England XI To Stop Group Stage Exit

[Fosse Fox]

I am becoming increasingly concerned at the general complacency about our opponents in Group C. Hate to say this but qualification for the knockout phase is far from a foregone conclusion. In fact, if Capello is tempted to start with his old faithful shoo in's for the round robin I 'd put our chances at an extended bivouac on the Veldt at no higher than 50%.

I think he's going to have to be bold in his selection and go for a progressive line up. He's got nothing to lose by doing this as his stock seems to be falling steadily as the 'Woy for England' bandwagon gathers momentum. So here's my XI to start against the dark horses of the USA (who are just itching to kick our arses - remember they were ConFed Cup runners up in SOUTH AFRICA last year)

1) GK - Joe Hart (has all the shot stopping ability of 'Calamity' without the howlers and dominates his area - should start in warm ups to gain confidence) 7

2) LB - Ashley Cole (not sure if he's the world's best in that position but he's quick, tough tackling and carries a goal threat - distribution lacking though) 7

3) CD - Ledley King (knee permitting, the central defender's central defender - aerial master and superb game reader) 7.5

4) CD - Rio Ferdinand (what more can be written about this ball playing centre half except to say that he's not perceived as a ball winning centre half - that combined with his infamous lapses is why Ledley is in there) 7

5) RB - Glen Johnson (has his critics as a defender, but when fully fit there are few more technically accomplished, athletic full backs) 6.5

6) LM - Aaron Lennon (a close call this one but the pro's outwiegh the con's - he is virtually double sided and quick and tricky; but he's also a headless chicken and his finishing can be wild) 6

7) CM - Steve Gerrard (an ageing war horse maybe - but is a powerful ball winner/player, dribbler and long range shootist: occasionally exposed for pace and I wonder about his ability to haul all that bulk box to box on the high veldt) 7

8) CM - Joe Cole (the most technically accomplished English player of his generation who has all the credentials to be the national Iniesta - however his lack of pace and, until recently, aggression have been his Achilles Heels) 6.5

9) RM - Theo Walcott (lightening quick dribbler who loves a one/two: unfortunately has a tendency to go awol and his light frame makes him a target for unscrupulous defenders) 6

10) IF - Wayne Rooney (England's best all round player: visionary first time passing, agressive tackling and his conscientious off the ball back tracking are his most notable qualities; however his finishing is more of the routine supply dependent kind rather than self made/spectacular) 8

11) CF - Jermaine Defoe (a mercurial talent who can get goals out of nothing against the run of play; his pace is acknowledged but what is less recognised is his dribbling and his sweet contact strikes from distance) 7

Subs - James, Terry, Lampard, Phillips, Crouch - the remaining two options are too depressing to contemplate...

The hall mark of this side is pace, sub Olympian pace, in half the outfield positions (A Cole, Johnson, Lennon, Walcott & Defoe) - late on in games at altitude this should be an invaluable commodity (admittedly an argument for an impact sub rather than a starter). And, possibly, outside the West African sides, no other squad in the tournament has it in the abundance that we have. With the possible exception of Johnson, physically, these players are also suited to playing at altitude (small, light & mobile).

So the recipe for avoiding premature ejection is quick progressive one two's (no indecision/ball hogging Aaron) on the break with the wide men switcihing and cutting in from the flanks and hitting inswinging shots on the diagonal and/or cutting back from the bye line. No lumping the ball forward and feeding opposition centre halves with outswinging crosses (unless Crouch is on and we are 1-0 down to Algeria with 5 minutes to go).

OK let battle commence...

PS Uncle Aquilani if you are thinking about chipping in with your tuppence ha'penny worth you're welcome but I'd advise a pregnant pause before agreeing with all of the above in your own inimitable oppositionally defiant tone...

[ozleicester]

I am becoming increasingly concerned at the general complacency about our opponents in Group C. Hate to say this but qualification for the knockout phase is far from a foregone conclusion. In fact, if Capello is tempted to start with his old faithful shoo in's for the round robin I 'd put our chances at an extended bivouac on the Veldt at no higher than 50%.

