[The Green One]

What's wrong with the most talented defender England has?

 

[Mutu]

I actually like the Bullard inclusion. He's a player who's technically good enough for the squad and he actually has a short passing game. And thinking about it, he's probably our most dangerous player from shooting distance.

 

[The Green One]

No doubt some critics will come in calling "indisciplined" just because he's not a miserable ****. I'd have him start against Andorra. Last time we played them we were too slow on the ball and methodical, Bullard is more direct.

 

[Mutu]

I wouldn't be starting him but he's probably one of the few brains we have in midfield at the moment. He's got patience, something that we really do lack.

Gerrard being out is a blessing in disguise.

 

[Excalibur76]

I wouldn't say Owen has been axed, he's just not fit enough.

even a half fit Owen is more dangerous than the out and out strikers we currently have. Anyways, he may not be 100% but he has started the last 2 games and was fit enough before to start before but KK didnt want to take any unneccessary risks especially when Martins was in form too.

As for Bullard. Never thought I`d see the day he`d be wearing the England shirt......not complaining though. I remember in 2006 he said he was touting himself for Germany the traitor

 

[michaldinho]

probably the worst era since the days of carlton palmer

 

[Excalibur76]

agree with Shearer

"When you consider he has got a goal every two games it's a big shock," Shearer said on BBC's Match Of The Day Two programme.

"None of the other players have got a good goalscoring record at international level but Michael Owen has.

"He's the sort of player who, if you are 1-0 down to Croatia, you would want to come off the bench and get you a goal."

 

[Deano]

I didnt actually see the squad properly before. On second glance it is very average, this will not be the team to bring glory to England for sure, indeed it will struggle to qualify. Capello is a great manager, but considering his lack of knowledge for England and the game before he came, I am beginning to question whether he was the right choice, but fair is fair, lets see how he does.

Owen isnt included firstly because he has just came back from injury (played like 3 games since) and secondly because Capello already questions his benefits to the squad, especially in a game v Croatia where you need your forward to be fit and willing to run the channels... Owen is lazy nowadays and just waits for the goal... maybe more useful against Andorra, but not against Croatia this time around. I think Capello will stick just Rooney upfront and play several midfielders to try and make sure Croatia at least dont score and maybe England can counter.

 

[Jibril]

Theo Walcott offers nothing to England so why he keeps getting picked is beyond my comprehension. He should be so far down the pecking order it's ridiculous.

And I don't quite understand what Micah Richards have to do get into the squad. He's the best RB we have by a distance, and the fact that he's versatile and can play CB too should play into England's advantage. It does my head in when amateurs like Wes Brown and Matthew Upson gets the nod ahead of him - And Joe Hart should be ahead of Paul Robinson as well.

 

[Kopite]

my lineup

--------------James-------------
Johnson---Rio------Terry-----A.cole
Bentley -----Barry ---Lambard----Cole
-----------Defoe-------Rooney------

 

[Kopite]

Richard hasn`t been called up, i think one game against sunderland after his injury wasn`t enough for capello to call up him. i agree with jibril he is the best RB in england with no doubt...

as for this game, i`d like to give Johnson the chance to start this game instead of Brown..he has doing a decent show with pompey so far in epl.

i know some of you do want some changes in the team form with lambard, beckham, james included in these changes. but, i like to see some balance by using some experienced names on the pitch..

 

[Kopite]

Owen isnt included firstly because he has just came back from injury (played like 3 games since) and secondly because Capello already questions his benefits to the squad, especially in a game v Croatia where you need your forward to be fit and willing to run the channels... Owen is lazy nowadays and just waits for the goal... maybe more useful against Andorra, but not against Croatia this time around. I think Capello will stick just Rooney upfront and play several midfielders to try and make sure Croatia at least dont score and maybe England can counter.

good post..
i can say that he should start for the three lions after 2 or 3 games in epl with not problems in terms of injured. also to prove his complete fitness and how much he is ready for tough international games.

i`m sure the best is still to come from owen.

 

[Marc]

I didnt actually see the squad properly before. On second glance it is very average, this will not be the team to bring glory to England for sure, indeed it will struggle to qualify. Capello is a great manager, but considering his lack of knowledge for England and the game before he came, I am beginning to question whether he was the right choice, but fair is fair, lets see how he does.

Owen isnt included firstly because he has just came back from injury (played like 3 games since) and secondly because Capello already questions his benefits to the squad, especially in a game v Croatia where you need your forward to be fit and willing to run the channels... Owen is lazy nowadays and just waits for the goal... maybe more useful against Andorra, but not against Croatia this time around. I think Capello will stick just Rooney upfront and play several midfielders to try and make sure Croatia at least dont score and maybe England can counter.

