If we are talking World Cup finals then you may be right. However, many international games (i.e. the Denmark game) is probably a step down from the Premier league. Cork is never going to be the guy to come on and win you the game. What he is good at is keeping things ticking over, utilising other players and allowing them to do their thing. I think he could do that at pretty much any level and theoretically, he'd have better players around him finding space etc. If however, by "impact" you mean carving up defences, making THE telling pass, or scoring goals then, you are right, thats not going to happen.
On Wilshire. I think he has been very hyped up due to when he had his debut for England he was the only young talented player coming through at the time and is only there on that reputation. I think he made his debut against Wales under Capello in a Euro qualifier for Euro 2012. He played well on that occasion but that was up to 4 years ago and he has only played 12 or so England games since. He is unfortunately like so many players at "big clubs" Cleverly, Jones, Smalling, Carrick etc they are in the squads on reputation and the fact they play for a perceived "big club." United are doing so poorly this year their confidence can't be high can it? I'd love it if these type of players didn't get picked for England as there desire to play better to get into squads would go up and they may even improve. They are however too certain on their place to worry about the alternative scenario.
I eally can't understand why he wasn't played. In actual fact I really can't understand why Rooney played ahead of anybody at all as he is guaranteed a seat on the plane. Last night should have been more about those challenging for places. I was lucky enough to go last night and was honoured to see Shaw getting his first cap for England. The first of many. Shaw did more in the first ten minutes than Old king Cole did in the first half and the game changed when both Shaw and Lallana came on (according to my Liverpool supporting mate who I went with and not in my biased opinion). At one point Rickie was warming up and I was getting very excited but in the end I was very happy with two on the pitch and the impact that they had. I really think Rickie has done enough to be on the plane as he earned that right by helping England through the qualifiers when they were lacking strikers. Playing that role in the Ukraine was very important. I have also got a ticket for Palace (more local for me than Southampton nowadays) and Iam really looking forward to seeing even more English players play! COYS
Roy knows all he needs to know about Rickie. I think that he offers something different and will go to Brazil but may get little or no time on the pitch. Cole did okay and according to the stats did more than Luke (yes, I know...stats!)...I think it will be Baines and Cole.
There is a wonderful historical inevitability that states that Rickie will come on and score at some stage in the World Cup. It is written...
Obviously he wanted to see how Rooney would play with the likes of Sturridge and Sterling. The answer was "not particularly well", so he's learned something. Probably not enough not to repeat the experiment though.
Yeah I don't think he'll be doing that again. It's pretty clear that Rooney was isolated and that Sturridge needs to be in the middle, so Rooney behind Sturridge it is. I have a feeling Welbeck will start on one wing, so that really leaves Sterling and Lallana fighting for the other.
I'm going to disagree. I think Wellbeck is inferior to Lallana in an attacking midfield role (wide left). Wellbeck is a better striker but Adam is both more creative, works harder and is better defensively. My best side for the World Cup currently would be the following:- Hart Johnson Cahill Jagielka Baines Gerrard Henderson Sterling Rooney Lallana Sturrdige
Agree with this, except for Right Back. I would play Walker over Johnson despite his poor form. I hate Johnson, his first touch is awful. I would also start Cole against Italy, and the other big guns
I don't think you can play Sturridge, Rooney & Welbeck together from the start if you wish to hold possession. If you're going to play Rooney & Sturridge then you need the wide midfielders to be better with the football. Hart Johnson Cahill Jagielka Baines Gerrard Henderson Chamberlain Rooney Lallana Sturridge Think that attacking midfield three offers a good balance of pace from the Ox, Skill from Lallana and Power from Rooney. Wilshire, Sterling & Barkley as back up. With Welbeck & Townsend on the bench to provide extra pace and running if required.
