Typically, someone on the bench who makes it on to the field is a striker. If you use all 3 subs then it isn't likely that one of them would be the goalie (James). For my starting 11 based on current injuries etc, I would go with. Robinson Richards, Ferdinand (with strict instructions to stay awake and not be so careless), Terry (no grabbing the ref's hands when showing a red), Cole Cole, Gerrard, Hargreaves, Barry, Wright-Phillips Rooney This would be a 4-5-1 against Russia. Not sure about against Estonia. On the subs bench I would have the ability to choose 3 from the following 7 James, G.Neville, Lampard, Lennon, Carrick, Crouch, Bent,
GK Robinson (though Foster deserves a chance when he's fit and Carson too) RB Richards (possibel CB in future, but he's playing so well there why change?) CB Terry CB Ferdinand LB Cole (Shorey as cover) RW SWP (Lennon as cover, Beckham as a different option) DM Barry (Hargreaes or Carrick as cover) AM Gerrard (Lampard as cover or a slightly differetnb option) LW J. Cole (with Lennon or SWP covering) CF Rooney (Heskey when needed to provide a foil for Owen, Lita should also get a chance) CF Owen (though he's injured at the mo)
I'd also think about bringing in Michael Johnson from Man City to give him, experince as possible future England AM, the boy is a great finsiher can move with the ball and is a good passer too.
Rooney should be partnered if played up front. Put him with Ashton or Crouch as they both have size and will give him space to attack. Also recall Rooney was quoted after the WC2006 saying he'd rather have played up front with Crouch than in a 4-5-1.
Instead of Bent why not play Saha, Ronaldo instead of SWP and, while we're about it, why not dig up the late Duncan Edwards and stick him up front with Rooney.
Ben Foster for goalkeeper? On what evidence? In my view, the best English goalkeeper at the moment is Robert Green. Will he get a pick? Probably not. And given the rotten luck we've had with keepers, he'll probably let in 4 next match
Sadly, Shorey's been complete garbage this season and wouldn't even get into the Estonian team on merit.
--------------------James----------------------------- Richards-----------Rio---------Terry----------------Cashley ------------------Owen Hargreaves------------------------- SWP---------------------------------------------------Joe Cole --------------Lampard---------------Gerrard--------------------- -----------------------Michael Owen-----------------------------
I just worry about his confidence going into these next to games. Robbos a decent keeper but the performances of late I think have left him shaken. Particularly giving up a gift to Voronin and letting that late equalizer go by.....
Aren't they both sh!te? But Robbo is less sh!te than James......... .............................Robbo Lescott.........Rio.................Micah..........Cashley Stevie...........Lamps................Barry..........Joey .....................Looney............Mikey Get a couple up early in the second half and then throw on the Longun, SWP, Downing, Defoe and Shorey - any combination.........
Maybe I'm wrong, but doesn't the national team manager present his initial team roster for the upcoming games by a certain date, then there is a second date after which he cannot replace players if they withdraw?
Nope. Only for the finals. For the qualifiers they could call someone up on Saturday morning if they wanted to.
Is Carson fit? Cause he's an option as well. Robinson shouldn't be in there now, not with his current form.
Yeah Villa's keeper ain't doing too bad. I still think James is better but don't flame me I'm only a poor yank.
that late equalizer was not the fault of paul robinson. the defender let up because he didn't think finnan could get the cross off and ontop of that, torres should not be getting over 2 defenders for the header. I have to disagree with that defense... why would u sit John Terry, when Micah has effectively played at right back? I understand Terry sometimes doesn't like to stay at home, but I believe he's learned his lesson. I just think Micah's too valuable on the outside making those long runs up the sides. SWP + Richards > Gerrard + Lescott. this speedy duo causes problems for the opposition, and they're still young in their training together. I like the way gerrard plays but I truely believe he is more effective in the middle of the park.
He let in 4 goals, too, remember. As did Kirkland. I saw Green single-handedly keep Arsenal at bay at Upton Park and I just think we ought to cast the net wider; granted there are not many England qualified goalkeepers in the Premier League..