And which of the other strikers are better than Owen? Whats Rooney's running around achieved for us exactly, compared to Owens sitting there and actually scoring. An Owen with a broken leg is still far more of a goal threat than Rooney, Heskey, Defoe and Walcott. So this argument doesn't wash, if its in the context of starting fresh and all the other oldies were thrown out then yeah but on the basis of fitness... no. And I don't think a lack of knowledge of England is any excuse, he is a world class manager... how do you NOT know about one of the big three's league players? Not only that but even if you didn't know (which would be pathetic), how do you watch Owen, Ashton etc. then watch Heskey and think "Hmmm, I know nothing about these players before but on what I have seen Heskey is magical!". How does anyone who has never seen English midfielders somehow work out from the few EPL games that Jenas should be in ahead of countless players. Nah, doesn't wash. He's just gone looney, thats the only explanation I can come up with. Or the FA have lobotomized him like every other manager.

Basically, this is more of the same from Capello. He hasn't brought any new idea's, just repeating what Sven and Baldy did before him. I think he is a great manager, but clearly knows nothing of young talent in England and somehow despite watching them live seems unable to spot which are good players. And who are clearly past it, playing in the american league apparently isn't any sort of indication to the man. I assume he didn't do many of the transfer signing decisions at his clubs, his eye for talent is woeful. Maybe he has too much time on his hands, has become bored and decided to screw with peoples heads to entertain himself... like God.

=====================

As to all the people saying Bullard deserves it, are you fvcking mental? Really! He has a brain? Feck off, he plays at the bottom end of the table for a reason. He is 29, this will be his first cap if he gets it. Whats he going to bring to the world cup? WHY the hell do you not call him up previously in friendlies available before a COMPETITIVE match. Its exactly the same kind of nonsense that saw Walcott called up to the WC with no experience. Except he was young and a future prospect, Bullard never had an 'it' to be past it. He is a nice guy, but is he of international quality? Hell no, you don't think this is a joke to any half decent team in the world? Its an embarassment once again to have such an amazingly talentless group in this squad. Be honest with yourselves and tell me you can't think of better options for the team. Even Barton is better ffs.

Onto the shambles -

Robinson: Already made several howlers this season, on what basis has he been picked on merit here? Where is Hart?

James: Last game he played he did his usual go batshit insane tactic to lull the opposition into a false sense of security. He has tried this every other game for England and yet it somehow always fails. HE IS NOT INTERNATIONAL QUALITY, how many times must this be witnessed for it to be burnt into peoples heads.

Green: Deserved, great last season and good start so far. He is good on pens which already elevates him above all our other keepers. Won't get a look in though since that is the antithesis of England.

Lescott: Done well, not better than Richards though so although ahead of Brown still a bit behind.

Bridge: Hasn't played as much as I rate him, not a choice on merit if he hasn't had a game. His own dumb fault. Baines, Shorey or someone should be ahead.

A Cole: C0ck

Terry: Looked a bit more like his old self lately.

Brown: See Lescott. Behind Richards, Johnson and Lescott. Please go away.

Ferdinand: Best defender of the last year or so.

Johnson: A young player with promise who is all about attacking, whats he doing in an England squad?

Upson: Better than Woodgate? No. One of those decisions by Capello that is quite baffling, while Spurs may be shit, Woodgate has been great. Richards is better than him too.

Barry: Meh.

J Cole: Doing good, one of our technical players so should play. Still needs to grow a pair and actually try and take the game on properly. By that I mean he has the talent of Ronaldo but nowhere near as determined or dedicated. Quite pathetic how he is pissing away his talent.

Lampard: Too old, still great and doesn't deserve anywhere near as much criticism (or singling out at least) but aren't we trying to build a team for two years time to all be on fire at the same time?

Bullard: See above, absolute joke of a decision.

Beckham: If Bullard is the joke, Beckham is the punchline. Whats he there for, really? We have seen him fail in every tournament. He is playing in a piss league. He is counter-productive for the team in terms of media, fans, FA and playing the ball on the fvcking ground.

Downing: Better than Young? Nope. Adam Johnson is better than him at that.

Bentley: Not a blistering start but with ENgland he has been our best player every time he has played. Deserves to start ahead of various knobs.

Jenas: So despite Spurs playing shit as a not so small part played by this ****, he gets called up? He hides in games, has no passing ability, no strength, no brain and he is neither a DM, CM or AM. What is he there for? Johnson isn't better than him? Noble? Huddlestone even. I will never get why or how three seperate managers have looked at this guy doing absolute tosh and included him. He's not even famous. How has Capello even known about this abortion?

Walcott: Not better than Owen, Bent, Sturridge, Ashton, Agbonlahor.

Rooney: Meh.

Defoe: I suppose he is there on merit, even if we have tried him at this level and found out he really isn't good enough.

