I don't think so, his confidence level is very high and playing at UCL will improve him as well but maybe, he's an English GK :(.

Yeah that was a different era with Scholes, Beckham, Owen etc all at their peak. The Gerrard/Lampard era especially has been largely disappointing. IMO Capello should give way to the youngsters. Why try again the same system that hasn't worked for 10 years?

The Gerrard/Lampard era? Lamps started becoming an England regular around Euro 2004, same time when Rooney made his initial breakthrough to the starting eleven. To call it the Gerrard/Lampard era just to pinpoint and place the blame on them is laughable.

It's easy to place the blame on players that have nothing to do with your respective club but that's just denying the truth.

England's failures and years of disappointment on the big stage is not down to two/three individuals, it's the whole team that is a letdown. Yes, Rooney(let England down in 06'), Beckham(let England down in 98'), Scholes(who I don't think performed that much better than Lamps did in an England shirt), and bunch of other players that had their chance.

Lamps definitely deserves more than this whole media crap thrown at him. Part of me wishes he retires from international football and rediscover his best form for us, but at the same time Frank is always proud to represent England, and I don't see that changing in the near future.

Lamps was better than any central mid England put on the field in South Africa. Not saying he was good, but he did his job better than Gerrard, who got the usual gloss for scoring a goal (or assist, can't remember now).

tbh, England played well during WC 10 qualification (they demolished Croatia Home/Away) but I don't know what happened to whole team when the season was over. They played very disappointing in World Cup. If you compare Lampard career to Gerrard, he was more consistent throughout the years, I think his best performance for England was at Euro 2004. Shame England didn't go through semis.

The Gerrard/Lampard era? Lamps started becoming an England regular around Euro 2004, same time when Rooney made his initial breakthrough to the starting eleven. To call it the Gerrard/Lampard era just to pinpoint and place the blame on them is laughable.

It's easy to place the blame on players that have nothing to do with your respective club but that's just denying the truth.

England's failures and years of disappointment on the big stage is not down to two/three individuals, it's the whole team that is a letdown. Yes, Rooney(let England down in 06'), Beckham(let England down in 98'), Scholes(who I don't think performed that much better than Lamps did in an England shirt), and bunch of other players that had their chance.

Lamps definitely deserves more than this whole media crap thrown at him. Part of me wishes he retires from international football and rediscover his best form for us, but at the same time Frank is always proud to represent England, and I don't see that changing in the near future.

I did not place the blame on them at all and I did not pinpoint them. As I said, team chemistry has been really poor in recent years. Doesn't have to do with only Lampard and Gerrard. To be fair, that partnership never worked though and central midfield is probably the most important position in football.

I called it the "Gerrard/Lampard" era just to give that team a name.

I think his best performance for England was at Euro 2004. Shame England didn't go through semis.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/tx/weekinpictures/media/vassell_goal405.jpg


it never gets old (H)

Ricardo saved those penalties with real ease, Beckham missed two at Euro 04
long list :(

Germany 1990
Germany 1996
Argentina 1998
Portugal 2004
Portugal 2006

he didn't even need gloves to do it too, that's how legendary those penalty kicks are (H)

Didn't notice that, how come he didn't use gloves?

he didn't even need gloves to do it too, that's how legendary those penalty kicks are (H)

most impressive

he took them off after the 3rd penalty, no idea why...guess he had an epiphany or something, whatever it was it surely worked like a charm.

I find England NT pretty entertaining.......

Uq_cwwWcyqQ&feature


............this maybe old but its GOLD

no offence, but when has that not been the case?

Very true, I was using those countries as a comparison.

I thought the Euro 04 was the best recent tournament as well.

Scholes and Lampard in the middle with Beckham and Gerrard on the wings.
It's also the last time we had two good strikers in the starting 11 (Owen & Rooney).

EA Sports is releasing another FIFA Street next year, and they're including a Team GB:

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/4015/xifiofifastreet4gbteam.png

it has to do with the Olympics team issue ... I personally like the idea of a united Britain fielding a team, but the Scots won't have it ... so it looks like it'll be an all-English side flying the Union Jack at the 2012 Olympics ...

I know this has been brought up before, but why not -- in the spirit of the Olympics -- try fielding a united GB team this once ... thoughts?

Yeah, obviously I think it would be great. I think they should even include Giggs as an overage player as a reward for his horrible international career.

It's no longer a legal issue since the four FA's have effectively said that they can't prevent any player from representing Team GB. And, it shouldn't have any effect for the Home Nations in WC/Euros, although with the rescinded implications controversy you never know with FIFA.

Also, is there going to be any Rugby played at the Olympics? I wonder if there has been any controversy about affecting the status of the Home nations for Rugby Union? (Of course with the exception of Ireland, which is a united team of the Republic and Norn Iron.)

This is more in response to something about England in the 'SG fix your team' thread. Didn't post it earlier because of the draft.

