather than him holding it up. But as we all know everyone sees it differently. Fortunately for Heskey fans Capello sees it their way.

[sdb]

If O'Neill isn't fancying him then who will? Heskey is on a downward spiral, I can see him easily making the World Cup squad but certainly not on merit, instead on the fact that he's one of Capello's chosen men.

He's one of Capello's chosen men on merit; he's been priceless for England over the last 2 years. And any team outside the top 8 would snap him up.

[Joe.]

Does he?....or are people, especially on this forum, clouded by sentiment. It's definitely up in the air that.

First of all he doesn't even play for Villa. Second of all he's a striker than doesn't score. Those are facts. Thirdly, this one being my opinion, all this business of him being great at holding the ball up and so forth, I'm not buying it myself. For me he spends more time on his arse than on his feet and a lot of the time the ball seems to bounce off him rather than him holding it up. But as we all know everyone sees it differently. Fortunately for Heskey fans Capello sees it their way.

If Heskey was judged by every manager on the basis of his goals then he'd never get in any team. His scoring record for every team he's played for has been questioned, but you have to ask yourself why so many managers have proceeded to go out and buy him again and again.

He's a team player; unselfish and does his job while the others take the plaudits (getting a hell of a lot of stick from fans and media over the years to add to it all). That's how it's always been. Capello obviously sees a great deal in him in he continues to pick him every week, because it's obviously not for his goals.

I think your point about his hold-up play is harsh. For me it's one of his main strengths, as it certainly allows others into the game. He'll generally win most of what comes his way in the air, and does a lot of other donkey work that goes relatively unnoticed. An example last week against Croatia; whilst the commentators are lamenting his lack of finishing he then goes and pulls off a lovely little lay-off to Lampard for a chance on goal. Simple things like this that he doesn't seem to get accreditation for.

There's obviously going to be more affection towards him on here than most other places, but on the other end of the scale there are those who will never accept him whatever he does. But for me he's a good player and warrants his England selection. What he does for Villa I couldn't care less.

[Samilktray]

The little flick with his heel he did as he spun away from a defender was class against Croatia.

Think it laid off a decent chance for Lampard or Rooney.

[Tommeh]

If Heskey was judged by every manager on the basis of his goals then he'd never get in any team. His scoring record for every team he's played for has been questioned, but you have to ask yourself why so many managers have proceeded to go out and buy him again and again.

He's a team player; unselfish and does his job while the others take the plaudits (getting a hell of a lot of stick from fans and media over the years to add to it all). That's how it's always been. Capello obviously sees a great deal in him in he continues to pick him every week, because it's obviously not for his goals.

I think your point about his hold-up play is harsh. For me it's one of his main strengths, as it certainly allows others into the game. He'll generally win most of what comes his way in the air, and does a lot of other donkey work that goes relatively unnoticed. An example last week against Croatia; whilst the commentators are lamenting his lack of finishing he then goes and pulls off a lovely little lay-off to Lampard for a chance on goal. Simple things like this that he doesn't seem to get accreditation for.

There's obviously going to be more affection towards him on here than most other places, but on the other end of the scale there are those who will never accept him whatever he does. But for me he's a good player and warrants his England selection. What he does for Villa I couldn't care less.

^^^^^^^

Since he's come in under Capello we've seen so much more of Rooney, Gerrard and Lampard. Arguing whether he'll make the squad is ridiculous, he'll be one of the 1st 7 names on the plane.

[dandannieldanok]

He's one of Capello's chosen men on merit; he's been priceless for England over the last 2 years. And any team outside the top 8 would snap him up.

I think we would have still comfortably qualified without him so priceless is stretching it to the max.

Hmm not sure as many teams outside the top 8 would snap him up as you think. His wages are pretty hefty and as the pundits always say you need goals to stay up, and Heskey's record is disappointing despite what other things he does for team.

If Heskey was judged by every manager on the basis of his goals then he'd never get in any team. His scoring record for every team he's played for has been questioned, but you have to ask yourself why so many managers have proceeded to go out and buy him again and again.

He's a team player; unselfish and does his job while the others take the plaudits (getting a hell of a lot of stick from fans and media over the years to add to it all). That's how it's always been. Capello obviously sees a great deal in him in he continues to pick him every week, because it's obviously not for his goals.

I think your point about his hold-up play is harsh. For me it's one of his main strengths, as it certainly allows others into the game. He'll generally win most of what comes his way in the air, and does a lot of other donkey work that goes relatively unnoticed. An example last week against Croatia; whilst the commentators are lamenting his lack of finishing he then goes and pulls off a lovely little lay-off to Lampard for a chance on goal. Simple things like this that he doesn't seem to get accreditation for.

