I'd have dropped Jones and Smalling for Flanagan and Stones. Smalling is there as a back up RB, so why not have a young player as back up as opposed to someone who isn't a RB. I'd have also taken Defoe over Welbeck, better track record. Otherwise its the team most were expecting, and a team I don't see doing much, I'm ready to be surprised Roy....
Definitely the name that stood out for me. Just as useless at RB as he is at CB. The defence is the worrying part - should Jagielka and Cahill (who already concern me) be injured then we will be carved apart. Considering Gerrard has already had a long season, especially considering his age, we are going to be asking a lot of him to sit and protect that back 4. Which is why I can see Milner getting the role of sitting next to him
Bit gutted Smalling is going ahead of Stones. Feel sorry for Defoe too, always scores a goal and someone needs him too... usually against us sadly. Rest of squad not too disappointed in. Glad Clerverly only on Standby, shocking player, even by the poor standard of England. Quietly optimistic about this one, Quarter final for England I reckon, we'll surprise Italy I think
Our goals in this World Cup will come either from the penalty spot, or set pieces. Memories of Welbeck's performances for United in the Champions League are still fresh in the mind. On a serious note, are we really expected to believe that we can win a World Cup semi final v Germany or Argentina with Ricky Lambert as our centre forward
I can't remember if it was Xavi or Iniesta who was defending Cleverly, but I read it as being a clever ploy to get Woy to select him. Not that Spain would have anything to fear from any team we put out, should the sides meet.
Nothing wrong with Rickie Lambert, typical big Centre Forward that can bully defences, and he can shoot too, I think he's probably the player who will do most for England in Brazil, will score more than Sturridge, Rooney and Welbeck combined. Last traditional Centre Forward England have produced to a decent standard since Shearer, and he's moved his way up too. Class striker
I think Lambert can do a job. Technically sound and has a good goalscoring record, but his pace is non existant. We need to be playing high up if we are to get any joy out of him, which is why I think he is good to come on if we are needing to go for it.
I may take you up on that, Super. Give it a week and we'll see where we are at. I do have a Wilfred Bony, though. The stadium stickers get on my nerves; the two halves don't really match up and the edge goes all wonky. In the old days, one would have to cut out the tiny coupons on the back of the packets in order to claim a gift (plus p&p). And the crap teams like Algeria and Korea (St Mirren and Dundee for domestic albums) would have two players on one sticker. AllHell - I have paid a lot more than £100 for completed albums. Am I a bit mad? Yes.
You can't get away with players like Lambert at top flight international level, Ted. You need a bit more to your game than being a traditional brick **** house. Having said that, I can't think of anyone better who could have gone instead of him.
I am assured by my Southampton contacts that if Wicky gets the chance he will undoubtedly stick the ball in the net.
Being a traditional Brick **** house is fine at the level of England, Quarter final will be reached, and he will be a handful at set pieces for any side he faces. Need the rest of the team to perform to get the best out of him though. But I defo agree, can't see who else I'd have taken instead of him, but would certainly have taken defoe over Welbeck
Really positive squad in my opinion... Welbeck really needs to perform now, especially with the end of season that Connor Wickham has just had... He'll certainly be breathing down the Striker's necks for Euro 2016 Qualifying and the actual Finals should we make it to France whilst the Centre Backs all need to be careful of John Stones (Based on the fact he made the Standby List having just played 21 games this season) World Cup Predictions anyone? England Performance: Quarter-Finals (After finishing 2nd in the Group) Best England Player: Daniel Sturridge or Jordan Henderson Winners: Brazil Runner-Up: Argentina Golden Boot: Miroslav Klose Player of the Tournament: Neymar
Is stones that good? I've seen very little of him, but the game against Liverpool stands out in my mind where I thought his first half performance was one of the worst in premier league history. He might have played RB that game though, to be fair.
To be honest I am going off the back of his inclusion into the Standby List after a short playing period this season... I know he can play @ RB and CB though so hopefully isnt another Phil Jones who is jack of all positions yet master of none
