Good players who Sven ignores..

[sinner78]

Lee Bowyer
Jonathon Greening
David Dunn
Alan Thompson
Jermaine Defoe


All players who could get in the squad but dont get selected .They've featured in previous squads but have been ditched after 1 or 2 games.
I think that Defoe and thompson in particular would be good additions to the euro 2004 squad.

[Andy Bennett]

I think Defoe should definitely do to Euro 2004. Over the past 12 months he's been dangerous for both West Ham and Spurs.

I've seen a bit of Thompson but probably not enough to make a proper judgement. bearing in mind our left sided problems I think he's definitely worth a shout, though.

Not sure about the other 3 to be honest.

I like Bowyer but when he's playing I'm never too sure he's not going to get a rush of blood to the head and crock someone or start squaring up to them and get sent off. Same thing for young Smith at Leeds. He seems to play with a permanent scowl on his face. Strange really, because he seems a nice enough lad when I've seen him talking on the box.

[sinner78]

Bowyer was the most in-form midfielder in english football until sven ditched him after one game.
He was a hard tackling ,goalscoring ,100% committed player who would've been just what we needed .then sven ditched him and he totally lost his form and confidence.
He is the type of player who could bag 20 goals from midfield a season when in form.

Defoe looks razor sharp for tottenham and I would prefer him ahead of alan smith.he is a cut above beattie.

[sendorange]

I can't stand Greening, he was hopeless at times for the U-21s.

The others you listed I agree with. Bowyer in his peak form at Leeds was superb, he has fallen apart since the court case though, he was awful in his time at West Ham, so I can understand why he ain't been picked.

Defoe is class, but he's another midget striker. He could easily come in for Owen or Vassell, but I'd rather Sven showed faith with Smith, who I rate the highest out of all the strikers apart from Owen and Rooney. Smith's got everything, passion, pace, strength and skill.

[sinner78]

Bowyer didnt fall apart because of the court case.he fell apart because sven ditched him after only one game .Bowyer revelled in the pressure surrounding the court case and produced his best form....It was like he was on a mission to get in the england squad. He totally lost his confidence after being dropped after just one game .
It was woodgate who fell apart because of the courst case.

Defoe is a goalscorer but smith doesnt seem to be as good at putting the ball in the net.

[sendorange]

I dunno about that, I know Woodgate definitely wasted away during the court case, was looking for a long time like a human skeleton.

But although Bowyer played better than ever during it, he seemed to fall apart afterwards, especially with all that fallout from the judge calling him a liar and yet Bowyer getting away with no punishment. I don't think only getting 1 cap helped, but I wouldn't pin it purely on that.

[Andy Bennett]

Originally posted by sendorange
Defoe is class, but he's another midget striker. He could easily come in for Owen or Vassell, but I'd rather Sven showed faith with Smith, who I rate the highest out of all the strikers apart from Owen and Rooney. Smith's got everything, passion, pace, strength and skill.
Vassell's an odd one. In an England shirt he's looked unbeatable more than once but he's been completely invisible for Villa. Most strange.

As a naturally gifted player, though, young Smith takes some beating but I just can't get away from this feeling that he's maybe an accident waiting to happen.

I don't know... As has been said before, if he's given some responsibility he might respond to it and conentrate on his game rather than squabbling with the opposition and the officials.

[Matt Clark]

Lee Bowyer has been injured for most of the season and has only just played his first reserve game for Newcastle, so he was hardly likely to feature.

Greening is awful.

Thompson is a valid point - we should at least have a look at him.

Defoe will be involved in the final warm-up game and could well force his way into the squad.

David Dunn has done nothing/been injured for Birmingham this season. It's not just about being good, it's about being good at the right time. Ask Darren Anderton.

[geordienation]

I've watched Bowyer all season long. He's been injured as of late, but back in the fall he was fairly dreadful.

I just don't see him making it onto the field for Euro 2004.

[DigitalTron]

I'd have to agree with sendorange on this one. If I were Sven taking on one of those players, it would have to be Smith. He's clearly got the class and deterimination to play a variety of roles either up top or in midfield. IMHO, if he ever gets correctly coached and focused, he has the talent to be an extremely good player. Who knows, maybe I'm so impressed because he reminds me of an English Ben Olsen with his give everything style and intuitive play.

I think Defoe will get his chance. He's the natural goal scorer, but as send points out, England has a wealth of talent at that smallish forward spot.

Bowyer has the talent, but he's probably not the type of wildcard that would make the chemistry of the team come together, and I doubt Sven considers him unless he has an extended run of form where he's clearly better than the starter on the England team. Demeanor issue there.

Another player who I think should be getting more time in the England setup is Hargreaves. IMHO, he's just the type of player that England needs, no matter where he's played.

-Digital

[NY via SE18]

Add Wrighty to this list! Pace, control, and DESIRE! Need I say more? Give him a friendly and see what he does - -surely thats a better idea than seeing the same old boring regulars pass the ball about. We need some creativity, pace, and energy. Wrighty brings all of these qualities and has done well for City. What say you?

[bergkamp10]

Don't forget about Shaun Wright Phillips. He deserves a spot in the squad.

[sendorange]

It's quite possible that Wright-Phillips will get in there. Becks wants to play in centre mid and it seems like Sven is keen on that. Would create an opportunity for Wrighty, but Dyer would be his direct competition for that place.

[sinner78]

Originally posted by sendorange
It's quite possible that Wright-Phillips will get in there. Becks wants to play in centre mid and it seems like Sven is keen on that. Would create an opportunity for Wrighty, but Dyer would be his direct competition for that place.

What position does wright-phillips play for man city??? i've seen him play all over the park for man city in various games .could be a handy utility player.

[sendorange]

He has played in loads of positions for City, fullback, wingback, centre mid, striker..... but for me the place he's looked best is right wing, taking on fullbacks with his pace and not having to defend.

He's got great pace, good skills and can score. But his final ball can be a bit wayward, if he works on that then he'll be top class, as it is I reckon he might get a chance during the Sweden game.

[NY via SE18]

Agreed, he looks best on right wing. I think he can give the squad some of the spark we've been missing. The guys with the 'guaranteed' spots seem to be going thru the motions - where's the passion? Give some of the younger, hungrier in-form players a shot in a friendly.

[WatfordFC Fan]

Sven needs to take a gamble as he sees it and let Thompson have his chance. Why ignore him when he could be the solution we need. I would like to see Defoe given more of a chance, as he's always played well when I have seen him. However, there is no one who has impressed me more than Wright-Phillips. This lad is class, and he has the pace and skill to get in the side. He would surely be a great player to bring on as a sub when the opposing defence is tiring. Let's hope Sven sees the light and gives them a chance in the next friendly, as I have usually been left slightly disappointed with his decisions.

[RevPOWA]

Wright Philips definitely deserves an appearance for England. He plays like a Brazillian. Second to Joaquin I can see him becoming the best RM out there. I really wish he could play for the USMNT...in my dreams.

[bigshow]

Gareth Barry of Aston Villa

[afgrijselijkheid]

you know what i think: smitty!

and sinner... nobody loved bowyer when he was at leeds more than me, but 20 goal talent from the outside? a bit much, no?