My England 11 against the USA, 12th July 2010

[markdeniz]

You pretty much knew I was going to start all this analysis before the big tournament began didn't you? Well you should have ;)

This is my starting eleven for the first game against the USA. This is based on the preliminary 30 man squad that Capello has chosen and assuming I get the manager job in the next few days...

Goalkeeper:
Joe Hart (

Comments

[mylefteye]

That's an inexperienced midfiled, innit? Although you're quite right, Carrick and Gerrard have been average this season. I think Joe Cole should be in there, though.

Not sure about Ferdinand at the back. He can be good, he can be shit. If I was a keeper I'd be a bit nervous. Ledley King is fantastic. I just hope they can nurse him through the tournament.

[mylefteye]

I meant inexperienced at international level (obviously).

[markdeniz]

Heh!

I know but Cole's missed much of the season and I really don't think Gerrard is up for the World Cup, after such a poor season.

Ferdinand seems to come good for the big games and I have Dawson on the bench for a reason...*taps nose*

[martyn44]

The back four has to include John Terry. Even at the 90% he's been this season he is a far better player than King.

Carrick has to play for Johnson - he is a far better finisher - and no fan as I am of Stevie G (and fan as I am of Scott Parker at club level) I think Gerrard gets in for experience and the X factor he has (and Parker doesn't)

Defoe will just make the same runs as Rooney because he always does (and Rooney is better) so Crouch for Defoe.

Walcott must be on the bench.

[markdeniz]

I think I may be inclined to agree with you on Terry. He's been shaky at times but he is a damn good defender.

I could take the risk with leaving out both Carrick and Gerrard. I know what you're saying and I'd be happy seeing them two in but would love for a manager to take risks.

Totally disagree on Defoe and Rooney. I think this works if you are thinking about Rooney last season but this, he has become the number one header in the Premier, more than Crouch, and his passing is sublime, he's like a attacking midfielder at times...I think they'd work well together.

Plus I cringe 98% of the time I see the ball at Crouch's feet...;)

Walcott is fast, runs and runs and runs and runs and runs and then...goal kick...

[martyn44]

Actually, Rooney is the best passer in the team and, if played as point men in a diamond midfield would make Messi look rather ordinary. But he's the centre forward . . .

Defoe only gets goals when you don't need them, rarely getting the only goal of the game, unlike Bent . . . a Makem in the team? The last one just retired having got Wednesday relegated!

I think if you look at the figures Walcott has more goal assists this season than Johnson and Lennon combined. He's also got a brain (unlike Johnson, Lennon and Wright Phillips)

As for the manager taking risks, he played for the club team that invented cattenachio. Risk? He can't even spell the word. But I know what you mean. Who dares wins, etc.

[markdeniz]

Heh, well we're in South Africa but thanks for the congrats!