Analyzing the Opponents: England[R for Friendlies] - Part 3

Walcott and Bent supposedly the first omissions from England's 23.

 

Adam Johnson is one of the other casualties apparently.

 

What's the word on Barry?

I would've taken Johnson, he's a monster.

 

The word is that Barry's fitness is looking very positive.

Also, Leighton Baines has been omitted.

 

You're kidding me? Does that mean they're taking Warnock to back up Cole?

 

Yup...and it looks like Barry is definitely in as well.

 

From BBC:

According to bettingpro.com, Leighton Baines, Tom Huddlestone, Scott Parker and Michael Dawson will join Theo Walcott, Darren Bent and Adam Johnson as the seven not going to South Africa. Transfer deadline day ain't got nothing on this. It's carnage.​

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8715254.stm

 

Amazing the difference from the US unveiling. It's all leaks, for every player. From journalists, clubs, friends, friends of friends, players, relatives, etc. It's like Hollywood and Washington DC rolled up into one. And it's all on twitter.

 

Hmmm. So, my assessment of Dempsey and Donovan over Lennon and Walcott was not far off in Cap's eyes.

In addition my Konchesky over Baines is not as far are as some would have thought.

Shame about Johnson. Thought he is exactly the kind of player you need in teh WC.

 

Even as an Arsenal supporter, I'm not surprised with Walcott. He has that ability to change a game late, but he could use a summer off, use time out of the spotlight, etc. He's been hurt in part by injuries, but also in part by the sort of "prospect" mentality that is rampant in the U.S. as well.

As for his replacement though...it makes no sense. Do you take the guy who was Man City's best player in the second half of the season, or a guy who plays the same position and is rooted to Man City's bench? This should not have been more clear-cut.

With Milner and Cole the strongest outside midfielders on the roster now (and the stay at home Carragher probably a stronger right back than the marauding Johnson), is there a tactical re-think?

 

I'm shocked Walcott not in the squad. The press was way off with that one. The word was he had a difficult time in training with his crosses. Baines out because he gets homesick.

 

none of this is confirmed properly yet

 

Wow, no Walcott on England roster. This is great news for USA IMO. I pegged him as most troubling over a month ago as who can come close to his speed in our backline. Yes, his decision making and finishing aren't polished after he beats a defender, but he could have run by Spector, Dolo, Borstein, Boca whoever all day. Wright-Phillips and Lennon are good, but better matchups for USA IMO.

BTW, Grant Wahl tweets suggest he feels the same and suggests keeping LD on left to track back on Lennon?

9 more days to go

 

How so?

 

Walcott is so overrated.

 

Can speed be overrated??? Bradley doesn't seem to think so as his selection of Findley was based on nothing more.

 

England=The New York Jets. LMAO great write up. It's so true they'll never win it again and their fans will never shut up.

 

Walcott and Findley have nothing to do with each other. Walcott is overrated. His final ball is dreadful.

 

Walcott would be an instant starter for the US. His performances in the friendlies cost him a spot.

 

Shola Ameobi would make the USMNT 23 but that still doesn't change the fact Walcott is vastly overrated.

 

Just comparing two players whose best quality is speed. One surprisingly made USA roster while one missed out. So while they may have nothing to do with each other I find it intersting how speed was valued so much by one team and not so by another.

BTW, I don't recall seeing Findley have more than one nice final ball for the YANKS.

 

Speed not valued by England??? If the rumors re the squad are to be believed, Lennon and SWP are in the final 23. They aren't slow...

 

This....Both are similar in speed, but have better technique with the ball.

 

Defoe, Lennon, and SWP on the pitch at the same time scares me. We are sorely lacking speed in back.

 

USMNT = Houston Texans

As a fan of both, that really works for me.