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[Murrr]

Goalkeepers
Green
James
Robinson

Defenders
A. Cole
Warnock or Bridge, can't decide between them
Johnson
Brown
Terry
Ferdinand
Lescott
Jagielka (if he gets over his injuries, class player)

Midfielders
J. Cole
Young
Milner
Lennon
Lampard
Gerrard
Barry
Carrick

Strikers
Rooney
Crouch
Defoe
Bent

[Original Spies]

I don't think Owen is finished just yet. I enjoy watching him play at the moment. He was certainly an absolute flop with absolutely no enthusiasm or respect for the club in his last season at Newcastle, but you can see just how much he has upped his game since coming to United. He's very intelligent on the shoulder of defenders, and he makes excellent runs away from defenders, rarely being caught offside. He's certainly not as quick or as dangerous, but the mental aspect of his game is quite something. The goals he has scored this season prove that. His record speaks for itself, regardless of how long he can maintain the ratio.


I can't be bothered naming a whole squad, but I'll propose what I think is our strongest 11:

GK:Green

RB: Brown, CB: Ferdinand (based on the form he can hopefully get back to), CB: Terry, LB: A.Cole

RM: Walcott, CM: Lampard, CM: Gerrard, LM: J. Cole

ST: Rooney, ST: A rotation of Defoe, Heskey and Crouch



Right midfield can include Beckham for his passing which always influences England games, and Lennon, for being frighteningly fast, though he should be brought on in the last 15 minutes if we need to get forward quickly. Gerrard can be pushed out onto the left, with Barry, Carrick, or Hargreaves (if he returns as soon as is being predicted) to discipline the midfield. Gerrard could also be pushed forward as a supporting striker behind Rooney when pressure needs to be applied.

I've left out Glen Johnson. He's just not a good full back. He's going to be a defensive liability, especially considering how ropey the defence is anyway. Cole is good at bombing back and forth, and knowing exactly when to do it. Brown isn't a strong centre back battling attacks as they come in, but he is a solid right back, stopping build ups and crosses at the source.

Carragher turned his back on England, didn't he? God I hope so. He's awful.

[Shaki]

aberdeen-music.com, unofficial sponsors of the England Team.

[cap'n euan]

If France get rid of Domenech, they've got a squad capable of reaching at least the semi finals. Personally, I can't bet against Spain. If the Casillas-Puyol-Xavi-Torres spine of the team remains fit, they've got a real chance.

England? Hah, no thanks. Like most Scots, I'll be supporting Japan, just because.

[Adam Easy Wishes]

Germany at 10/1 is a great bet.

[cap'n euan]

Originally Posted by Adam Easy Wishes

Germany at 10/1 is a great bet.

I suppose it is, but Joachim Low's had a relatively bumpy time as manager. He can't seem to get the best out of players like Miroslav Klose, who's a hero at international level.

It's worth a fiver at the very least though. They always seem to be thereabouts at big tournaments.

[cap'n euan]

Originally Posted by Murrr

Strikers[/B]
Defoe
Bent

I reckon that pairing would get more goals than a partnership involving Rooney. Am I mad?

Like so:

Green (GK)
Johnson (RB) Terry (CB) Ferdinand (CB) A. Cole (LB)
Carrick (DM)
Lampard (CM) Gerrard (CM)
Rooney (AM)
Bent (ST) Defoe (ST)

The diamond, baby.

[Free Korps]

England

GK
Kirkland

DEF
Bramble
Boyce

so far...

[milesdyson]

I must admit - and it pains me to do so - but England have a very good chance this time. Their players and backroom staff are as good as any of your Brazils or Spains; although I think Spain are probably slightly better on paper. This creates more potential for an even bigger upset when Portugal knock them out in the quarter final on penalties! I'm going with Japan, Australia as the teams I will be supporting. Just 'cause. I think Spain, Brazil or England will win though. Ivory Coast will be the best contenders of the African nations although I can see South Africa getting past the group stages.

[Adam Easy Wishes]

Originally Posted by cap'n euan

I reckon that pairing would get more goals than a partnership involving Rooney. Am I mad?

Like so:

Green (GK)
Johnson (RB) Terry (CB) Ferdinand (CB) A. Cole (LB)
Carrick (DM)
Lampard (CM) Gerrard (CM)
Rooney (AM)
Bent (ST) Defoe (ST)

The diamond, baby.

Swap Carrick for a fit Hargreaves and Bent for a target man.