With Roy Hodgson coming into the England set-up after some minor heroics last season with WBA, will this be an England squad that appreciates the 'lesser' stars, or will it be the standard regime of Gerrard and Lampard?
Firstly, Michael Carrick - He should undoubtedly be going to the Euros. Week in, he's one of United's top performers. Yeah he's not flashy, but he keeps the ball, moves it very well, and covers the back four really well. He's been ignored by recent England managers, so here's hoping Hodgson will realise past mistakes and rectify them.
Secondly, Theo Walcott - This season, especially just prior to this little injury he's got, he's been very influential. Going purely from my 'fantasy football' experiences, he was almost always getting a goal or an assist a game towards the end. I'd like to see him be given the right wing back.
Thirdly, Grant Holt - OK, he's not 'forgotten' but I honestly think he's being overlooked. People seem intent on taking Bent, Welbeck, Rooney and Defoe, or something there abouts. Grant Holt has proven time and time again that he's capable of doing it against the very best. Just while writing this article he's gone and scored against Arsenal. He needs to be taken because he's shown he's got that knack for scoring.
Finally, Peter Crouch - It might not be a popular choice, but much like Holt, Crouch has shown he's in better form than Bent and Defoe. He offers us another option up front, something that I feel neither Bent nor Defoe does for us. This England squad needs to be based on form, not names, and Crouch has outperformed many other 'dead-certs'.
Year of the Forgotten Men?
posted on 5/5/12
I would've added Stoke and Arsenal to the 'teams' bit at the top but it wouldn't let me. I felt Norwich fans might have more to say on Holt, and I'd like their opinions on him.
posted on 5/5/12
terry lampard and gerrard should not go
instead lescott carrick and milner
posted on 5/5/12
Crouch Holt Rooney and Sturridge for me.
posted on 5/5/12
Nan - I might stretch to taking Lampard, when he has played he's played fairly well (in general), so I think he might still be able to do a job every other game or something. However, Gerrard shouldn't be near the team, he's been injured too much, and stats show Liverpool play worse when he's on the pitch!
posted on 5/5/12
Carrick should go and should start. I'd actual go with a (very unfashionable) pairing of Carrick and Barry... With Carrick given licence to get forward and instruct Rooney to drop deep, when required. It would be defensive midfield, but able to keep possesion and move the ball to our 4 attacking players.
Young and Walcott/Lennon very wide on the wings and Rooney and Welbeck up top. Walker and Cole can push forward... and Young and Walcott will need to put a shift in to track back.
In central defence, i'd go with Cahill and Terry in the middle... They know each other pretty well now and are a strong pairing.
How Hart in goal.
When Rooney is out, i'd go with Crouch alongside Welbeck... With Welbeck given a free role to get about the pitch (his link up play is good enough to play the #10 role).
Unfortunatly... We WILL see media darlings, Scott Parker, Gerrard and Lampard
posted on 5/5/12
Carrick should go and should start. I'd actual go with a (very unfashionable) pairing of Carrick and Barry... With Carrick given licence to get forward and instruct Rooney to drop deep, when required. It would be defensive midfield, but able to keep possesion and move the ball to our 4 attacking players.
Young and Walcott/Lennon very wide on the wings and Rooney and Welbeck up top. Walker and Cole can push forward... and Young and Walcott will need to put a shift in to track back.
In central defence, i'd go with Cahill and Terry in the middle... They know each other pretty well now and are a strong pairing.
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Agree with every bit of that.
posted on 5/5/12
I'd certainly take gerrard, still a top player, there's no point in dropping him just for the sake of it. I would play a 4-2-3-1 with Carrick & Leon Britton as the 2, they can both keep the ball which is what england have lacked in recent tournements.