I wouldn't start with Vardy and Kane up front either, but I think Roy might. He's tried the diamond a lot. I'd prefer 4-3-3, but I wouldn't start Sturridge or Sterling. We miss Wellbeck from that formation a lot imo.
If our full backs get pinned back we don't have any real width because Sterling wanders all over the place (to no real effect recently). I don't think we can play cautiously with these players, but Roy (who I don't mind) will try to. None of the usual suspects are in top form, especially Germany, France playing at home and Spain with their record probably favourites. Italy really don't have the players at the moment, but as always will be hard to beat. If Belgium finally click in a tournament it could be theirs, but I don't expect them too, especially without Kompany. Slovakia in great form, our group could be harder that we expect. Semis would be a great tournament for England, quarters should be the minimum expectation. For some reason I'll be keeping an eye on Poland.
Thinking about it, in order to get the best out of Rooney, I'd prefer 4-2-3-1: ---------------------------Hart--------------------------- Clyne-----------Stones----Smalling------Bertrand -------------------Dier------Wilshire------------------- Lallana----------------Rooney--------------------Alli -----------------------Kane----------------------------- Width would have to come from the full backs, but that is true of most of Roy's starting 11s. I actually think that Roy may go for it and not be too cautious. It's our only chance imo. 4-3-3 could look something like this: ----------------------------------Hart----------------------------- Clyne-----------Stones-------------Smalling-------Bertrand ---------------------------------Dier------------------------------- ----------------Wilshire--------------------Alli------------------- Lallana---------------------Kane----------------------Rooney
Could well be right mate. Stones won me over with his performance against Australia, but I don't expect Roy to start him.
I know it's way too late now, but I suspect our squad (barring injuries) is quite well suited to 3-5-2. Dier dropping back and the full backs pushing up as wing backs. Possible if we are chasing the game.
Why is he only taking 3 recognised central defenders, yet 5 strikers? Seems suicidal to me especially when Smalling looks no better than Caulker every time I have seen him, and Cahil looks to have lost form. Stones I hear is error prone too. I suspect we'll struggle to get out of the first round.
If 'Arry Kneecap was manager he would've taken Wes Morgan. But like you, I couldn't think of another centre back he could've taken. Shawcross maybe? Or is he injured? I think he should've stuck with Terry. As much as we all detest him on here, he's still probably England's best central defender which is rather worrying.
Foolishly, while watching Shearer's documentary on Euro 96, I looked up our squad for that tournament. Looks really good now, leaders everywhere and the best manager possible. I hope I'm wrong in feeling that we'll never have a better chance of winning something. Date of birth (age) Caps 1 GK David Seaman 19 September 1963 (aged 32) 24 2 DF Gary Neville 18 February 1975 (aged 21) 10 3 DF Stuart Pearce 24 April 1962 (aged 34) 65 4 MF Paul Ince 21 October 1967 (aged 28) 19 5 DF Tony Adams (captain) 10 October 1966 (aged 29) 40 6 DF Gareth Southgate 3 September 1970 (aged 25) 4 7 MF David Platt 10 June 1966 (aged 29) 58 8 MF Paul Gascoigne 27 May 1967 (aged 29) 38 9 FW Alan Shearer 13 August 1970 (aged 25) 23 10 FW Teddy Sheringham 2 April 1966 (aged 30) 15 11 MF Darren Anderton 3 March 1972 (aged 24) 11 12 DF Steve Howey 26 October 1971 (aged 24) 4 13 GK Tim Flowers 3 February 1967 (aged 29) 8 14 MF Nick Barmby 11 February 1974 (aged 22) 6 15 MF Jamie Redknapp 25 June 1973 (aged 22) 4 16 DF Sol Campbell 18 September 1974 (aged 21) 1 17 MF Steve McManaman 11 February 1972 (aged 24) 10 18 FW Les Ferdinand 8 December 1966 (aged 29) 10 19 DF Phil Neville 21 January 1977 (aged 19) 1 20 MF Steve Stone 20 August 1971 (aged 24) 6 21 FW Robbie Fowler 9 April 1975 (aged 21) 3 22 GK Ian Walker 31 October 1971 (aged 24) Even the ones we thought were **** then look good now. Les and Fowler as your back up strikers FFS. My son was 3 months old then, I made him watch (well be physically present in the room) the Germany game with me. He's cursed, became a QPR supporter.
That is some squad. If only we didn't bump into the German's in the semi's. But if's and what's and maybe's.
I wouldn't worry about Poland too much. They had a harsh reality check last night losing 1-2 against Holland. Poland looked lethargic and uncreative against a very physical Dutch team. Hopefully it is part of the build up of form for the Euro. However, on a positive, it certainly dampened expectations and media hype which is good. England have great potential - but like others, I am concerned about the defence. Perhaps they may surprise us as a "tournament team"?
Roy and all the coaching staff are well aware of our defensive frailties. If he decides to be cautious and try and protect the defence then he'll get criticism of being the 'same old Roy' etc He's realised our strengths lie in our attacking players. We've got the best array of forwards available to us in quite some time, and they all bring some different to the table. If England are going to throw caution to the wind then it'll be an exciting tournament for us.
Each time I watch the clip of Gazza on the end of that cross in extra time - I think he's going to score
Shame that Ferdinand never got any game time in that squad. I get why Flowers and Walker didn't dislodge Seaman, and I can understand Steve Howey and Phil Neville staying on the bench, but to not give Les any time - especially with Venables in his last games in charge - beggars belief. Extra time in the semi final would have been perfect for him, as the infamous 'golden goal' was in effect...
