Had Cleverley been fit all season, he would be a shoo-in. The type of player England needs to compete. As it is, he has hardly played since the start of the season and I don't think he's fully fit and if he isn't fully fit, he shouldn't go. Having said that, should Parker not make it, then I can't see any other viable option other than to take him and use him as an impat sub to change he game.
I can't see us winning it so why not start building for future championships by 'blooding' a few more youngsters that can become a team for the future? I'd mix it up quite a bit! Hart Richards Cahill Jagielka Cole (getting on but the best LB anywhere IMO) Sinclair Parker Wilshere Milner Oxlade-Chamberlain Rooney
Micah Richards, these a name i forgot. I think his ball skills are a little lacking but apart from that a top defender
wilshire is out. we had this debate in our house today, but would playing a young CB next to someone like Terry with experience and leadership be more effective in bringing on the talet of the youth, rather than playing 2 youth defenders and not progressing as much?
Leon Britton is a great call - we will need to retain the ball and, in that regard, he is better than Gerrard, Lampard or Parker - but unfortunately he does not play for an England 'feeder' club ... which is why Carrick (a waste of space at International level IMHO) will no doubt be ahead of him
I actually like Michael Carrick. In terms of retaining the ball, he does that very well. One of the highest pass completion rates for an English player I think? He's had a great season for Man Utd and is a very intelligent player. Reads the game well. International football suits him I think and would have him over some-one like Barry who's a more limited footballer. He also offers more in an offensive sense than Britton (who I do like). When players like Xavi and Alonso, who know how to play central-midfield, give you praise then you must be doing something right.
Greatness - I have nothing against him personally - think he is a good prem player ... but he would be completely pedestrian against the Spanish, Dutch or German midfield - especially with both Lampard and Gerrard in the same team ... agree your points on Barry...
