England and the World Cup

[anotherdouble]

I would not of picked Gerrard or Lampard. They are not going to be around for the next World Cup and therefore without any expectations for this one why not go the whole hog and blood all new talent for next euros and World Cup. Extreme I know but it might of worked.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Gerrard is England captain and you wouldn't have picked him :mmm:

 

[anotherdouble]

Got nothing to do Phil with who he plays for, what he done in the past, who I support. It was purely based on my own thinking of the future. End of. No sinister thoughts at all.

 

[sev112]

Never liked Henderson, and have always though Gerrard has under performed formhisntalent at international level
I think Barklay is great
BUT

The combination of Gerrard sitting back with Henderson going forward has been a key part of Liverpool's success. Add Sterling's speed and Sturridge's form, gives us a solid Liverpool form basis. And that should help with Johnson as well. I think Lampard will be a substitute, or in the unlikely event that we are defending a lead and we need some experience.

The threesome of Rooney, Welbeck and Sturridge's looked good in the games up to now.

Personally I think it's an exciting squad and so I'm conservatively suggesting we will win the final 3-0

But seriously, I'm looking forward to watching this team.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Yes understand the future but this tournament is now - it's the World Cup not a warm up kickabout in the park

Yes you take youngsters with you but you also need to have experience mixed in

And you certainly take your captain

 

[Imurg]

I don't get the whole "give the youngsters the experience" argument. What are you wanting them to build for? This is the pinnacle, play your best team, have a go at winning it or don't even bother turning up. If a couple of boys for the future get a taste of it and it helps them next time round so much the better, but have a go now and, if necessary, put the old guys out to grass afterwards.

+1
Spot on.
Plenty of time to build in September

 

[anotherdouble]

A World Cup situated in a continent where a country from outside that continent has never won the competition. The here and now methodology has never gained success in the past. It could be said that if Sir Alf did not made change we might not have won it 40 odd years ago. If people had balls 4 years ago, everybody that served up that trash in South Africa would never have worn the white shirt again

 

[Liverbirdie]

I don't get the whole "give the youngsters the experience" argument. What are you wanting them to build for? This is the pinnacle, play your best team, have a go at winning it or don't even bother turning up. If a couple of boys for the future get a taste of it and it helps them next time round so much the better, but have a go now and, if necessary, put the old guys out to grass afterwards.

Spot on, people always say it at club level also - does my head in.

It can also put young players back if they are all thrown in and dont perform or get spanked. Yes throw a few in, but you'll always need some experience.

Milner/Henderson at right back - could do a lot worse, dont think Smalling is up to it.

Overall, I think Roy has picked a good squad, with what was available to him, and also taking form into account.

 

[richart]

I don't get the whole "give the youngsters the experience" argument. What are you wanting them to build for? This is the pinnacle, play your best team, have a go at winning it or don't even bother turning up. If a couple of boys for the future get a taste of it and it helps them next time round so much the better, but have a go now and, if necessary, put the old guys out to grass afterwards.

You do seem to be implying we have some sort of chance of doing well.

Personally think we have none, so rather than play old players that have failed before, lets go with the kids, no baggage, and if they don't do well, they will have some experience for next time.

Just my opinion.

 

[richart]

I would have played Cole at right back. Not like you come across many International teams that actually play with a winger, so full backs tend to push in anyway. Personally not keen on wingers playing on the wrong side, as they always cut back inside, but full backs are a different matter. (Robben is not bad at cutting back inside mind you )

 

[chrisd]

I would have played Cole at right back. Not like you come across many International teams that actually play with a winger, so full backs tend to push in anyway. Personally not keen on wingers playing on the wrong side, as they always cut back inside, but full backs are a different matter. (Robben is not bad at cutting back inside mind you )

What do you know about football Rich? You support Reading!

 

[evahakool]

Don't think we will get out of the group stages, defence looks really weak to me,can't understand how some think Johnson should get a start after some of his performances this season, for me it all depends how Hodgson sets up his team, if he goes with a attack minded team with the young players given a chance we might have a chance of progressing. But given his track recond I think he will choose to play in a very cautious way, which will lead to yet another frustrating World Cup for England fans.

 

[richart]

What do you know about football Rich? You support Reading!

I am an expert on failure, and how not to play.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

I am an expert on failure, and how not to play.

Are you not Roy Hodgson

 

[sev112]

It doesn't matter who we take- we face Uruguay, Italy and Costa Rica - the latter of whom are no easy pickings.

We have got the same chance of winning as getting out of that group! The same applies to Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica by the way! None of them would choose to be in a group with England.

Personally I think we could do quite well with that pressure off!

 

[Marshy77]

No great surprises really, main one being taking Lampard but understand what he brings/brought to the team/squad.

Main worry being our defence, can see Jagielka getting left for dead by Suarez and anyone attacking our right side having a field day but still confident we'll make it out of the group.

I'd definitely start with Sterling, Henderson, Gerrard, Lalanna and Sturridge plus Rooney.

 

[Papas1982]

No great surprises really, main one being taking Lampard but understand what he brings/brought to the team/squad.

Main worry being our defence, can see Jagielka getting left for dead by Suarez and anyone attacking our right side having a field day but still confident we'll make it out of the group.

I'd definitely start with Sterling, Henderson, Gerrard, Lalanna and Sturridge plus Rooney.

I agree, our defence is clearly not as strong as its been in the past. So why not try and attack from the off. I think this squad is quite exciting. Not sure how Jones, Smalling and Welbeck made it. Shows our lack of depth. But if we play to our strengths, we could surprise a few. Id say getting out of the group is doable. At the same time i'd suggest all four nations think the same.

At least we have 6 weeks to be optimistic.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I am an expert on failure, and how not to play.

Are you not Roy Hodgson

As a Fulham fan managed by Hodgson I am THE expert on failure, although a glorious European one. I think a mix of youth and experience for this comp (Gerrard, Milner) will be the way he goes. I'd love to see him play three up front as the pace of Sturridge and Sterling would scare the pants of defences with Rooney as the sniffer in the middle

 

[Papas1982]

As a Fulham fan managed by Hodgson I am THE expert on failure, although a glorious European one. I think a mix of youth and experience for this comp (Gerrard, Milner) will be the way he goes. I'd love to see him play three up front as the pace of Sturridge and Sterling would scare the pants of defences with Rooney as the sniffer in the middle

So you didn't enjoy your time with Roy? I'd of though in light of recent events a boring safe status in the prem would be good?

I hope whatever formation he plays Sturridge is played up top, he isnt half the player when not playing as a striker.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I am an expert on failure, and how not to play.

Are you not Roy Hodgson

So you didn't enjoy your time with Roy? I'd of though in light of recent events a boring safe status in the prem would be good?

I hope whatever formation he plays Sturridge is played up top, he isnt half the player when not playing as a striker.

I did enjoy it and to be honest had he not had his head turned by Liverpool and stayed another season or two we could have been a decent top half side with maybe a cup run to enjoy. Still that was then. As for England, it will be what it will be. Weeks of massive press hype, failure to get out of the group (in my own opinion) and then weeks of finger pointing and blame apportioning