England - Euro 2004

[packt up]

I know its kinda early but I just wanted to know who everyone would pick in their England team for Euro 2004 from the current number of players available (Woodgate ). I just saw this article about Gerrard apparently being used for the problematic left hand side and potentially Beckham being used infield. Who would you play on the left? Who in goal? And which strikers to take eh? What formation?? Here's what I would play even though I know it has no chance in hell of actualyl appearing.

GK - Robinson
DL - Bridge
DR - Johnson
DC - Campbell
DC - Terry
ML - Cole
MR - Beckham
MC - Lampard
MC - Gerrard
F - Owen (get in form you bastard)
F - Rooney (ditto)

[Wengerland]

I would say a lot of the team picks itself,it's a shame we don't have a quality goalkeeper (other than Walker ).

Mine would be:

GK - James
DL - A.Cole
DR- G.Neville
DC- Terry
DC- Campbell
ML- Scholes,making in field runs to behind the front two
MR- Beckham
MC - Lampard
MC - Gerrard
F - Owen
F - Rooney

I prefer Rooney to Heskey but if Heskey can keep up the partnership with Owen going well in the last game then maybe him.

[packt up]

Heskey amazed me against Birmingham - played very well. I'd never thought I'd say this but he might be the best we have . Sad that. Rooney's done **** all all season but then maybe foreign defenders won't know so much about him.

Scholes has had a pretty dire season in my opinion. I don't get what the whole thing with Gary Neville is what makes him so much better that he's undisputed first choice when he isn't anything special. He used to have that "link" with Beckham but now they don't even play together so thats probably over. James is an accident waiting to happen. And Ashley Cole can't defend too well hence him on the wing (left footer on the wing )

Thing is I know the team will look way more like yours than mine .

[Wengerland]

Ohhhhh,thought you meant Joe Cole on the wing. But Ashley Cole has improved a lot defensively over the past few months imo.

Thinking about it i'd much rather have Carragher right back,but that's unlikely to happen.I'd think Neville and Beckham would still have that link going on,given how many years they played together and,seeing as Neville is the likely left back,that can only be good for us.

Personally i think a lot of people under-estimate how good we have it going,but if only we had a forward in really good form....

[Cactus Sid]

GK - Robinson
DR - Carragher (has been one of the few bright sparks in a disappointing season)
DL - Bridge
DC - Terry
DC - Campbell
ML - A. Cole
MR - Beckham
DMC - Gerrard
AMC - Lampard
FC - Owen
FC - Defoe

To explain

James, despite playing ok recently, has been dire this season, he has made way too many mistakes. Robinson is just a class act, he's been really unlucky with such a poor defence in front of him, but he should be Number 1. Bridge at Left Back with Cole at Left Wing to me is an obvious route. If Thompson doesn't go (which he won't) England have no natural left-footed players, and Cole going forward is superb, while Bridge has had a great season, and is good both going forward and coming back. It also gives them natural cover if Bridge goes forward.

Carragher over Gary Neville, purely because Neville hasn't had his usual consistency, while Carragher has. Both sides have had poor seasons, but I think Carragher, apart from Gerrard, has been Liverpool's best player. My only reason for playing Neville would be experience.

Terry and Campbell pick themselves, I'd have these 2 in even if Ferdinand was available.

I think Beckham, Gerrard and Lampard would give England 3 hard working midfielders, who can all play in each others positions, and are creative, furthermore, they can send balls over the top for 2 pacey forwards. Owen and Defoe, if given the ball on the ground, could destroy defences

[Cactus Sid]

Also, David James, Gary Neville, Gareth Southgate, Joe Cole, Owen Hargreaves, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney as subs, with Emile Heskey, Alan Smith, Scott Parker, another defender and a goalkeeper going

[Wengerland]

I'd take Defoe with the squad but he hasn't been good enough form wise to start for me,i'd see how he does in the warm up games before contemplating that.

Robinson for me has been a bit lucky,because Leeds' defence has been criticised and taken the blame for most things.I don't think every goal can be put down to bad defending and Robinson could have done better on Charlton's equaliser and i think 2 of Bolton's goals to name a few recent ones.James however (aside from the Sweden game) seems to up his performance for England,and even though he shouldn't be in the side for those games i think he should be in anyway.

[Dazz]

GK - Robinson
LB - A. Cole
CB - Terry
CB - Campbell
RB - Carragher
LM - Dyer (Worth giving him a try)
CM - Lampard
CM - Gerrard
RM - Beckham
ST - Owen
ST - Smith

Subs - James, Bridge, Southgate, Hargreaves, J. Cole, Defoe, Scholes,


Not sure out of Smith and Defoe up front, but Defoe is a pussy, but at least theres no danger of him being sent off.