I think he's going to have to be bold in his selection and go for a progressive line up. He's got nothing to lose by doing this as his stock seems to be falling steadily as the 'Woy for England' bandwagon gathers momentum. So here's my XI to start against the dark horses of the USA (who are just itching to kick our arses - remember they were ConFed Cup runners up in SOUTH AFRICA last year)

1) GK - Joe Hart (has all the shot stopping ability of 'Calamity' without the howlers and dominates his area - should start in warm ups to gain confidence) 7

2) LB - Ashley Cole (not sure if he's the world's best in that position but he's quick, tough tackling and carries a goal threat - distribution lacking though) 7

3) CD - Ledley King (knee permitting, the central defender's central defender - aerial master and superb game reader) 7.5

4) CD - Rio Ferdinand (what more can be written about this ball playing centre half except to say that he's not perceived as a ball winning centre half - that combined with his infamous lapses is why Ledley is in there) 7

5) RB - Glen Johnson (has his critics as a defender, but when fully fit there are few more technically accomplished, athletic full backs) 6.5

6) LM - Aaron Lennon (a close call this one but the pro's outwiegh the con's - he is virtually double sided and quick and tricky; but he's also a headless chicken and his finishing can be wild) 6

7) CM - Steve Gerrard (an ageing war horse maybe - but is a powerful ball winner/player, dribbler and long range shootist: occasionally exposed for pace and I wonder about his ability to haul all that bulk box to box on the high veldt) 7

8) CM - Joe Cole (the most technically accomplished English player of his generation who has all the credentials to be the national Iniesta - however his lack of pace and, until recently, aggression have been his Achilles Heels) 6.5

9) RM - Theo Walcott (lightening quick dribbler who loves a one/two: unfortunately has a tendency to go awol and his light frame makes him a target for unscrupulous defenders) 6

10) IF - Wayne Rooney (England's best all round player: visionary first time passing, agressive tackling and his conscientious off the ball back tracking are his most notable qualities; however his finishing is more of the routine supply dependent kind rather than self made/spectacular) 8

11) CF - Jermaine Defoe (a mercurial talent who can get goals out of nothing against the run of play; his pace is acknowledged but what is less recognised is his dribbling and his sweet contact strikes from distance) 7

Subs - James, Terry, Lampard, Phillips, Crouch - the remaining two options are too depressing to contemplate...

The hall mark of this side is pace, sub Olympian pace, in half the outfield positions (A Cole, Johnson, Lennon, Walcott & Defoe) - late on in games at altitude this should be an invaluable commodity (admittedly an argument for an impact sub rather than a starter). And, possibly, outside the West African sides, no other squad in the tournament has it in the abundance that we have. With the possible exception of Johnson, physically, these players are also suited to playing at altitude (small, light & mobile).

So the recipe for avoiding premature ejection is quick progressive one two's (no indecision/ball hogging Aaron) on the break with the wide men switcihing and cutting in from the flanks and hitting inswinging shots on the diagonal and/or cutting back from the bye line. No lumping the ball forward and feeding opposition centre halves with outswinging crosses (unless Crouch is on and we are 1-0 down to Algeria with 5 minutes to go).

OK let battle commence...

PS Uncle Aquilani if you are thinking about chipping in with your tuppence ha'penny worth you're welcome but I'd advise a pregnant pause before agreeing with all of the above in your own inimitable oppositionally defiant tone...

Really? Terry and Lampard on the bench?

[dandannieldanok]

Leave Lampard out?

I'd be surprised if England conceded a goal in this group, never mind struggle to get through. Everyone who says the USA are a big threat might want to take a look at their squad, apart from Landon Donovan and Tim Howard it's full of absolute nobodies.

[purpleronnie]

The USA will win the group.

[Guest Bilo]

Hello again Chandler.