These should be the starting line-ups:

4-3-3

----------------- Hart ------------
Johnson - Jagielka - Terry - Cole
---------------- Parker -----------
-------- Wilshere -- Lampard ----
Downing ------------------- Young
--------------- Rooney ------------

4-2-3-1

------------------ Hart -----------
Smalling - Jagielka - Terry - Cole
---------- Parker - Wilshere ------
Downing ----- Young --- Agbonlahor
--------------- Rooney ------------

The second one would be the prefered formation. Hart is indiscutable first-choice keeper. At RB, Johnson gets the nod in the 4-3-3 to provide more width on the right, and Parker in the holding role can cover for him. In the 4-2-3-1, the attacking foursome as well as alternating runs from the midfield duo and the attacking runs of Cole will provide enough attacking intent, and Smalling will act mostly as a defensive player, making the defense 3 men at CB when Cole goes forward. Smalling offers just enough technique to contribute occasionally in attack, but without a holding midfielder, his role is to stay back. Terry and Jagielka are England's best defenders, and they complement each other very well. Dawson and Cahill provide good alternatives (not to mention Shawcross, Dann and Johnson), and eventually Smalling and Jones will take over as the starting CB partnership. Jones will be very important here, and I personally think he's the next Phil Neville. I know a lot of people will think this an insult, but Neville is a great player, who can play at FB, DM and CB very well and is a good athlete. Jones' technical proficiencies are overrated but he will become much better than Neville, and offer the same versatility, only with more attacking drive. There's also Naughton, Kelly and Walker as RB prospects, and at least one of them should turn out good enough to be Cole's equivalent on the right in a few years.

Jones and Smalling should be given bench roles right now, so they can get used to international football because they are the future (although they could be replaced), even though I don't think they're in the Top 5 of English centrebacks right now. Baines is the heir to Cole's throne, and that's LB set for the next 5 years at least.

In midfield Parker should be starting every match until he gets too old or a proper replacement is found. Barry and Huddlestone are good, but neither are as good as Parker, who simply offers everything from someone who should play as a holder or as part of a double-pivot. Wilshere gets the nod because of age, too. He's definitely good enough to be in the England set-up, but I think he's been overhyped. Still, offers good passing and could play well with Parker as the more attacking player in midfield, although in a trio, he'd alternate with Lamps in the passer/creater roles. Lamps isn't a playmaker, but he's as close as anything England have for someone who can play deep. He should no longer be starting, moreso because of age, but he should be the 3rd choice in midfield because he can defend, pass and he's the best midfield scorer in the world. Considering that England's game should be to push defenses back (I'll get to that), Lamps could thrive by arriving late for cutbacks.

Huddlestone and Gerrard aren't in the picture right now because of form, and Gerrard shouldn't be getting called up anymore, nor should Ferdinand, since they're too old and injury-prone and Capello should gibe their spots to players who will be with the squad in 2014. With that in mind, Barry, Milner, Cleverley, and Henderson should be around the bench. Henderson isn't good enough yet, and despite recent good performances, I don't rate Cleverley as good enough to play in a double-pivot. He should be bled into the squad because he'll eventually start, probably, but in a midfield trio. Milner should rotate with Lamps, Wilshere and Parker for a role in the midfield trio or double-pivot because he's fantastic, and if it weren't for Wilshere's age, heps be the starter alongside Parker. Milner is better right now, it's such a shame he went to City because if he had stayed at Villa, I don't think his starting spot would even be an issue right now.

Anyway, in attack, Rooney is the starting ST. Now, I'm unsure about playing someone right behind him, but the idea with the 4-2-3-1 is that those 4 players constantly swap positions. Young can play all across the attacking midfield spots, Downing can play on either wing and Gabby and Rooney can play all 4 positions, and if they consistently play together with free roles they can be very destructive. The combinations are endless and they offer speed, strength and technique to combat whatever defensive line the opposition play. The combined speed of the 4 players should push the defensive line deep, if it doesn't, any of the 4 can simply break past with balls over the top, and with the 4 constantly swapping positions and making diagonal runs, it could cause a lot of confusion for the defense in terms of marking. If the defense does sit deep, it gives Rooney space to come into the midfield and receive the ball, and Gabby can act as a provisional targetman because he is strong enough and able enough in the air to use that as an outlet, although the combination of Rooney coming deep to combine with Wilshere and Parker and Gabby speeding past him is a great one. Either the CB follows Rooney and allows Gabby space behind him, or he sticks to this line and give Rooney space to work. With Downing and Young coming inside and the FBs (or just Cole) stretching play, it overloads the players in the centre, and even if they commit a lot of bodies to the AMC space, it'd be easy to combine there, and if it doesn't, the wingers swap and look to cross from the byline. And if Young plays in the AMC spot, he just moves horizontal and drags the defenders to the flank, where England will either outnumber them, or the wingers cut inside and move into the space created.

Alternatives on the bench should be Carlton Cole as a targetman because he's the best English targetman under 30, even if he's still at West Ham. Bent as a poacher if looking for goals. Lennon as a typical winger, especially if Cole comes on, Johnson as a like-for-like sub for Downing, Welbeck because he fits well into the free-role attack (I think United are better with him than with Chicharito, even if Chicharito is the better player). Carroll will eventually replace Cole, he probably already has, even though he's not as good yet, and while Davies and Zamora are the better players, they're too old and haven't played enough with the NT to merit their inclusion now.