[Rob Ban Fan]

GK - James
LB - Scummer Bridge
CB - Terry
CB - Campbell
RB - Gary Neville
LM - Joe Cole
CM - Gerrard
CM - Lampard
RM - Beckham
F - Owen
F - Heskey

Scholes, Southgate, Hargreaves, Defoe etc on the bench.

Defoe and Hargreaves both looked class in the recent friendly but I wouldn't start them yet. Scholes is an intellegent player and passes well but id pick Lampard and Gerrard ahead of him on recent form.

I honestly wouldn't let Robinson anywhere near the England squad. Yes he's had a piss poor defence infront of him this season and he's had a lot to deal with because of that but he has made a lot of mistakes, in the game where we put 6 past him, I think about 4 of them he could've done better on. Again this is because of the defence he's had infront of him and he's low on confidence but thats even more reason not to let him near the England squad. Next year hopefull he'll move to a new club and play with some people who could actually pass as defenders (Duberry ) and he'll be good enough for the next tournament. But right now, James is the best we've got.

Heskey wont be a popular choice but he holds the ball up well and him and Owen know eachothers games. Plus I hate Rooney.

Joe Cole on the left is something to try i spose. He'll roam around, put himself about, worth a try.

[Ogen]

GK: James - Robinson has nore ability but ain't ready for this yet.
DL Cole
DC Campbell
DC Terry
DR: Out of nessicity I'll go wtih Neville but hes shit
ML: Barry
MC Gerrard
MC: Lampard
MR: Beckham
FC: Scholes behind Owen
Striker: Owen

[The Ravishing One]

I don't rate Rooney. Don't feel he's ready yet imo.

[packt up]

I'd prefer Defoe over Vassel (what exactly has he done for Villa this season?!) but like most I think a place on the bench is enough as opposed to starting.

Hadn't really thought of Caragher at RB to be honest. I remember for the World Cup I was thinking yeah he would really do a job for us there and then he got injured . This year though I've hardly seen him so I guess I'll have to take Cactus' word on that he's had a good season . My problem with Carragher is that he doesn't offer a lot going forward. My liverpool supporter friends at uni say its an occasion if he even gets over the half way line! Johnson sure hasn't held down a regular first team place but when he's up against Carragher and bloody Neville I don't think he has to.

I think both Dyer and J Cole have proved that they can't really cut it on the left hand side. Dyer hasn't had a particularly good season to be honest . Joe Cole I think is the kind of player better suited to the subs bench anyway doing all his tricks and stuff when everyone's tired.

Wouldn't mind Barry going with the squad (which seems to be highly unlikely) but as a left winger I wouldn't know cos I haven't seen him play there really.

And Rooney's already done quite well at international level why would he not be ready. He's practically been heaped under all of this pressure of "England's great hope" and hasn't done too bad so I think he's ready.

[Wengerland]

Personally i wouldn't even take Glen Johnson. For me he looks a liability defensively and even if Carragher doesn't get forward as much,we'd already have Ashley Cole(probably) going forward and Bridge if he plays.Gary Neville can put a good cross in but hasn't had his best season from a defensive point of view,but Johnson would be one for the future.

Looking at the attacking talent in the midfield i don't think we desperately need an attacking full back,it's just that on the left the best and most likely to be picked offer that option.

[Dazz]

Yeah Glenn Johnson has an attitude problem, and he is a liability, like you say. Anyone who gets sent off for 2 bookable offences, both time wasting, when 4-0 up with 5 minutes to go, is an idiot. He also enjoys arguing with refs, but is good going forward. I wouldn't take him, but I would rather see him play then Gary Neville.

[Razor Rybek]

Gary Neville has been exposed for the rubbish that he is this year, without Beckham in front of him, he's nothing. They would always work well together and Becks would fill in when Neville went forward. Ronaldo just aint the same....
As for the squad, its pretty much all been said in this thread, I will only add...

Joe Cole - Overated in a big way, not international class
Glen Johnson - NO
Lampard - Better than Scholes by the preverbial country mile(this season at least)
Vassell - It just seems to happen for him when he pulls on the three lions, why not just roll with it?
Smith - Will give his all, but is that enough?

Lastly, I would not oppose a last run for the man, the myth, the legend that is.............WISEY!!! He's only four foot four, he'll break your ****ing jaw.......

I live in hope

[Dazz]

He's small,
he's hard,
he gets a yellow card,
Dennis Wise
Dennis Wise

[The Duck]

Scholes MUST play. He's big match experience (3 major international competitions, 8 years top-level European experience scoring goals against the best defences) is unparalled in his position. Sure his form's been pretty lackluster at stages this season, but don't kid yourself to thinking there's much better than him (I'll get to Lampard later and remember he's extremely unproven at THIS level).