There is indeed quite a lot of pace in that XI and pace will go a long way against the teams in Group C. I think it's equally important though to go for technical ability, which is why I'm not 100% on the Lennon inclusion as I think he's somewhat suspect on that front in spite of his lightning pace. Personally, I'd play Walcott in that position. Just as much pace but a better finisher and technician. I'd have Joe Cole on the left with Gareth Barry playing just behind Gerrard in a holding role. That's me anyway.

[Alexikokopops]

I'd quite happily leave Terry out. Not sure about Lampard though, he should be playing.

[Samilktray]

Lampard should definitely play after the season hes had, Gerrard wouldnt be playing if anyone, looked poor all season

[Fosse Fox]

Leave Lampard out?

I'd be surprised if England conceded a goal in this group, never mind struggle to get through. Everyone who says the USA are a big threat might want to take a look at their squad, apart from Landon Donovan and Tim Howard it's full of absolute nobodies.

Just like this team from around sixty years ago:

GK Frank Borghi

DF Harry Keough

DF Joe Maca

MF Walter Bahr

MF Ed McIlvenny ©[N 1]

MF Charlie Colombo

FW Frank Wallace

FW Gino Pariani

FW Joe Gaetjens

FW John Souza

FW Ed Souza

Manager:

William Jeffrey (Scotland)

The Algerian and Slovenian squads are largely anonymous too and I think that they might prefer it that way. Nothing like a spot of giant killing in front of the global media after being dissed...

[Edmund]

Radovan does make a good point. The Yanks may be weak on paper but I wouldn't underestimate them. You know what their like with that winning mentality instilled into them from a young age.

I've been saying for years, give them a couple of decades and they will become a force in the footballing world. Their progress has been steady and always improving.

The sport may not me the most popular on their shores but it's growing year on year and with such a big population they will soon be breeding talent left right and centre. The main reason is NIKE the worlds biggest sports manufacturer pump millions into the development of the game which makes Englands academies look third world.

Obviously this year they aren't likely to cause to many shocks but give them time and they will soon overtake England in years to come.

[SOCCERROO FOX]

England to win there group, Australia to come 2nd in there group.........Australia to play the match of there lifes to beat England in the R16.......Socceroo Fox dies a happy man

[AyewJoking]

pfft! england wont concede a goal in their 3 group games.

[ozleicester]

England to win there group, Australia to come 2nd in there group.........Australia to play the match of there lifes to beat England in the R16.......Socceroo Fox dies a happy man

Pffft .. confidence ROO... Aussies to win their group and avoid the humiliation.

[SOCCERROO FOX]

Pffft .. confidence ROO... Aussies to win their group and avoid the humiliation.

Hahaha My mates who i'm going to the WC with and i have all said that if we score a goal we will be satisfied.

[purpleronnie]

Leave Lampard out?

I'd be surprised if England conceded a goal in this group, never mind struggle to get through. Everyone who says the USA are a big threat might want to take a look at their squad, apart from Landon Donovan and Tim Howard it's full of absolute nobodies.

But we've seen on may occassion that good individual players dont always make a good team, england have a great squad but failed to make the euro's.

USA proved against teams like spain and brazil that they play well together.

[Uncle Albert]

The fact you left out Terry and Lampard proves what a stupid idiot you really are and as I have said many times, you should not have an opinion on the national team, leaving out a centre midfield that has scored over 25 goals this season in all competitions says it all about this post. Clown.

[Uncle Albert]

Yeah England should really be afraid of the USA there three best players, Donovan, Altidore and Dempsey all really set the Premier League alight this year, Slovenia were embaressing at Wembley last year and Algeria were they even at the African Nations!

[Dames]

GK- Hart

RB- Johnson

CB- King

CB- Ferdinand ©

LB- A.Cole

RM - Walcott

CM - Barry (I'm praying he's fit)

CM - Lampard

LM - Lennon

CF - Heskey

CF - Rooney

Generally these are the 'form' players of the England squad possibly bar Heskey but he's included because Rooney absolutely loves playing off him and a happy Rooney is an on form Rooney.