There's also hope that Jarvis keeps improving as he has, and Joe Cole recovers his past form and if they do, they could push for a spot on the squad, but the main issue is, there's enough talent for Theo Walcott not to feature in the squad, so stop picking him.

There, that's how I think England should play.

So, my 30 provisional squad, with the 23 main squad in bold, would be:

GK: Hart, Green, Foster
DF: Cole, Baines, Johnson, Smalling, Jones, Terry, Jagielka, Dawson, Cahill, Shawcross
MF: Parker, Wilshere, Lampard, Milner, Barry, Cleverley, Young, Downing, Johnson, Lennon, Henderson
ST: Rooney, Welbeck, Agbonlahor, Bent, Cole, Carroll

Squad:

Scott Carson (Bursaspor), Joe Hart (Man City), David Stockdale (Ipswich); Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Bolton), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Phil Jones (Man Utd), Micah Richards (Man City), John Terry (captain, Chelsea), Kyle Walker (Tottenham); Gareth Barry (Man City), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Man City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Man City), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Man Utd); Darren Bent (Aston Villa), Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Danny Welbeck (Man Utd), Bobby Zamora (Fulham)

Baffling. I think Dawson is injured, which explains that. Jones has impressed a lot, and Smalling is injured, so that's understandable, although I personally don't think he's better than some other relatively young CBs. Then again, he's the future, might as well start picking him. Walker is good and Micah is... not as bad as he was in the past, so... ok.

The midfield is pretty much as expected, but the attack I don't get. Rooney, Welbeck, Zamora, Bent and Carroll.

Targetmen first. I get not calling up either Davies or Cole. Davies is old and already got his honorary call-up and Cole is playing in the Championship. Zamora definitely deserves a call-up, but he's getting on with the years, whereas Carroll is the future targetman, but has been poor for Liverpool (barring what, the derby goal?). So there's reasons to pick and not to pick both of them, but why on earth would you pick both?

My guesses for why this might be are: 1. Capello feels that Zamora could teach Carroll a few things, and uses this opportunity to get them to train together.

2. Capello has identified that for the upcoming matches he wants a physical player up front and wants one for the whole 90 minutes, so he brought 2 just in case.

But this just doesn't makes sense. Especially since he brought in two left-footed wingers (with Young likely to play through the middle, and Walcott offering not danger in terms of crossing). One of the targetmen should be out and Gabby in. Gabby's been brilliant as of late, and is consistently proving that he can hold-up play (so if Capello does want two targetmen, Gabby could be one), link up and offer a threat from wide both by cutting in and by putting good balls into the box. He's been much better than Bent, and even if Bent is a better natural goal-scorer, Gabby's in better form than any of Bent, Carroll or Walcott and it's criminal that all 3 have been selected instead of him.

I don't think Walcott should be selected over Sturridge, who is very fast too, and he's much more effective in his one-dimensionality, but with Johnson and Downing in the squad, I get why Danny's left out.

EDIT: Actually, looking at it, it's not baffling, there's just 2-3 mistakes, and there's a few injuries to some members, so... yeah. Basically, Walcott out Gabby in, or Walcott and Carroll out Danny and Gabby in would've been great.

EDIT 2: No, I've thought about it, and Sturridge shouldn't be picked yet.

Doesn't look baffling at all to me. Everything looks about how you should expect barring Sturridge for Carroll or Zamora.

Yeah, as I said in the edit, not baffling, just 1-2 mistakes.

I think Agbonlahor is seeing a specialist about his back injury. I would have liked to see Sturridge in there, as well.

So, Rooney will be missing for at least 1 game in the EUROs and the verdict will be on Thursday. England will again struggle without him like they did at the beginning of the 2006 WC when he was injured. The same thing will happen again.

TBH I don't think any other backup striker is good enough to be in the first 11 in a team like England. Agbonlahor, Bent, Defoe, Crouch, Cole, Sturridge or Welbeck certainly are good but not on par with strikers of NTs of comparable calibre for e.g. Spain or Germany. Welbeck and Sturridge are young but are simply not good enough yet.

What Capello said is laughable: “I need to find the solution for the first game, or two games, that Rooney will not play,” said Capello. “And if we find that solution, he needs to work to return to the first 11. You know me. Sometimes I make mistakes but I try to select the best players, in the best moment of form.”

So, Rooney will have to "work" to compete with Bent and Defoe in the starting 11? :rofl: Never gonna happen.

EDIT: Speaking about the England midfield, I think Capello should give up on Lampard and Gerrard now and he was right to leave out Lampard and Gerrard from the starting 11 in the last games despite both being available. They never performed as good as for their clubs for England and probably won't. Time to give way to the young guns like Cleverley or Wilshere.

I think defence is England's strongest area right now and the future looks bright in this department. Kyle walker has been very good for Tottenham this season and I think he will definitely be in England's plans. In the centre you have Jones and Smalling who have been great for both club and country and at LB you have Baines as backup for Cole. England is very well covered in defence for sure.

I don't think that challenge deserves an extended suspension. It was very idiotic and pointless but all he did was kick a guy's ankle while he had the ball, it happens so often.