Here's my team:-

1. David James
2. Gary Neville (best English right back - a great talker, leader and his partnership with Beckham may come to good effect; still a consistent performer (though anti-MUFC bias will have you believe otherwise))
3. Wayne Bridge (a better left-back option IMO. Cole will get the nod, but Bridge is a more solid defender)
4. Steven Gerrard (best use of England on the left side of the diamond; his goal on the weekend proved he could of threat and there really isn't much of a better option)
5. Jon Terry (best option)
6. Sol Campbell (ditto)
7. David Beckham (right side of diamond with license to roam)
8. Paul Scholes (box to box, late runs into the area - his best position)
9. Wayne Rooney
10. Michael Owen
11. Frank Lampard or Nicky Butt (depends on the game; if attack and goal are needed that Lampard is a great option for his form, goals and attacking box to box play; against France for instance Butt may be the better option to steralise the likes of Zidane and being the anchor man - admitally his form has been wank this season and he hasn't played a lot but his England form in the World Cup two years ago has to be acknowledged)

[El Capitano Gatisto]

If I was picked the England side it'd be:

GK: Robinson

DR: G. Neville
DC: Terry
DC: Campbell
DL: Samuel



MR: Beckham
MC: Gerrard
MC: Scholes
ML: Thompson

FC: Owen
FC: Rooney

Alan Thompson should have been given a good run in the team long ago. The diamond formation is shite. Paul Scholes is better than Lampard. Lampard has had a good season, but he hasn't impressed me when it has come to the matches against the Arsenal midfield. I think he is a good domestic player having a good season. Scholes is truly world class.

J'Llord Samuel is more impressive than either Bridge or Ashley Cole. Cole is a liability, too, in that he gets wound up easily and international referees will punish him.

Sven should quit the long ball, direct tactics, and look to play through Gerrard and Scholes, through the midfield. Give Scholes a chance to get into the box and amongst the goals, rather than looking for the shitty ball over the top to Owen.

[Rob Ban Fan]

I would've used the recent friendlies to look at the likes of Thompson, Samuel and Robinson.

I still stand by what I said about Robinson and I wouldn't take Thompson and Samuel along simply because they haven't played enough in friendlies and what have you to prove they're good enough.

Thompson played one half and didnt have the best game and I think Bridge and Cole would be better than Samuel and I agree with you about the diamond being shit. Lampard or Gerrard would be wasted on the left side of a diamond too.

[Mr. Monday Morning]

James
G Neville
Campbell
Terry
Bridge
Beckham
Gerrard
Lampard
Barry
Owen
Heskey

I really dunno about Rooney...talent is unquestioned but his temprament is still in question and he hasn't had the greatest of seasons this year. Barry has played a major, major part in Villa's good season and if he'd actually been given the chance to play the LM in a few friendlies I'd wager he would have the spot locked down by now. As it is he's probably not even going to be in the squad

[Dazz]

Originally Posted by El Capitano Gatisto If I was picked the England side it'd be: GK: Robinson DR: G. Neville DC: Terry DC: Campbell DL: Samuel MR: Beckham MC: Gerrard MC: Scholes ML: Thompson FC: Owen FC: Rooney Alan Thompson should have been given a good run in the team long ago. The diamond formation is shite. Paul Scholes is better than Lampard. Lampard has had a good season, but he hasn't impressed me when it has come to the matches against the Arsenal midfield. I think he is a good domestic player having a good season. Scholes is truly world class. J'Llord Samuel is more impressive than either Bridge or Ashley Cole. Cole is a liability, too, in that he gets wound up easily and international referees will punish him. Sven should quit the long ball, direct tactics, and look to play through Gerrard and Scholes, through the midfield. Give Scholes a chance to get into the box and amongst the goals, rather than looking for the shitty ball over the top to Owen.

Samuel's problem is that playing with Villa he hasn't got the experience, I think he will be great in years to come, and has played extremely well at Villa this season, and it has gone pretty much unnoticed by everyone except Villa fans, but when it comes to any form of European match, his experience is sweet F.A.

Lampard didn't play badly against the Arse, but Vieira did kinda shit all over the whole midfield . He also scored the first goal in the Champions League Quarters 2nd leg, and scored a good goal against monaco. If your talking about performances soley against big clubs this season, his pass to Joe Cole for his goal against Newcastle was top draw, he scored against Newcastle at the Bridge, and against United at the Bridge. He has by far been our best player this season, and has been vital in many matches, and unlike Scholes he doesn't dive in the box, and he doesn't do stupid challenges, he should be given a go, Scholes has not had the most impressive season, and Lampard deserves a spot more then Scholes IMO.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Scholes has been shoved around the United midfield by Alex Ferguson. Last season, he was the best player in the Premiership. He has still scored plenty of goals this season in an overall underpar United side. I just think that if you've got world class players, you have to play them because they have the ability to turn it on in the big games. Scholes can. You have to start him, because he is one of England's few genuinely world class performers.

