BoxRec

Was it just me, or did anyone else notice how much better England looked with Wright Phillips on the right instead of Beckham, proves what I've been saying for ages, England are too predictable with Beckham on the right, and less direct. Beckham never runs at players, and Shaun does, and he can cross the ball in well. Shaun looked dynamite in the short time he was on, he HAS to be selected for the squad.

I'd agree with that the defenders were terrified everytime Wright-Phillips got the ball. Also a great start for us under Staunton easy 3-0 win over Sweden. I wouldnt think you guys should have anything to fear from the Swedes

I've been saying for quite a long time now that England should have SWP on the right and not Beckham.

Bent looked like he could become a good member of the squad too, he worked really hard in there, and got in good positions, looked strong, quick and agile.

I feel that Sven daren't not pick beckham, and I admit that Beckham is a good all around player, but we need someone out on the right who is prepared to make runs, not just cross the ball in. The top sides in the world are ready for that tactic and prepared to defend against it.

As far as England friendlies under Erikkson go, last night wasn't too bad a performance. Amazing what can happen when Sven isn't allowed to make 86 substitutions.

Yes, Wright-Phillips looked good when he came on, and when he's in the mood like that he can really unsettle defenders. But there's as much chance of him starting at the world cup as there is of me getting a late call-up.

Thought Crouch added to some real uncertainty in the Uruguay back 4 as well. He's much derided, but I can see him being a real nuisance in Germany.

Thought the game was pretty boring.

Nice to see the lads back in action though & even though i wasn't really impressed with the way we played we got a win.

While he lasted, I thought Bridge made a good claim for the left-back position too. He’s good enough coming forward, but more importantly he’s defensively minded when need be, unlike Ashley Cole who too often seems to be left up the wrong end of the pitch following one of his runs, as the opposition break down his flank.

If not Bridge, Carragher did little wrong. Cole shouldn’t start in the first 11 in Germany in my opinion. Being a “flashy” left-back is all well and good, but not when it leads to space on the right for the other team to whip in crosses.

SWP played well, for sure. I would worry about his lack of first team play this season though. He played well, yesterday, but is he always that good or did he just have a good game? Its hard to say, and dropping Beckham (captain) is a big call, especially with a potential impact in unsettling the team.

That said, I’d have no qualms with John Terry being made captain tomorrow.

If anyone should be dropped, Rio Ferdinand.

I wouldn't start Wright-Philips ahead of Beckham, but he's an excellent option to have on the bench. He definitely offers something different. For me, Carrick and Crouch are now a lock to go, and I think I speak for a silent majority in wishing that Erickson had the nuts to drop Rio Ferdinand and replace him with the much more reliable (and basically much better) Jamie Carragher.

Lay off Beckam. He HAS to play its as simple as that. His setpieces and passing skills are invaluble and he tracks back and defends well.

One big mistake I think England are going to make is picking Crouch just as they picked Heskey in the past. They pick Crouch and I guarantee they will start playing the long ball game, which doesn't work in international football. England will be starved of the ball against top passing teams just like in past tournaments.

Ferdinand is a liability, he was piss poor last night. I think Beckham's legs have gone, he just looks a step too slow and not sharp. Even his set pieces were mediocre. As for Joe Cole, well he is turning out to be the player everyone thought he would be. He was outstanding, surely the most complete performance in an England shirt in a long time bar Rooney. Wright Phillips is better off the bench I think when the other team are knackered. You English are looking pretty good for the world cup though.

What about Carrick and Lampard midfield with Gerrard on the bench? Sounds drastic but I would go with that. Gerrard does not have the discipline for the holding role, Carrick was excellent in that position last night and rarely gives away possession.

What's happened to Sven's lovechild - Hargreaves?

nickd wrote: What's happened to Sven's lovechild - Hargreaves?

Don't worry I'm sure he'll be in the squad and ready to save the day with 10 minutes to go when England are 1-0 down in the quarter final.

I agree with your idea of Carrick-Lampard. Gerrard is a great player but has he really ever produced it consistently when playing for England; just wish someone would tell him to calm down a bit and play a few less 50 yard passes and 35 yard shots on goal.

I think Rio would be fine in a Championship; always has been so far.

And Foggy if you thought that game was boring and the performance not that good you're very hard to please!

How fornicating good was that Uraguay goal though, really. I remember thinking as the ball floated out to their striker "if this goes in, that's plain unfair" before this freakish volley comes out and dips under the bar at 2 million mph.

Lefthookhappy19 wrote:
One big mistake I think England are going to make is picking Crouch just as they picked Heskey in the past. They pick Crouch and I guarantee they will start playing the long ball game, which doesn't work in international football. England will be starved of the ball against top passing teams just like in past tournaments.

Hmmm... Crouch won't start though will he. That will be Owen & Rooney. Crouch will be on the bench, and only come on if there is an injury, or England aren't finding a way through and need to try something different. Crouch certainly offers that. He reminds me of Jan Koller, who was a right pain in the arse to mark during the last world cup for most teams, and created space for his strike partner.

I'd take him in the squad.

Gerrard does everything better than Lampard, so there's no way he should be the one to make way. He doesn't score quite as many at domestic level (I reckon their international records are fairly similar, though I'm not sure), but his all round game is much better. Better passer, better tackler... just better.