England Team Thread

[nakamura]

Overall it isn't too bad but I wouldn't have taken Gerrard as he has been pretty average this season. I would have taken Lampard as he has really impressed me and good to have some age around. Carroll a big no no, potential yes but his attitude stinks though I hope he gets better. I would have taken Crouch as he is very usefull. Downing is rubbish.

[Kieran76]

Agree with most of what you said, but dropping Gerrard seems like madness to me.

[Kit]

I can see why he's taken Carroll - despite not scoring many he's put in some great performances - but Downing!? really?? he's had an absolutely shocking season.

[Plough Boy]

I know he won't get a game but - John Ruddy - \o/.

[Adrock]

I can see why he's taken Carroll - despite not scoring many he's put in some great performances - but Downing!? really?? he's had an absolutely shocking season.

He has a left foot that isnt worse than his right foot.

[nakamura]

Agree with most of what you said, but dropping Gerrard seems like madness to me.

Perhaps, but it is about time big steps were made. Gerrard wouldn't get a start that is for sure. Still think the guy is good, just not at his best.

[Adrock]

Same old same old.

Do you think there's some guy at the FA who's picked all the England squads for the last ten years (all one of them) and they just wheel a manager out who'll pretend they're doing it? At least three of those standbys should be in the squad. Gerrard and Lampard! That can't possibly go wrong!

When it does go wrong it wont be because they cant play together. It'll be because the team will be playing Hodgson's brand of old style English football.

The Euros are gonna be poor viewing this year for England fans.

[hudson]

Low expectations is the ticket to a good Euros for England.

C'mon! (Echo...water drip...sigh)

[rmoxon]

He has a left foot that isnt worse than his right foot.

Surely Adam Jhonson would have been a better choice in that regard? I know he plays on the right a lot for city.. But still...

In fact Young on the left and Johnson on the right sounds pretty good to me, as they could both swap sides to mix things up if need be.

[Anpanman]

Same old same old.

Gerrard and Lampard! That can't possibly go wrong!

Haha, I know.

Still, they play great together in FIFA 2010!

[parkinho]

Lampard ruled out due to injury, big shame as for me he is our most composed player in possession and this would likely have been his last major tournament for England. Would really have liked to see Carrick in the squad over Henderson, a very underrated player in my eyes.

Will be interesting to see if Saturday's friendly is used to experiment or if Roy will go with the team he has in mind for our opening game of the tournament against France.

[Baseley09]

Mega blow, like when Becks was ruled out of the world cup, I had no faith in Henderson whatsoever. Though, he could do a Hargreaves (surprise everyone with his amazing talents I mean, not get mortally wounded).

[Nu-Eclipse]

Perhaps, but it is about time big steps were made. Gerrard wouldn't get a start that is for sure. Still think the guy is good, just not at his best.

Not totally disagreeing with that, although I'm not so sure how anyone can say that they've seen much of him this season to judge him when he has been injury-plagued for the majority of it. I'm wondering who would get the nod ahead of Gerrard, especially as Lampard is now crocked.

It's all academic, anyway - It's no secret that many people expect Gerrard to retire from International Football after the Euros. Clearly, his body can no longer stand up to the rigours of both International and Prem Football.

[JU!]

Lamps out nightmare. Henderson in . Don't wanna be hard on him but has hardly set the world alight at Liverpool. Would be interesting to see him in his natural position of central Midfield. Hopin Ox-Chambo gets a go through the middle.

Mega blow, like when Becks was ruled out of the world cup, I had no faith in Henderson whatsoever. Though, he could do a Hargreaves (surprise everyone with his amazing talents I mean, not get mortally wounded).

Saw Hargreaves best bits on BBC Sport the other day after he got released by Man C. So sad, was truly one of the best defensive Midfielders in the world at the time. and absolutely rapid pace wise. Shame he prob can't get back to this level.

[nakamura]

Not totally disagreeing with that, although I'm not so sure how anyone can say that they've seen much of him this season to judge him when he has been injury-plagued for the majority of it. I'm wondering who would get the nod ahead of Gerrard, especially as Lampard is now crocked.

It's all academic, anyway - It's no secret that many people expect Gerrard to retire from International Football after the Euros. Clearly, his body can no longer stand up to the rigours of both International and Prem Football.

That is the reason I wouldn't have started him had Lampard been fit. I've always backed him for England over Lampard but a mixture of form and fitness would have kept him out this time for me.

I just think it is time to try something new. I've said it a million times, we are miles too rigid in our approach to formations.

When you think over all of those years we spent desperate for a left sided player and nowadays nobody even plays on their 'correct' side! We just don't adapt as a nation in terms of the national team.