Had he not been crawling all over his back it probably wouldn't have been a red, but that, plus the kick makes it legit IMO. You get 2 games with a red, everyone knows that.

well, he lashed out with his foot, and was correctly sent off for violent conduct -- that qualifies as an automatic 3-match ban in the Prem ...

but UEFA decide each additional suspension (i.e. in addition to the automatic 1-match ban) on a case-by-case basis ... since it's not his first red card, and since this was for violent conduct, he'll get 2 (likely) or 3 ...

Just ban him from the cover of FIFA and I'll be glad...

Roney got a 3 game ban, so he won't play in the group stage! What's the point of including him in the squad when he will miss the group stage? Thats excellent news for United because this means Capello will prefer playing with Bent, Defoe etc in the friendlies. It would be stupid playing with Rooney in friendly games because he will miss the group stage.

Hope it means Gabby gets a call-up.

Roney got a 3 game ban, so he won't play in the group stage! What's the point of including him in the squad when he will miss the group stage? Thats excellent news for United because this means Capello will prefer playing with Bent, Defoe etc in the friendlies. It would be stupid playing with Rooney in friendly games because he will miss the group stage.

Not to mention he'll miss 3/4ths of England involvement at the Euros

Capello needs to just suck it up and go with Sturridge and Wellbeck. Bent, Defoe, and Carroll just won't get it done. Front three of Wellbeck, Sturridge, and maybe Downing is the way to go.

I don't think Sturridge has earned anything more than a first cap right now, nor has Welbeck, although I'd expect them both to earn their spots for the Euro. Carroll should be dropped for Zamora for now, possibly for the Euros too. And Capello should go with one of Defoe or Bent, not both, probably Bent. Front 3 should be Gabby, Young, Downing, since Gabby isn't even in the reckoning so far, I'd say Zamora frankly, since no one other than Bent has the experience to lead the line in the Euros, which is what Capello is aiming for, since itps his last tournie.

It'd be funny if Capello calls up Rooney for the Euros, the other strikers get injured or sent off, and because of it they don't even reach the knockout stages. Last Euro Arshavin was suspended for the first 2 matches and returned in time to inspire Russia's road to the semis. Seriously though, Capello shouldn't call him up, although he's going to.

EDIT: Question, would Rooney's ban expire during the Euros if he's not called up?

Yes it would.

I think with Sturridge, you can argue that his 8 goals in 12 matches for Bolton last season place him near the top of the pecking order, at least I'd say ahead of Defoe and Carroll. Zamora is a good player, but I would think he's really only an option in a 4-4-2 and same with Bent. If you want to play 4-4-2 I would be fine with Zamora-Bent, but hopefully that's not the plan. In a 4-3-3ish formation, I'm not sure exactly who you would put at center forward other than Rooney, but I think Welbeck can handle it and he's also versatile.

But the main point is that Sturridge and Welbeck have immense potential, while Bent-Zamora-Defoe-Carroll will NOT win you this competition. If the potential of the two kids is fulfilled, England could make a big run, and that's why I think you have to go with them. If Rooney was good to go, I would say you can delay giving them full first team places, but not now. Agbonlahor falls into the Defoe category. He won't be enough.

If Capello goes 4-4-2, it's a different story though, naturally.

Yeah, last year's form should have gotten him a cap, but it didn't, and in terms of current ability, he's not good enough, although, by the looks of things, it's not that he's not got enough, he just hasn't gotten the chance to prove he is. I assume that by the Euros, he'll get capped, but it shouldn't be in Rooney's spot.

Welbeck isn't good enough either, and if he gets picked he'll just get stuffed on the wing in a 4-3-3, where there are much better players to play. He certainly has the mobility to be dangerous in a 4-3-3, but I don't think he'll be able to adapt it in time, so I think the World Cup is his tournie.

Zamora would thrive in a striking partnership, but he's played as a lone striker and done a good job at it. He's currently the best targetman in the Prem with Davies but he's much more mobile than him. He can shift to the flanks and drag defenders wide, deep, and he has the technique to lay the ball off well. England has good crossers, so playing a big guy up front might not be modern, but it'd work. The fact that Zamora is much more mobile than Carrol, Davies or even Bent would help.

True that Agbonlahor doesn't have a huge potential, but in terms of ability, he deserves a starting berth. He and Zamora are the best strikers England's got behind Rooney, only Gabby can shift to the wing so I just don't get why he isn't getting caps.

For the Euros, I'd say take Walcott, Carroll and Rooney out, stick Gabby, Sturridge and Welbeck in, and you get the best of both worlds, not to mention that all 3 players would be able to slot in different positions so it makes more sense anyway. If Rooney gets called up, I think Welbeck should be dropped, or maybe Bent.

You have to bring Rooney. There's just no other option IMO. As I said, there's no point even going if you don't try to win, and regardless of preparation I think Rooney gives the best chance to win. They would desperately need him against Spain.

Capello needs to just suck it up and go with Sturridge and Wellbeck. Bent, Defoe, and Carroll just won't get it done. Front three of Wellbeck, Sturridge, and maybe Downing is the way to go.

Downing? haha. Downing over young? Seriously? He's the man on form for England right now. He's been involved in almost all of ENgland's last couple of goals.

I agree with Welbeck and Sturridge. Young - Welbeck - Sturridge would be interesting to see. Or Young - Agbon - Sturridge. Still, that front is WAY behind other teams like Spain, Germany etc.

