I wouldn't be disappointed with that selection at all GICV. I'd be tempted to play Barkley in a midfield three and play Sterling, Rooney and Sturridge up top
They need to play someone who can protect Baines, last night Rooney just didn't get back enough to support him, and half the time there was so much space for the Italians, Baines didn't know whether to stick or twist. I would play Welbeck, with Rooney in the middle and Sterling on the right, as Welbeck does track back well.
Welbeck for Lallana for me, and maybe even Barkley instead of Rooney... this world cup isnt about getting as far as possible for me, its about giving the youngsters the experience needed to come back in 4 years with confidence. Id even like to see Rooney in for Gerrard, see if he can do that holding midfield role, spraying passes around and taking set pieces.
Stevie G was **** last night. Everything is in slow motion. Those long diagonal passes he makes. He has to look up, push the ball out of his feet and then hangs it in the air as it floats over to it intended target. Compare Tommy Huddlestone. He can just ping it no matter his body position.
Tommy has incredible awareness not dissimilar to Pirlo (not saying he's as good). There are so many times where the ball will drop out of the sky and he will hit it over his shoulder first time across the pitch just because he knows where players will be.
------------Hart Jones Cahill Jags Baines Sterling Gerrard Ox Lallana -----------Barkley ----------Sturridge
Yet we all name the same back four, says it all doesnt it. Weakest back four i can ever remember and the possible replacements are piss poor.
I think Davies has played better than both Jagielka and Cahill this season, then Italy showed what can be done with technical players dictating the midfield with high temperatures
Given the poor cover given to fullbacks I am going to go with 4-4-2. I hate formation but the squad only seem capable of playing there club styles so figure go back to basics. Same gk and defence. Ox, Gerrard, henderson, sterling Rooney, sturridge Rooney would be expected to drop deep and harrass midfield, wingers to be direct and take ball inwards with fullbacks over lapping