Heskey: Well, what can possibly be said about this? I want an explanation, I want an essay from Capello on why he is this fvcking stupid. Ashton is clearly MILES better than him. He has scored less goals as a striker than most of our midfielders! He has the touch of a rapist. This is clearly some kind of wind up for England to make the world think we can only produce Heskey's. We have better players! Honest!

One of the worst squads I have seen, depressing and hopeless. Everyone I speak to is of the same opinion and cares less and less with every team selection.

As to my selection... I would go with -


------------------James

---Brown----Upson-----Robinson---Cole

----Beckham---Bullard----Jenas---Downing

---------------Heskey---Defoe

Then napalm the pitch.


Kopite - What are these experienced players experienced in? Losing. Thats it, thats what they have accomplished. Not only losing, but losing in such humiliating ways as to drive off tons of fans, drag England through the mud and make us an international joke. THAT is what they have experience in, and you find this to be some kind of contribution?

[/rant complete]

 

[Deano]

Didnt Owen play last time v Croatia away... IMO he is a good goalscorer... but at this moment, the way England play, they may need players who work hard more than wait for the goal. Nice to see Bullard there IMO, he will give everything. Anyway at least Capello will stick to his guns, and try and find the best way for England to play... in this way Owen will play... but at the moment Owen is still unfit... and IMO Defoe should be given a chance too, I know he sucks for England mostly, but he is still a decent player. Above all, England really need to find some forwards, and who stay fit.

 

[Marc]

Didnt Owen play last time v Croatia away... IMO he is a good goalscorer... but at this moment, the way England play, they may need players who work hard more than wait for the goal. Nice to see Bullard there IMO, he will give everything. Anyway at least Capello will stick to his guns, and try and find the best way for England to play... in this way Owen will play... but at the moment Owen is still unfit... and IMO Defoe should be given a chance too, I know he sucks for England mostly, but he is still a decent player. Above all, England really need to find some forwards, and who stay fit.

He didn't play in either the home or away game. And we looked clueless up front. Whats the way we play? Btw, I just went along with this not working hard BS because it was easier to point out he is still better than our other strikers. But where does this idea come from? Clearly not the actual games because he makes countless off the ball runs. In anycase, like I said... what has Rooney running around like a headless chicken accomplished exactly? Why does Defoe running ragged chasing the ball and not getting it make him any more useful?

 

[Deano]

Owen is simpyl a goalscorer... not to say he doesnt work hard in finding space, but he is a box player. England need a forward who can link the play, hold the ball and so on probably the problem is England have very few options. Ashton is my favourite, but he never gets called too.

As for building a team for 2 years time (as you said under Lampard)... this is Capello, and look at the Italy team of Lippi... first of all they call experience. Youth will be given a chance later on when they will attempt to gel them in. Dont expect a mad rush of U21s in the England set-up under Capello.

The first team on paper is still pretty decent, but I just hoped that Capello rids of Beckham. Mr Goldenwilly and Brownwilly on the same side of the pitch is absolutely excruciatingly bad to watch. Beckham does the same old receive the ball and wack it 60 yards crossfield while Brown is simply a defender, a good one, but for him to look good he needs a much better right winger ahead of him.

My team from that bunch:

James; Brown, Ferdinand, Terry, A. Hole; Walcott, Lampard, Barry, Bentley; J. Cole; Rooney :moan:

Defend, defend and defend (as usual) and hope the pace of Walcott or skill of J. Cole can do it for ya... apart from that, I expect a loss.

 

[Marc]

Owen is simpyl a goalscorer... not to say he doesnt work hard in finding space, but he is a box player. England need a forward who can link the play, hold the ball and so on probably the problem is England have very few options. Ashton is my favourite, but he never gets called too.

As for building a team for 2 years time (as you said under Lampard)... this is Capello, and look at the Italy team of Lippi... first of all they call experience. Youth will be given a chance later on when they will attempt to gel them in. Dont expect a mad rush of U21s in the England set-up under Capello.

The first team on paper is still pretty decent, but I just hoped that Capello rids of Beckham. Mr Goldenwilly and Brownwilly on the same side of the pitch is absolutely excruciatingly bad to watch. Beckham does the same old receive the ball and wack it 60 yards crossfield while Brown is simply a defender, a good one, but for him to look good he needs a much better right winger ahead of him.

My team from that bunch:

James; Brown, Ferdinand, Terry, A. Hole; Walcott, Lampard, Barry, Bentley; J. Cole; Rooney :moan:

Defend, defend and defend (as usual) and hope the pace of Walcott or skill of J. Cole can do it for ya... apart from that, I expect a loss.

