England v Switzerland-Match Thread- Wed. 6 Feb-Wembley Stadium-8p.m.[R]

[three lions]

Let's try to keep the discussions in this thread match related for the regulars and guests. Thanks

[three lions]

Here is the lineup I would like to see take the field to start the game.

---------------Kirkland-------------------

Richards----Rio-----Woodgate----A. Cole

--------------Hargreaves-------------

Bentley or SWP----------------J. Cole

--------------Gerrard-------------

------------Rooney
--------------Owen

[kjarv32]

I'm really looking for Agbonlahor and Bentley to get a chance - I hope so.

[three lions]

Capello's pre-match press conference/w video link (http://www.thefa.com/England/SeniorTeam/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2008/02/EnglandSwitzerland_CapelloPress.htm)

[three lions]

I'm really looking for Agbonlahor and Bentley to get a chance - I hope so.

The former is injured and not playing in this match.

[three lions]

England training at Wembley Video (http://www.thefa.com/England/SeniorTeam/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2008/02/EnglandSwitzerland_trainingWembley.htm)

http://www.thefa.com/NR/rdonlyres/B3CA0A17-631D-4526-8A57-A7659FD61687/132115/CapelloTraining_L.jpg

[E17Avenue]

Three Lions, that's about my first 11 too.

Hopefully I can survive this thread without having malt loaf thrown at me...

[three lions]

This thread will/should have in-game commentary. There are several regular posters that will provide match insight during the game, for those that are unable to view it tomorrow. We are lucky in the England Forum as we have several knowledgable regulars who provide quality commentary.

[leafdolfan]

Here is the lineup I would like to see take the field to start the game.

---------------Kirkland-------------------

Richards----Rio-----Woodgate----A. Cole

--------------Hargreaves-------------

Bentley or SWP----------------J. Cole

--------------Gerrard-------------

------------Rooney
--------------Owen

It will probably be James in net, but I think today's u-21 performance proved that Hart should get a shot.

[kjarv32]

Bummer - IMHO Defoe is a none too shabby alternative to Agbonlahor though.

It would be nice to see Capello mix it up a bit. Interestingly he watched Bentley and Agbonlahor (among others) at Villa last month, so I am encouraged that he IS paying attention to the clubs ignored historically by previous managers.

[E17Avenue]

There's not enough England players left at the "big clubs". He has to widen his search to the Villas, Blackburns, etc... It's in the pack chasing UEFA Cup places and maybe Liverpool's CL spot that most of the England hopefuls can be found.

Hart is a good keeper, he will get his chance. Like most of the U-21s, most of the squad that played tonight would be a fringe senior squad player at least. They only have one quali game left so maybe that will give some of them a chance in the senior team. Walcott's finish tonight was clinical. He needs a lot more like that.

[The Jitty Slitter]

What happened with Barry?

Is he injured or just dropped out of sight?

[Prenn]

What happened with Barry?

Is he injured or just dropped out of sight?

The rumoured line-up is:

------------------James--------------------
Brown----Ferdinand------Upson-----Cole----
---------Gerrard---------Hargreaves--------
Bentley--------Cole---------------Young----
------------------Rooney-------------------

That's 4-2-3-1 with Cole playing behind Rooney, there's no place for Barry because he's not as good as Gerrard or Hargreaves ;)

[Arsenal_pwns_all]

There are so many things wrong about that lineup that I don't know where to start. Maybe after the match people will understand why I do not rate Capello.

[Mad2Ad]

The rumoured line-up is:

------------------James--------------------
Brown----Ferdinand------Upson-----Cole----
---------Gerrard---------Hargreaves--------
Bentley--------Cole---------------Young----
------------------Rooney-------------------

That's 4-2-3-1 with Cole playing behind Rooney, there's no place for Barry because he's not as good as Gerrard or Hargreaves ;)

Upson in defence wtf.

Gerrard aint gunna be playing any better for us there then he did under McClaren. hope Owen isn't dropped for competitive matches but i dnt really care he aint playing tonight. Owen is the only stricker i have confidence with rooney still needs to prove himself in my opinion.

hope young and bently are playing then we will have loads of pace and good crossers of the ball.

Joe cole should do alright unless the swiss go well defensive.

[Prenn]

I've seen the formation as a 4-4-2 but it doesn't make sense to me like that. I really think it's 4-2-3-1.

[sinner78]

4-2-3-1 is the best formation in football.
all the best teams play it.
italy ,real madrid ,roma ,etc

[leafdolfan]

4-2-3-1 is the best formation in football.
all the best teams play it.
italy ,real madrid ,roma ,etc

If we do play a 4-2-3-1 I just hope Rooney isn't the sole striker, I hope he plays in one of the 3 "attacking midfield roles" cause we all know how effective he is when used as a number nine...

[AnyLuckForEngland?]

Just heard Owen will be on the bench. I think that's great news, it means everyone has to earn their place.

[E17Avenue]

The players listed in the 4-2-3-1 would be better playing a 4-1-4-1 with Gerrard and Cole as the creators in the middle, Hargreaves cleaning up at the back.

Why people try to waste Gerrard in the rear half of midfield is beyond me.

I agree on the statement about Rooney, he does seem to play better as a 2nd attacker rather than a lone front man. But then again where has he played for Man U? Do they even have a formation or do they just pile all those players forward? Seems Man U play something like 4-1-5 half the time.