[Dazz]

But the point is, he is not in form at the moment, Super Franky Lampard is. Did youw watch the match on Saturday? who would you rather have had playing for you in that game, Scholes or Lamps?

[El Capitano Gatisto]

If I was England manager, I'd have Scholes every time. Form is temporary, class is permanent. Scholes has class.

I bet if you asked most foreign players who they fear most in the England side, they'll say Scholes.

[Dazz]

I agree, Scholes is better then Lampard, but the point is, when someone is clearly in form, like Lampard, then I would rather have him then Scholes, who clearly isn't in form. Scholes can be the man all he wants, but recently he has not been very impressive.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Yeah but you start him anyway. It's like the last World Cup, when Beckham clearly wasn't fit to play, but he is such a presence it is better to put him in anyway. Or like Euro 2000, when Shearer missed most of the season before it.

You just have to play your talisman players, no matter what. Shearer didn't score for 3 years, or something silly, for England before Euro 1996. Sometimes giving them the chance is worth it, when you know the class is there.

Lampard has had a very good season. I think they could both fit in the side, to be honest, if Sven wanted to try Scholes playing off Owen, with a right footer playing on the left. Plenty of sides use right footers on the left, like Portugal with Figo and France with pires.

[Dazz]

You know, there were some very good points your brough up there.

Lampard can only play in the centre, and as Man United proved, 4-5-1 with Schole splaying off an attacker is far from impressive, I think use either one or the other, although having said thta our attack is shit, so anythings worth a try.

Joey Cole hasn't been bad for Chelsea when given the chance on the left, trouble is, he is rarely given the chance to play anywhere at Chelsea. .

[The Mask]

we aren't going to do anything anyway. our attacking options are far too poor/inconsistant and our defense is average at best.

[Dazz]

Our defence down the centre is fine, its the ful; backs that let us down, Owen is overrated and we have no good attackers, so I would agree with you about the attack.

[The Mask]

our centre defense would be fine, if half of our players in that position weren't out.

[Dazz]

Defence*

And I think that Terry and Campbell should be our first choice centre backs anyway, and our full backs are all fully fit.

[The Mask]

cry about it

[Wengerland]

I would play Scholes and Lampard,ECG is right about Scholes as his class should get him a starting place but Lampard's form has been good enough to earn a starting spot on merit,or deserve much more than any other midfield candidate who is on the fringes.

Defence did well in Turkey,and even though i think they're overrated as a side,they restricted them the chances.

[Danny Electric]

GK - James
DR - Carragher
DL - Bridge
DC - Canmpbell
DC - Terry
MR - Beckham
ML - Lampard
MC - Gerrard
MC - Scholes
FC - Owen
FC - Heskey

[Cactus Sid]

Originally Posted by packt up Hadn't really thought of Caragher at RB to be honest. I remember for the World Cup I was thinking yeah he would really do a job for us there and then he got injured . This year though I've hardly seen him so I guess I'll have to take Cactus' word on that he's had a good season . My problem with Carragher is that he doesn't offer a lot going forward. My liverpool supporter friends at uni say its an occasion if he even gets over the half way line!

He doesn't come forward that often, because he hasn't been able to. Last couple of months (when he's not filling in for Henchoz) he's got forward and played really well.

[Wengerland]

Sven has hinted that Carragher will be in the squad because of his versatility,which is pretty good because he didn't look out of place at centre back on saturday.

[Team Sheep]

England now joint 12th in the world with Cameroon.

[Wengerland]

The Rankings are a bunch of crap though,like a lot of Fifa things.

I mean how can Wales be so low despite winning against Scotland (and they're below them) and Hungary and getting to the playoffs.Also with Spain having to qualify through the playoffs i don't understand how they're third.Turkey are somehow 7th and Mexico could be between by at least 10 of the top 15 yet are 6th.

*rant over*

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Carragher is shit. Seriously, Sven is joking if he considers players like Carragher or Nicky Butt to be European Championship winning calibre.

Jermaine Defoe should be in the squad too. Potential break-out player.

[The Duck]

Not all players in the squad need to be European Championship winning calibre. The fact is, if needs neccessitate a versatile player to fill in and if Carragher's our only real English utility player, then surely for the purpose of the squad he should be included?

Butt has been wank for two years now, though the lack of first team football and injuries have certainly contributed to that. You can't forget his immense performances in Japan & Korea two years ago and he's 'probably' still the best English anchor man we have. (name me another?)

& Yes, Defoe should be in the squad. The guy's class and I've thought that for years. United should have picked him up, along with Saha in the Transfer window to the load up the attack (whilst getting shot of Forlan in the Summer). Ah well...