I'd start Johnson, Wright-Phillips and Downing against Holland

[Icy Gull]

The 2nd top goalscorer in the Premiership has got to be worth a look but he will probably be overlooked.

Sven of course will go with two teams, one in each half and revert to the "old guard" for the next meaningful game.

We have the most uninspirational manager we've had for years but no doubt the next failure will be blamed on our lack of ability as a nation

 

[Schrödinger's Toad]

Vassell is still Injured
Cole hasn't scored since about August
Smith is a shitbag
Just leaves Owen, Rooney and Defoe. I reckon Johnson is worth a place in the squad if only to prove that he's shit so he doesn't get picked again.

I agree with those assessments, although we do need someone who offers something a little different - be it Smith or Beattie. Johnson is just a worse Defoe/Owen type player for me.

 

[brighton rock]

Beattie is a better player than Johnson and has more chance of an international career. If AJ is still doing it in the prem this time next year then maybe. But as he will be playing in the Championship it seems unlikely.

Beattie has one goal to his name this season?

 

[CHAPPERS]

I'd definitely think about starting with Wright Phillips, he's the best wide player we've got. Downing must be worth a go.

Unfortunately Eriksson will play players out of position to get them in the side.

We've got too many central midfield players.

 

[Attilio the Hun]

AJ is not the finished article and Owen, Defoe, Rooney, Smith etc would get the nod above him in a tournament game.

But this "wait and see in six months" attitude is bollocks. AJ's form and confidence is red hot right NOW!

He IS proving himself week after week in a side of somewhat limited Premiership quality.

Stick him in against Holland from the start!

But I wouldn't mind if Sven didn't ask him to take penalties - he makes me nervous from the spot!

 

[JJ McClure]

Unfortunately Eriksson will play players out of position to get them in the side.
We've got too many central midfield players.

Just play Gerrard and Gorgeous Frank in the middle and we're sorted.

 

[Turkey]

Wright-Phillip Fat Frank Beckham Gerrard Downing

5-man midfield.

 

[CHAPPERS]

Just play Gerrard and Gorgeous Frank in the middle and we're sorted.

Dropping Beckham?

 

[Lokki 7]

But this "wait and see in six months" attitude is bollocks. AJ's form and confidence is red hot right NOW!

So what? We don't need a result. Lets play players who will be pushing for a place in the world cup. AJ will not turn the game against the likes of Brazil in 06 so lets try others who might. Downing and Wright-Phillips are good calls.

 

[JJ McClure]

Dropping Beckham?

Why not, he shouldn't keep his place on reputation alone. His recent form is just not good enough.

 

[CHAPPERS]

Why not, he shouldn't keep his place on reputation alone. His recent form is just not good enough.

I'm all for it.

Downing Gerrard Lampard Wright Phillips

Fine.

 

[Barnet Seagull]

Beckham has been carried by England for 12 months.


I'd say.

Robinson
Neville
Cole
King
Campbell
Wright Phillips
Lampard
Gerrard
Downing

Then take yer pick from Owen/Rooney/Smith/Defoe.

 

[CHAPPERS]

Robinson

Neville Fredinand Campbell Cole

SWP Lampard Gerrard Downing

Roonaldo Owen

 

[Schrödinger's Toad]

Robinson

Neville Ferdinand King Cole

W-P Lampard Gerrard Downing

Rooney Owen

 

[Uncle Buck]

Why not, he shouldn't keep his place on reputation alone. His recent form is just not good enough.

Form not good enough?

It is difficult to show any form when your league is or has been on its winter break.

 

[Turkey]

                          Robinson

    Ferdinand     Campbell     Terry       Cole

                   Beckham     Gerrard

Wright-Phillips          Lampard            Downing
                             
                          Rooney

 

[perseus]

Team almost picks itself, if they are fit:

Robinson

Neville Ferdinand Campbell Cole

Beckham? Gerrard Lampard Downing

? ?


Doubt on Beckham, might need a more industrious player.

Gawd knows about the forwards though. Rooney is reckoned to be good on his day, and the same with Michael Owen, but it is not always their day.

I think I would prefer Sutton to Heskey or Vassall.

It looks like a good England team, but it still seems to lack a Figo or Zidane which could prise something out of nothing?

 

[Croydonbloke]

Johnson is not good enough. 6 months in the prem is not long enough to prove his worth. Marcus Stewart anyone? Kevin Phillips?

Your talking bollocks there i`m afraid. 15 goals this campaign and over 30 goals last season how do work out he is not good enough for an England call up to proof himself. Not a case of sour grapes by any chance?

 

[Uncle Buck]

Your talking bollocks there i`m afraid. 15 goals this campaign and over 30 goals last season how do work out he is not good enough for an England call up to proof himself. Not a case of sour grapes by any chance?

Johnson does deserve a chance in a friendly. However he is probably another Phillips or Beattie. Good club player in form, but whether he can make the step up is another matter.

 

[Croydonbloke]

Johnson does deserve a chance in a friendly. However he is probably another Phillips or Beattie. Good club player in form, but whether he can make the step up is another matter.

At least give him a friendly call up. If he proofs he is not quite there then the doubters can have the final worf.