Not to mention he'll miss 3/4ths of England involvement at the Euros

Of maybe he'll miss 100% of England's involvement if England doesn't get through the group stage. :D

Downing? haha. Downing over young? Seriously? He's the man on form for England right now. He's been involved in almost all of ENgland's last couple of goals.

My bad, I didn't even think about Young. Yes of course he would be selected over Downing.

You have to bring Rooney. There's just no other option IMO. As I said, there's no point even going if you don't try to win, and regardless of preparation I think Rooney gives the best chance to win. They would desperately need him against Spain.

Seeing as how the two world cup finalists and the co-hosts are the seeds, they could get Spain in their group. Still, I think if England want to go far they would need Rooney in the knockout stages, since that'll be the only time he'll be able to be used in the tournament.

Take Oxdale-Chamberlain, you can leave Walcott off.

Why is there so much speculation about whether Rooney will make the squad?
As if Capello has the balls to drop him. He's the only hope we have of achieving more than Quarter Final mediocrity.

Yeah even not playing the entire group phase doesn't mean drop Rooney imo.

Rooney dropped for friendly, good idea, he won't be playing the first 3 matches, so it's time to try out new players and formations . Sturridge and Gabby called up, finally, hope they both get the opportunity to claim Walcott's spot. Bent and Gabby seem to have forged a good understanding, just another reason to bring Gabby to the Euros.

Rodwell's been called up too, and I can't say I agree with that. Lescott over Dawson is bad, too, but Dawson hasn't been as good as he can be so far this season, and hopefully this will motivate him to get back into the squad.

Johnson over Richards??? What a joke.
Dawson is injured, I think.
No Lennon is diappointing, as well. Though maybe he can concentrate on getting completely fit and avoid injury. Finally Agbonlahor is back.

This means that Rooney will be rested for 2 weeks before the next United game. Awesome.

Agbonlahor's injured :(

I'm still a little dazzled that the England vs Spain match is on the same Capello's son is getting married.



So who's the bigger a-hole for this. (H) either way Great match. I predict 2-1 Inglaterra.

It's the wife's fault, almost surely. (H)

It's the wife's fault, almost surely. (H)

Should have had the wedding in the stadium before the game and made sure John Terry gets no where near the bride.

Yeah, that would be Terryble

Hahahahahaha

After two 1-0 wins the English media seems to think it has a golden generation on it's hands. Yeah, we'll see.

The English media thinks were going win everything every year... its nothing new. I'm sure everyone realises that.

In spite saying that we got some good youngsters coming through, which is surely going to bring hope if nothing else.

Jones, Smalling, Cleverly, Welbeck, Rodwell, Sturridge, Wilshere

Its been a long time since we had a new crop come through, its been the same old faces for over a decade.

In the Spain game I felt Wellbeck contributed more than Bent. Rodwell was good too technically (he had a nice dribble towards goal) but his decision making wasn"t the best.

The English media thinks were going win everything every year... its nothing new. I'm sure everyone realises that.

In spite saying that we got some good youngsters coming through, which is surely going to bring hope if nothing else.

Jones, Smalling, Cleverly, Welbeck, Rodwell, Sturridge, Wilshere

Its been a long time since we had a new crop come through, its been the same old faces for over a decade.

I really like most of those players, but they aren't as good as Lampard, Gerrard, Ferdinand, Cole.

Rodwell (H)

FM 09 hidden gem. I hope the English media don't ruin there mojo. I would seriously love a England-Germany Euro final!!!

Reports claim that Terry has been stripped of captaincy. What the **** is that? Why does Capello have to change captain every year. I wonder who will be the next captain. I don't see Ferdinand getting the armband again because I doubt he will feature regularly for England. Gerrard? Lampard? How about Rooney? TBH I think Rooney should eventually become England's captain. He doesn't have captaincy experience (neither did Beckham though), but he's the only one that you can guarantee will be in England's first team for at least the next 5 years.

EDIT: Another consideration would be Parker who has captained both Charlton and Newcastle. But will he be a regular? With Gerrard, Lampard and Wilshere competing for the central midfield role, I doubt it. I think Rooney is the only England player to be guaranteed a spot in the lineup.

Um... because he racially abused a family member of a teammate? He shouldn't even be called up IMO.

That's bull****. He's not even been proven guilty yet, and they're stripping him of the captaincy? Utter bull****, do they just not want the best captain the squad has to lead the team into a major tournament ever?

If he had been proven guilty that's fine, perfectly understandable, but the trial is in July and this is a mistake just like stripping him last time was.

EDIT: **** that ****, Nimi. Even if he is guilty, it's not for us to say until the proper parties evaluate the situation and it's ridiculous to punish him before the trial. If he is guilty, I'll obviously change my stance, but we don't know that yet, and what's the point of having these proceedings at all if we're just gonna say he's guilty anyway.

Rooney is missing the first 2 games (through entirely his own fault) and plays striker which maybe isn't the best position (although can work). Also his general attitude can be appalling when it's not going well, and if he was captain he would probably feel even more entitled to roam around angrily getting out of position and doing whatever the **** he wants to the detriment of the shape of the team. He's not been used properly for England; I think the record without him in the team is actually better than with him. I'm probably in the minority but if the first 2 games go really well I wouldn't even want to put him back in to the starting line up right away, but bring him off the bench with a point to prove.