Gerrard hasn't had the best of seasons and neither has Gareth Barry but its been proven time and time again that Gerrard and Lamps can't play in the center and the goal scoring form Franks in at the minute you really can't leave him out. As for the wings i personally think that out and out pace is the way forward, nothing in the world scares a defender more than a player running at them with pace, it can open space for other players, win penalties/free kicks also provide good crossing/pull back opportunities for other players arriving in the box.

The defense picks itself really King is generally better than Terry and even with dodgy knees he doesn't have the turn of an oil tanker unlike Terry where sometimes it takes him an absolute age to turn and Kings reading of the game is just as good.

[Uncle Albert]

I'm guessing alot of people didnt see John Terry on Saturday then in the FA Cup Final? Terry is just as much in form as King and certainly in alot more form than Ferdinand, people need to have a look at all players before jumping on the Ledley King bandwagon.

[Dames]

I'm guessing alot of people didnt see John Terry on Saturday then in the FA Cup Final? Terry is just as much in form as King and certainly in alot more form than Ferdinand, people need to have a look at all players before jumping on the Ledley King bandwagon.

Anyone can look good playing against Portsmouth to be fair. Not so long ago Terry was torn apart by Inter Milan, any player with the slightest bit of pace and Terry is screwed.

As for the Ledley King bandwagon most people have looked at all the other players (Carragher, when was the last time he set the world alight? and Matthew Upson, who's not really that good) and decided bar Ferdinand and Terry, King's the only other quality center back in the England squad.

[shen]

1) GK - Joe Hart (has all the shot stopping ability of 'Calamity' without the howlers and dominates his area - should start in warm ups to gain confidence) 7

2) LB - Ashley Cole (not sure if he's the world's best in that position but he's quick, tough tackling and carries a goal threat - distribution lacking though) 7

3) CD - Ledley King (knee permitting, the central defender's central defender - aerial master and superb game reader) 7.5

4) CD - Rio Ferdinand (what more can be written about this ball playing centre half except to say that he's not perceived as a ball winning centre half - that combined with his infamous lapses is why Ledley is in there) 7

5) RB - Glen Johnson (has his critics as a defender, but when fully fit there are few more technically accomplished, athletic full backs) 6.5

6) LM - Aaron Lennon (a close call this one but the pro's outwiegh the con's - he is virtually double sided and quick and tricky; but he's also a headless chicken and his finishing can be wild) 6

7) CM - Steve Gerrard (an ageing war horse maybe - but is a powerful ball winner/player, dribbler and long range shootist: occasionally exposed for pace and I wonder about his ability to haul all that bulk box to box on the high veldt) 7

8) CM - Joe Cole (the most technically accomplished English player of his generation who has all the credentials to be the national Iniesta - however his lack of pace and, until recently, aggression have been his Achilles Heels) 6.5

9) RM - Theo Walcott (lightening quick dribbler who loves a one/two: unfortunately has a tendency to go awol and his light frame makes him a target for unscrupulous defenders) 6

10) IF - Wayne Rooney (England's best all round player: visionary first time passing, agressive tackling and his conscientious off the ball back tracking are his most notable qualities; however his finishing is more of the routine supply dependent kind rather than self made/spectacular) 8

11) CF - Jermaine Defoe (a mercurial talent who can get goals out of nothing against the run of play; his pace is acknowledged but what is less recognised is his dribbling and his sweet contact strikes from distance) 7

Subs - James, Terry, Lampard, Phillips, Crouch - the remaining two options are too depressing to contemplate...

So the recipe for avoiding premature ejection is quick progressive one two's (no indecision/ball hogging Aaron) on the break with the wide men switcihing and cutting in from the flanks and hitting inswinging shots on the diagonal and/or cutting back from the bye line. No lumping the ball forward and feeding opposition centre halves with outswinging crosses (unless Crouch is on and we are 1-0 down to Algeria with 5 minutes to go).

