BBC Sport pundits pick their England World Cup squad

[bubble07]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/8641742.stm

GK: GREEN, HART, JAMES

DF: TERRY FERDINAND A.COLE JOHNSON BRIDGE/BAINES DAWSON KING BROWN

MF: GERRARD LAMPARD MILNER BARRY LENNON WALCOTT CARRICK J.COLE

CF: ROONEY DEFOE CROUCH HESKEY

I would agree with the majority of that except I would have A.JOHNSON instead of Bridge/Baines and G.NEVILLE instead of Brown

Notable absences are LESCOTT, UPSON, WRIGHT-PHILLIPS, DOWNING, C.COLE who should make up the 30 man provisional squad

 

[InOffMeLeftShin]

During the video they chose Upson over King, but then in the list they had put King in. I think Hansen and Lawro just changed it cos Dixon was talking crap. Seriously thank god Dixon isn't England coach his major shouts were Upson, Bridge, Downing, Heskey and Bent.

I can't see how Brown goes, has he played at all? I think we have to take Baines because Cole hasn't played a game in months and if he breaks down coming back we would be screwed (unless they decided Barry was cover at left back).

 

[al_pacino]

Baines because Cole hasn't played a game in months and if he breaks down coming back we would be screwed (unless they decided Barry was cover at left back).

I think Milner has been talked about in that role.

I do think we need someone who can play wide left rather than the right footer who seems likely.

 

[InOffMeLeftShin]

I think Milner has been talked about in that role.

I do think we need someone who can play wide left rather than the right footer who seems likely.

I wouldn't want to play Milner at LB, that seems a stretch. If we need to take a left footer than we should take Johnson instead of Walcott or Cole, both of whom have done very little this season (and in Walcott's case ever). In fact I might be inclined to take Young and Johnson over those two anyway.

 

[al_pacino]

I wouldn't want to play Milner at LB, that seems a stretch. If we need to take a left footer than we should take Johnson instead of Walcott or Cole, both of whom have done very little this season (and in Walcott's case ever). In fact I might be inclined to take Young and Johnson over those two anyway.

The only way Walcott should make the squad is as a winger/5th striker if Fabio decides not to take 5 proper forwards(which he should). I think Ashley Young must've done something to really piss Capello off in his one call-up(?) to seem to have no chance of a World Cup place.

 

[C0YS]

The only way Walcott should make the squad is as a winger/5th striker if Fabio decides not to take 5 proper forwards(which he should). I think Ashley Young must've done something to really piss Capello off in his one call-up(?) to seem to have no chance of a World Cup place.

ashley young hasn't been very good at villa tbh

 

[InOffMeLeftShin]

ashley young hasn't been very good at villa tbh

Worse than Walcott?

 

[Rocksuperstar]

Ring ring!
"Hello, Mr N'Zogbia? Yeah, it's Fandabidozi Capello, can we meet up and have a chat? I've invited Mikel down too, how about we meet up at that little Italian cafe near the Home Office building in London... yeah, bring your passport, we're going to get you a new one..."

 

[al_pacino]

For the cricket team that could happen, for the footabll team I hope not.

 

[nldnboi]

Worse than Walcott?

:clap:

 

[sidford]

it would be shocking if walcott goes to the WC again. he is very very poor. all pace and nothing else. he will live off that hatrick against croatia for a long time but surely adam johnson would be a better pick them him. im not being anti walcott because he plays for the scum, im anti walcott because hes muck

 

[InOffMeLeftShin]

According to the pundits he is nailed on. I just can't figure other than the one game against Croatia what he has ever done to be nailed on. I like his pace, it would be a huge asset if he could play football too. He has been a bit part under Wenger for 5 years now.

 

[Rocksuperstar]

Walcott may be the English equivalent of Dos Santos - only a shock trooper at club level, but can turn on the flair in an international arena, who knows? Personally, i don't see what all the fuss is about him, as said, nearly always it's his pace catching people out that gets him goals, not his technique.

Unless Fabio intends to take him along to be used as a late sub, to run the defenders ragged, then there are far more versatile and consistent options available.

 

[Adam]

Id rather have Walcott in my squad than Milner.

At least Walcott offers something more than work-rate

 

[InOffMeLeftShin]

Id rather have Walcott in my squad than Milner.

At least Walcott offers something more than work-rate

That's a bit harsh, Milner has 12 goals and 15 assists this season as well as being a hard worker, can play multiple positions and is currently high on confidence. He is rightly in the frame to go to South Africa.