It's difficult. If there was any obvious choice Capello probably wouldn't have given it back to Terry. If Gerrard is going to be playing it will surely be him. If not I would also like to see Scott Parker have it for the Euros if he's in the first 11. Probably not realistic but he has captained club sides loads of times, doesn't give up or get moody and isn't a prick. Also given his age it would be clear that it's not a long term solution, and would be unlikely to piss anyone off too much.

The other experienced guys (except Ashley Cole...) aren't even definitely in the starting 11, although possibly the fact Cappello needs a new captain might influence his decision about who to actually select in the side.

Pretty ridiculous that they aren't sorting out Terry's verdict before the Euro's.

Rio Ferdinand has ruled himself out of contention to return to the role of England captain and succeed John Terry.

Along with Steven Gerrard, Joe Hart and Ashley Cole, the Manchester United centre-back had been listed as a candidate to become the new skipper after Terry was on Friday stripped of the honour.

Ca$hley? Seriously? (H)

I don't think England captaincy is that necessary. IMO all the first XI players, or a large majority are "captains". They all know what it takes to win and will hold their teammates to those standards.

It's probably more vital at club level or with a small nation but with a team like England it's more symbolic than anything. They could put their 23rd player as captain and it wouldn't make a difference in their Cup performance.

As a role model, especially since players are being stripped of the captaincy for off-the-pitch issues (I support stripping Terry for racism, but only when he's proven guilty) it's a joke. But as far as being a big personality, likeable in the squad, regular starter with experience he's not a bad fit.

Rooney can't handle being a captain, it distracts him. And the FA have set a precedent of players needing to be saints for them to be captain, so I dunno. As far as players with leadership experience, NT experience and generally good, clean character, Lampard and Parker are the only ones off the top of my head. Although none of them will last too long, so maybe it should go to a younger player with less experience but who will actually be in the squad.

As a role model, especially since players are being stripped of the captaincy for off-the-pitch issues (I support stripping Terry for racism, but only when he's proven guilty) it's a joke. But as far as being a big personality, likeable in the squad, regular starter with experience he's not a bad fit.

Rooney can't handle being a captain, it distracts him. And the FA have set a precedent of players needing to be saints for them to be captain, so I dunno. As far as players with leadership experience, NT experience and generally good, clean character, Lampard and Parker are the only ones off the top of my head. Although none of them will last too long, so maybe it should go to a younger player with less experience but who will actually be in the squad.

They could just give it to someone like Lampard (best choice IMO), or Gerrard for this tournament and then choose someone else after.

Bad decision. Terry will still dominate the dressing room and undermine whoever is chosen as captain. Either keep him as captain or dont take him at all. All the other candidates have tried and failed at it anyway.

Personally, I would prefer to go the the EUROS without Terry, also with Ferdinand, Lampard, Gerrard, even Barry. Get the new boys in, fresh start for English football to get ready for Brazil 2014.

They could just give it to someone like Lampard (best choice IMO), or Gerrard for this tournament and then choose someone else after. Can't really give it to Lampard, he may not even take it, promoting the Chelsea club vice captain above the Captain. Also, no guarantee Lampard will play that much.

I say give the armband to Lee Craig Stewart!

This captaincy issue is becoming a farce. We should just let the oldest or most-capped player captain the side and be done with it. I can't believe how much hype and effort is put into this aspect, when the English setup has so many other more pressing deficiencies.
I guess we love the drama and hate giving our team the best preparation before a big tournament.

This captaincy issue is becoming a farce. We should just let the oldest or most-capped player captain the side and be done with it. I can't believe how much hype and effort is put into this aspect, when the English setup has so many other more pressing deficiencies.
I guess we love the drama and hate giving our team the best preparation before a big tournament.

When I was listening to them talk about this for a good 5 minutes on Football Weekly all I could think about was "even the 'good media' just can't go for one tournament without ******* up the team".

Capello quits England over their decision to strip Terry of the captaincy.

That's... surprising. Did the FA decide to shoot itself in the foot before every tournie so as to have an excuse for terrible performance?

Sure, Capello was going to quit in a few months anyway, but who do you get now? A quick fix or a longterm solution? Will Redkanpp get it? Will Pearce get promoted for the tournie?

Mad drama.

Hahahahaha, circus as usual (H)

I don't think there are any games until this summer, might as well appoint Harry right now.

If I was Harry, I'd stay with Tottenham. Why would he take England? Club football is where the big boys are, and Spurs is actually a pretty big club.

England or should I say the FA! :facepalm: 4 months away from the Euros, and they're without a manager and a captain to lead their side. No wonder they don't win anything...

Circus, as ever. We should never have been in a situation like this.
On the other hand, we were never going to play a good tournament with Capello, so maybe someone new will at least have us get through the group stage comfortably. I'm so sick of seeing the same players in our squad since Euro '04. Maybe a new manager would take a few more risks.

I actually agree with that. If he's taking a stand for JT as captain I question his judgment. It came to my attention this week that when Woodgate and Bowyer were awaiting trial the FA suspended them from the England team until the cases were resolved. They should have done that with Terry.