There's obviously going to be more affection towards him on here than most other places, but on the other end of the scale there are those who will never accept him whatever he does. But for me he's a good player and warrants his England selection. What he does for Villa I couldn't care less.

Fair play, some very valid points and I do think I'm being a tad harsh on him. However I don't think we'll find common ground here and I'd be disappointed and underwhelmed to see him line-up for us in the world cup personally.

As for your very last point, I think what he does for Villa should be cared about. It's no good taking him to a world cup without match practice under his belt. Heskey isn't the most naturally fit player anyway and certainly isn't the type of player than can just turn it on, it'll show if he lacks match sharpness.

I don't really want to open a whole can of worms here because I know people (for whatever strange reason) don't rate Peter Crouch, but for me I just cannot understand how Heskey can be considered above Crouch.

[TrickyTrev]

Four probable reasons: Rooney, Defoe, Heskey, Crouch. All more important to England than Darren Bent in my opinion. No need for a 5th striker, especially when we'll more than likely have Walcott as well.

I doubt we will take a 5th striker too, but I only really see Rooney's place as absolutely secure. If Heskey has a bad season and struggles to get in the Villa team, and he wouldn't get in my villa team, then there is very definitely competition for the workhorse line leader role. Bent proved he could do that job at Charlton and has scored goals throughout his career. I could see him sneaking in, but I think Carlton Cole has a little more quality about him.

Defoe has started the season red hot, but it would only take him to have a bad run of form for Spurs to favour Crouch and Keane. He would then be a Michael Owen run of form, unlikely as that is, for him to lose his place.

[Ultra]

I don't really want to open a whole can of worms here because I know people (for whatever strange reason) don't rate Peter Crouch, but for me I just cannot understand how Heskey can be considered above Crouch.

Heskey can trouble the top teams. Look at his contribution to the 5-1 win in Germany.

He's also far more mobile than Crouch.

[Bert]

Does he?....or are people, especially on this forum, clouded by sentiment. It's definitely up in the air that.

First of all he doesn't even play for Villa. Second of all he's a striker than doesn't score. Those are facts. Thirdly, this one being my opinion, all this business of him being great at holding the ball up and so forth, I'm not buying it myself. For me he spends more time on his arse than on his feet and a lot of the time the ball seems to bounce off him rather than him holding it up. But as we all know everyone sees it differently. Fortunately for Heskey fans Capello sees it their way.

Try and look at England's record with and without Heskey since he started playing for England. He brings so much more to our game and brings many other players into the game. His presence is such a threat it makes massive space for others.

Steve Howard's a striker that doesn't score, but he does so much else for the team, shall we drop him?

[Simo86]

You can call Heskey as much as you like, but the facts are that Capello has not lost a competitive game whilst in charge. So at this moment i for one will not be questioning his selections. We are the highest scoring team in the whole of the european qualifying section, so Heskey not scoring is not really a problem. We have put 9 goals past Croatia with Heskey in the side, thats more than we've put past Andorra (8).

I agree that he needs to be playing club football, but theres still a whole chunk of the season left and I am sure O'Neill will use him throughout the season.

[Uncle Albert]

1. Green

2. Foster

3. James

4. Johnson

5. Brown

6. Terry

7. Ferdinand

8. Upson

9. A. Cole

10. Bridge

11. Lennon

12. Beckham

13. Gerrard

14. Lampard

15. Barry

16. Carrick

17. J. Cole

18. Young

19. Walcott

20. Crouch

21. Heskey

22. Owen

23. Rooney

That's my beaut.

[SOCCERROO FOX]

England needs there very own Jesus

[Wycombe Fox]

Carrick? Nah!

Too Downing-esque.

Jimmy Bullard (now back in first team training) instead of Carrick.

[StanSP]

Carrick? Nah!

Too Downing-esque.

Jimmy Bullard (now back in first team training) instead of Carrick.

Are you serious?

[leicesterfox86]

Heskey can trouble the top teams. Look at his contribution to the 5-1 win in Germany.

He's also far more mobile than Crouch.

The Heskey situation is an interesting one, but I trust Capello. He knows the role Heskey plays from the start and he knows the impact Crouch can make for the best. Heskey's goalscoring record for England is poor, but that's not why he is in the team. England score more goals and win more games when he is involved and that's a pretty overwhelming statistic in the big man's favour.