 

[bubble07]

I think Walcott should go as he can be 5th striker as well as back up to Lennon. You need versatile players which is why Milner is an absolute must. He can play anywhere in midfield and right full back

 

[Adam]

That's a bit harsh, Milner has 12 goals and 15 assists this season as well as being a hard worker, can play multiple positions and is currently high on confidence. He is rightly in the frame to go to South Africa.

To be honest, i know that im wrong about Milner; when so many people think someone is brilliant, then he must be at least a good player, but i just dont see it.

For me, i want every one of my world cup players to have something that the other players dont. Looking at the key attributes of a midfielder, i just dont see what he is better at than anyone else.

In my midfield, ive got Lennon, Walcott, Barry, Carrick, Gerrard, Lampard, J. Cole and A. Jonhson as i feel that each of them have at least one stand alone attribute-the best thing about Milner seems to be his versatility and work rate, which seem to be extremely 'English' things to praise.

I cant think of another country where he would receive as much acclaim as he has here, but again, i must stress that i am happy to admit i am probably wrong in my perception of him, considering the widespread praise he has received this year.

 

[InOffMeLeftShin]

To be honest, i know that im wrong about Milner; when so many people think someone is brilliant, then he must be at least a good player, but i just dont see it.

For me, i want every one of my world cup players to have something that the other players dont. Looking at the key attributes of a midfielder, i just dont see what he is better at than anyone else.

In my midfield, ive got Lennon, Walcott, Barry, Carrick, Gerrard, Lampard, J. Cole and A. Jonhson as i feel that each of them have at least one stand alone attribute-the best thing about Milner seems to be his versatility and work rate, which seem to be extremely 'English' things to praise.

I cant think of another country where he would receive as much acclaim as he has here, but again, i must stress that i am happy to admit i am probably wrong in my perception of him, considering the widespread praise he has received this year.

It's still harsh. He has a good eye for a pass, he is 4th in the entire league in assists (behind only Fabregas, Lampard and Drogba). He has good technique, is a goal threat from outside the box (1 in 4 this season). That has nothing to with 'English' things to praise. I'd agree before this season I actually didn't think he was much of a player but he has stepped up this season big time. There was an opening for a few fringe players to break into Capello's squad and he seems to have put himself right in the frame. Probably only Lampard out of all the midfielders you mention has had a better season and he is playing in a much better team.

 

[joey55]

The trouble with Milner is that his stats are missleading. The alot of his goals and assists came before Downing was fit, and he was still playing of the right wing. Add to that he's scored 3 penalties and suddenly his end product for a CM is nothing near the likes of Gerrard and Lampard. He's also played an incredible amount of football. He's had 2994 mins of Prem time, which is a huge advantage when players are judged on things like goals and assists. And make no mistake they are. If he didn't have the goals and assist stats he does, he would of caught the attention of far fewer people. On Man Utd forums there are big threads about their fans desire to sign him, yet he really isn't in that class. Look how easily Huddlestone handled him. The Hudd is good player, but he's unlikely to dominate in a midfield battle agaisnt true top class CM's. Had Milner not taken penalties or played on the right wing, would have stats really have been any different to a normal JJ season? 6 of his assists came as a winger, as did 2 of his goals from open play. Basically very impressive early season form in that position has made his time in central midfield seem more productive than it has been. In terms of passing and tackling, his contribution is no greater than JJ's. I know he's a hard worker, but I seriously doubt he covers as much ground as JJ either.

 

[nightgoat]

During the video they chose Upson over King, but then in the list they had put King in. I think Hansen and Lawro just changed it cos Dixon was talking crap. Seriously thank god Dixon isn't England coach his major shouts were Upson, Bridge, Downing, Heskey and Bent.

I can't see how Brown goes, has he played at all? I think we have to take Baines because Cole hasn't played a game in months and if he breaks down coming back we would be screwed (unless they decided Barry was cover at left back).

...and Brown, who is utter gash. Every time I've seen him for England he's looked out of his depth. I'd rather take Neville, at least you'll get good positioning and composure, two things you definitely won't get with Brown...

I don't think Barry could be seriously considered as left back cover, especially if he's going to be a starter in midfield as if anything happens to Cole then you have to change two positions rather than one... Baines hasn't got very much international experience, but he's the best option as 2nd choice left back...