There's only one logical explanation: Capello is racist. That seems to be the trend nowadays.

But seriously, what a joke. So long as off-field issues dominate English football more than anything that occurs off the field, England will never truly be considered a contender. Sort your **** out, you've got one of, if not the most successful top flight leagues on the planet, yet this is the type of bull**** that occurs.

Get someone who's actually English in charge please FA?

That's probably the thing with their perception of 'Divine Right', they seem to think they can dillydally with everything else other than actually trying to hone their footballing tactics and skillset within a squad of 23.

Get someone who's actually English in charge please FA?

'Arry is innocent! What TOIMIN!

And so, Mourinho's wheels are in motion. (H)

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/dt-exclusive-fa-interviews-replacements-fabio-capello-222542265.html

(H)

Hahahaha "Christian Poulsen."

And Stuart Pearce will probably make Gareth Bale captain. :P

Stuart Pearce could actually be a good choice, he's certainly got the passion i think.

Not another completely mediocre manager please. Pearce doesn't have the experience to be England manager. Reminds me of when we had McClaren...

McClaren isn't HORRIBLE, I think Pearce would be legit terrible and it would be even funnier because he would react very poorly to the media criticism of his poor results.

In my opinion, he has shown that he can be a horrible manager. He set Wolfsburg back 5 years and made a complete cock up of the England gig.
Like most others before him, he displayed weaknesses concerning certain players (Beckham) and folded under media pressure. AND he didn't get us to Euro 2008. Now, I don't want to sound arrogant as if it's England's right to be at every tournemant, but that was really bad.

McClaren as England manager was a disgrace.

I say hire David Beckham for the tournament, 'Arry to take over full time afterwards.

I say hire David Beckham for the tournament

That would be amazing. I think the Egland NT and surrounding media are too stuck-up to make such a choice.

And Harry taking the England job now or after this season would be a bad decision IMO. He's got a very nice club with Tottenham and has done well there. It's better to stay with a successful club that likes you rather than take the risk of being national manager, especially with England where the odds are stacked against you. He should take it only if he's offered like 3 times his current salary.

Yeah I think I agree with you, especially considering Harry's not young, so if the England job ruins his reputation he wont have time to rebuild it. He is an old school patriot though so may not be able to resist.

Here is quite a good article which about sums up how I feel about it http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/jim-white/redknapp-heads-fa-one-man-shortlist-121432276.html

If he does take the job in summer, what do you think are the odds of Mourinho to Tottenham?

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/427187_248757451869629_129893790422663_576899_2088 127447_n.jpg

That would be amazing. I think the Egland NT and surrounding media are too stuck-up to make such a choice.

And Harry taking the England job now or after this season would be a bad decision IMO. He's got a very nice club with Tottenham and has done well there. It's better to stay with a successful club that likes you rather than take the risk of being national manager, especially with England where the odds are stacked against you. He should take it only if he's offered like 3 times his current salary.

Capello was making 9.5 million a year. I guarantee 'Arry doesn't make anywhere close to that now.

Stuart Pearce could actually be a good choice, he's certainly got the passion i think.

It would be a bit ironic to have the same coach for both the Euros and the Olympics, this when the FA has said that it won't be selecting any players from the Euro 2012 England squad to be part of the 18-man Team GB roster.

If he took the England job before the EUROs he would have to think about handing over the team GB job to someone else.

Becks player-manager!

I seriously think Beckham for NT boss for the Euros - everyone's writing us off anyway, so let's pull a Maradona!

Becks player-manager!

Thats what I was thinking too. That would've been amazing. Never gonna happen though.

Why would having Beckham be good, exactly?

Becks player-manager!

How would the FIFA cinematics work then? XD

This would make FIFA crash.

What the Hell is Downing doing in the England squad???

Waterboy: every team needs one.

I'm still completely shocked at the Capello saga. Did this start ever since he missed his sons wedding? I bet he regrets it now. (H)




England deserve better.

What the Hell is Downing doing in the England squad???

Same he's doing in Liverpool.

Absolutely nothing.

England deserve better.

The FA and media don't. Though the fans do...

Frazer Campbell called up - that is a bold selection, and I applaud bold selections. He has been on form lately.

Sounds something my country has been dealing since the early 80's (FA and Media). FA is a joke in England thou to be honest. Corruption in Football makes me sick to my stomach. No wonder England is in that drought.

In England I get the feeling it's less about corruption and more about downright incompetence.

Cleverley has pulled out of the squad.

Don't kill me for saying this......why not give some from Swansea a chance? Britton and Dyer mainly I feel deserve a chance as they have been excellent all season and maybe Sinclair too.

who's the coach?

Dyer should definitely be in contention. I'm not too sure about Sinclair. Britton might not fit into the system and with the players that would be around him.

I'm sure he's Dyeing to join the team. Britton would be a good choice too for the Olympics.

who's the coach?

Psycho.

Anyway, England doesn't need a coach, been playing the same way for 100 years.

Dyer should definitely be in contention. I'm not too sure about Sinclair. Britton might not fit into the system and with the players that would be around him.