I'd definitely swap Walcott for Adam Johnson. If your argument is in-swinging crosses and cutting in from the flanks, few have proved as dangerous as him this season. Again, you admit that a player like Walcott is better suited as an impact player, and the times he's impressed this season has mostly been from the bench, so leave him there. I'd probably swap Gerrard with Lampard too. The benefit of having teammates in the centre of midfield along with Lampards superior form are my main arguments. As for the remaining spots on the bench, why not have a pacy and powerful striker who knows where to be at the right time, i.e. Bent? Add Barry or Milner for their versatility instead of SWP and you're set.

[Fosse Fox]

I'd definitely swap Walcott for Adam Johnson. If your argument is in-swinging crosses and cutting in from the flanks, few have proved as dangerous as him this season. Again, you admit that a player like Walcott is better suited as an impact player, and the times he's impressed this season has mostly been from the bench, so leave him there. I'd probably swap Gerrard with Lampard too. The benefit of having teammates in the centre of midfield along with Lampards superior form are my main arguments. As for the remaining spots on the bench, why not have a pacy and powerful striker who knows where to be at the right time, i.e. Bent? Add Barry or Milner for their versatility instead of SWP and you're set.

I'm not sure how much Johnson's meteroic rise has been down to clever (and desperate) Boro PR and being naturally left sided. Needs to do more fthan a single curler for the MOTD cameras to persuade me that he's not another Steve Gibson con trick (eg Stuart Downing) - Real Madrid target my arse!

Although Lampard's goal/games ratio at international level looks good (20/77) particularly for a midfielder when you scrutinise his record you will notice that he hasn't scored in a tournament for six years or on foreign soil for over 5 years. Lampard's goal stats at Chelsea are good because he has free rein to shoot on sight ( a lot!) and he is surrounded by under rated foreign stars whose hype is inversely proportionate to his own.

Gerrard may not quite carry Liverpool to the extent that our Brit obsessed media make out (Liverpool's loss of Xavi Alonso pricked that little balloon) but he is undoubtedly the main man at Anusfield. He is technically superior and physically more powerful than Lampard and is more highly regarded by his England colleagues.

Darren Bent's 65% strike rate at club level is impressive particularly considering that he nudged aside the excellent Kenwynne Jones to achieve this. However, he has still not done enough to shake off his profligate tag. He has a tendency to slash wildly when he has time and wastes far too many opportunities that more composed, clinical strikers will convert. He is also selfish on the ball when he is in advanced positions and will not release it to team mates better placed to finish.

I hate to admit this though, but even with my first choices in I have a horrible feeling that a team like Denmark would probably get the better of them under tournament conditions.

[milan_foxes]

Hart/James

Johnson

Terry

Ferdinand

Baines/Cole

Lennon

Lampard

Barry/Gerrard

Walcott

Rooney

Crouch/Defoe

[dandannieldanok]

James

G Johnson

Terry

Ferdinand

A Cole

Lennon

Lampard

Gerrard

A Johnson

Rooney

Crouch

Would love Capello to pick that, especially that midfield with 2 of the best central players and 2 exciting wingers. I just hope he doesn't start to dick around with the formation as the press seem to think he might, it's too late for that now.

[Tommeh]

Hart

Johnson

King

Rio

Cole

Lampard

Barry

Gerrard

J.Cole

Rooney

Walcott

I'm only leaving big Emile out as I fear 4-4-2 leaves us short in the middle and also a centre mid gets shipped out to the left where they are pretty much useless.

Would also drive Hargreaves to South Africa if he was fit to replace Barry.

[Dames]

Hart

Johnson

King

Rio

Cole

Lampard

Barry

Gerrard

J.Cole

Rooney

Walcott

I'm only leaving big Emile out as I fear 4-4-2 leaves us short in the middle and also a centre mid gets shipped out to the left where they are pretty much useless.

Would also drive Hargreaves to South Africa if he was fit to replace Barry.

Thats actually quite a cracking line up.