My apologies to one and all. I was responding to the Euros discussion taking place on the FA Cup thread. Mods, please remove
Thread updated. For my two pennies worth, I think players have been selected with a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 in mind with two wide forwards, where someone like Welbeck, Sterling or Rashford can use their pace whereas I think we only need a limited number of central strikers which is why Defoe may not have been selected. Surprised we did not take a fourth centre back, perhaps they think Bertrand is sufficient there. Out of the 26, assuming all are fit, I would ditch Delph, Rashford (pace but nothing else - he is a Premiership player not one for Europe) and Henderson.
Being in New York and desperate for some soccer, I went and watched NYCFC vs Red Bulls at Yankee Stadium yesterday. If that's MLS then the standard is pretty poor, but my point is this; when Frank Lampard came on, the game was already over, but he managed to catch the eye by a) drifting into space when his team was in possession, and b) being the one player never to give the ball away. Watching him, I realised, was a bit like watching JWP. I have a feeling that if Prowsie can find the back of the net from 30 yards out and in so doing start to grow in confidence, he could become every bit as effective as Lampard.
A decent enough side apart from Wilshere, Sterling and Stones. Wilshere doesn't deserve to be anywhere near the squad (so he'll no doubt play a blinder), Sterling is just out of sorts (2 goals for him then) as is Stones. I would assume that eventually, Rooney will be in for Wilshere and Smalling for Stones. Drinkwater should have started. He's had an outstanding season AND he was MoM in England's last game.
Incredible isn't it. Actually using the friendly to get certain favourite players into form. Same old England managers. Play your best bloody players - ie, those who are in form. But no, that's apparently not allowed when it comes to England. This is the major reason why I lost interest, in watching England play, donkey's years ago.
Didn't even realise this game was so soon. Good chance to see a Rooney-less team. Lets hope Roy lets Vardy play on the shoulder of the defenders and have little defensive responsibility. Play people to their strengths
I guess this season with Mahrez has shown that one manager may make get more out of a player than another. You cannot deny Wilshere and Stones has huge potential, unfortunately one has been learning defending from Martinez at Everton and the other is made of glass. Some confidence is needed. I think it is a decent team and we will play a 4-3-3 this summer. which is why we need a wide forward with pace and Welbeck is injured. I am not sure if Vardy will work on the right but we can switch with this side between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 and even 4-4-2 which is good.
Stones, yes. Wilshere, I really don't think so. Of course, my view of him is coloured somewhat by the fact that I seriously dislike him