I seriously suggest you watch Owen a bit, as I'm guessing you don't watch a lot of his games. He has setup a lot of goals for England players, and at club level. A lot of the time he sets up goals simply by dragging defenders away. Watch a lot of our goals and his clubs, look at the spaces available to players and why they're available. You tend to notice a common theme. Rooney is supposed to link the play for someone LIKE Owen, although a lot of Rooney's goals came from Owen. End of the day, its all well and good linking the play and passing it around nicely... but you still need to put that round thing into a net. And what players do we seriously have to do that?

Difference is Lippi called experienced WINNERS. I'm not even talking 19 years olds, but around 25 is surely better than 30 year olds for two years from now. Having a 29 or something Pirlo playing at the top level for Milan is surely better than a 33 year old playing in the MLS who has never been anywhere near as good a player. Thats a key thing, Italy doesn't have someone better around than Pirlo to replace him as he's just that good. Whereas we have some hungry technical players who can be moulded into better players than what we have, or at least a better team. Which shouldn't be hard to achieve surely, can't do much worse. If Backham or Heskey or one of the twits went to man city tomorrow, would they score two goals and terrorize the opposition like SWP did? Hardly. And those older players never really shined for England in the first place to justify why they're there, slight difference to most of the Italian team.

 

[Deano]

For Owen, I have seen enough of him. In his younger days he was a much better all round player than he is now... since his injuries he clearly doesnt drop deep and receive the ball as much as he used to. He is still England;s best forward in terms of goals and I agree this should get him called up by itself, but Im explaining why Capello (who worked with him at Madrid) probably doesnt like him. Rooney IMO is over-rated anyway, Id rather see Ashton and Owen given a test upfront sometime and maybe see Rooney dropped for once. Rooney has talent but I dont know where he got this tag of someone who can not be dropped from. Rooney has done many crap things for England and never seems to get any blame. I dont think Owen and Rooney combine very well personally too.

When was the squad called, before or after the City game. I wouldnt be surprised to see SWP called up again in time... however Bentley and J.Cole is enough, both should play, but we all know Bentley will not because Capello's hidden boyfriend is still around (Goldenwilly). Downing, well hes been through 3 England managers and still gets called, this guy must give his wages to the England boss to get called.

Anyway I agree mostly with you, just dont shoot the messenger when explaining Capello One thing though, dont be surprised if he still gets the results.

 

[Marc]

For Owen, I have seen enough of him. In his younger days he was a much better all round player than he is now... since his injuries he clearly doesnt drop deep and receive the ball as much as he used to. He is still England;s best forward in terms of goals and I agree this should get him called up by itself, but Im explaining why Capello (who worked with him at Madrid) probably doesnt like him. Rooney IMO is over-rated anyway, Id rather see Ashton and Owen given a test upfront sometime and maybe see Rooney dropped for once. Rooney has talent but I dont know where he got this tag of someone who can not be dropped from. Rooney has done many crap things for England and never seems to get any blame. I dont think Owen and Rooney combine very well personally too.

When was the squad called, before or after the City game. I wouldnt be surprised to see SWP called up again in time... however Bentley and J.Cole is enough, both should play, but we all know Bentley will not because Capello's hidden boyfriend is still around (Goldenwilly). Downing, well hes been through 3 England managers and still gets called, this guy must give his wages to the England boss to get called.

Anyway I agree mostly with you, just dont shoot the messenger when explaining Capello One thing though, dont be surprised if he still gets the results.

In his younger days he just used to run faster, he is faaaaar more intelligent as a player now. He would be better with the extra pace sure, but he is a better player now than he was then. I'm confused, Owen never used to drop deep when he was younger, always played off the shoulder and ran in behind, he now drops deep way more than he used to. Capello and Owen never worked together at Real Madrid. And if he had that would make him a bit more of a nonce considering Owen was on fire at Real. I don't think Rooney is overrated exactly, badly managed and put aside for other players perhaps. Underappreciated is what I'd go with. Still, he isn't a better striker than Owen, a better player yes but he hasn't really shown it for England in a long time and needs a boot up the arse. Agree with you on that.

Pretty sure it was after, he was still better on the Chelsea bench than Beckham on an MLS field though.

Wouldn't shock me, if Sven could get results with his squads and 'tactical' management then it would be quite embarassing for Capello to fail. Although he has made it clear this is a retirement position so I don't think he'd give a toss, starting to think he saw England as a golden egg to relax and take free cash with little work. If he gets fired, we have to pay him... hardly losing sleep over that one. Actually, this squad makes more sense now... cunning bastard.

 

[Kopite]

Kopite - What are these experienced players experienced in? Losing. Thats it, thats what they have accomplished. Not only losing, but losing in such humiliating ways as to drive off tons of fans, drag England through the mud and make us an international joke. THAT is what they have experience in, and you find this to be some kind of contribution?

p

after i`ve read all your post and view on the english side and who do you rate them, i should not talk about experienced english players haha..
yup, they haven`t brought any great success to england in terms of international football. they have done more for their clubs, frankly.