Dyer could come good really as I don't really see a better right winger in England atm. He is tricky,fast,has a brain and is productive(his touch is a bit heavy at times but a player with a good first touch and the intelligence to use it is rare among England players) . And I guess I have to agree about Sinclair. His decision making and off the ball play is a bit **** to be honest.

Britton/playing style- Don't you think its time for England to try something new? I mean Britton is excellent with the ball and without it. Clearly a very intelligent player. There is a new generation of players who have the capability to use the ball properly- Wilshere,Cleverly,Ox,Phil Jones,Smalling,Dyer etc.....so why not try a new style/philosophy? And players like Britton,Carrick,Huddlestone(I admit I have seen little of him but was pretty impressed) could be really help.

Based on season form, Dyer should go to the Euros and Walcott should stay home. But you know it wont happen.

Based on season form, Dyer should go to the Euros and Walcott should stay home. But you know it wont happen.

AGAIN!!! How the **** do you do this? **** Paul the Octopus!!!

Both Rooney and Cleverley ruled out.

Okay, but serious question, has your defense never seen Arjen Robben play before? Because 3.Bundesliga teams don't give him that much time and space with his left foot that he got to score the winner against you today.

Bale is praying no Englishman is picked to Team GB.

lol @ Smalling, fully responsible for the first 2 goals conceded. For Robben's first you can see Cahill pointing for him to stay right while he covered Robben's potential run to the left, but for some reason Smalling decides to just barge left right next to Cahill and Robben just cuts left into open space. Defense needs to be sorted out, Micah was the only player who looked like he should have been there.

the way england played yesterday i thought was pure ****e especially first half...
we always seem to stand off and stand off some more. Why cant we seem to play for once for the whole 90 or even a whole half, the young goal was sick the movement and passing was spot on but took us near on 90 mins to produce it, and then after that we just allow robben of all people on the pitch sooo much space inside the area and get punished for it.

That being said i believe leaving out the older players is the way to go

So, the odds on Roy are shortening :(

Somewhat unbelievably, there have been a lot of calls in the media to ask Paul Scholes to come out of international retirement for the EUROs. It does seem very desperate, but then again he has been very good for United despite his age and, with Wilshire out, we could do with more central midfield options. What do you guys think about this?

Despite his age, I thing he still has lots to offer. He is actually much better this season than last season. I think the 6 months of rest made him fresh. I would certainly select him over poayers like Carrick, Cleverley or Hendersen. He has that flair that no one else has.

For sure, he is like the only player in the national team that actually knows how to keep a ball

Psycho.

Guardiola!

FA apparently talking to Hodgeson!

Haha! Damn.

Well, Hodgson does well for midtable clubs, so that makes sense.

Jesus. A cheap "safe-pair-of-hands" English manager with minimal experience of handling big name players who is not the fan or press favorite being hastily appointed on the back of the unglamorous departure of an expensive foreign flop... remind you of anyone?

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00796/steve-mcclaren_796998c.jpg

http://eur.yimg.com/ng/sp/eurosport/20120502/25/128d36e3bf0d9fcf79b242978d5267e9.jpg

Classy as usual

I love The Sun

I just revisited the "Can England Win the Next World Cup" documentary from a couple of years ago, so my mind is buzzing on the topic of England ...A cheap "safe-pair-of-hands" English manager with minimal experience of handling big name players who is not the fan or press favorite being hastily appointed on the back of the unglamorous departure of an expensive foreign flop... remind you of anyone?

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00796/steve-mcclaren_796998c.jpgI hate to say it, but this appointment is a sort of blessing in disguise ...

I mean, since I've been watching football (early 90s), England have gone into every tournament they've qualified to with their media and fans talking about winning it ... it has always baffled me, because I'd have not seen anything to suggest the possibility of that happening ... even at EURO 2008, there were comments such as 'if we had qualified, we'd be amongst the favourites to win the cup' ... really? based on what? hype?

anyway, in that documentary, Lineker (and El Tel, and 'Arry, etc.) talked about how they felt England were primed for glory in 2010 ... but I expect that won't be the case this time ...

the lack of expectation is where Hodgson has thrived at in recent times ... Fulham: no expectation -> final of Europa, manager of the year ... Pool: huge expectations -> flop! ... WBA: no expectation -> highest finish for 3 decades ... and if that universal lack of expectation translates to less artificially-created media frenzy, then the team may actually have a chance of enjoying their pre-tournament build-up, which in turn lays the foundations for a good tournament ... I hope I'm wrong (because I don't think you guys will play football worth watching in either case), but the potential is there for that sort of ideal scenario for England ...

As long as he doesn't bore the players with tedious tactical discussion and film study!

Is it really possible to truly manage England without expectations though?

with the added distraction of hosting the Olympics keeping the media and general populace occupied, it just may be possible this one time ...

The expectations are low now, but it wouldn't surprise me if they are high by the time the competition starts. The media are distracted now by Chelsea and the Manchester title race.

My expectations are nothing short of winning the tournament and showing a complete resurgence. Anything less and I will be genuinely furious.

The expectations are low now, but it wouldn't surprise me if they are high by the time the competition starts. The media are distracted now by Chelsea and the Manchester title race.

From the end of the UCL final, they've got 3 weeks untill the EUROs

Goalkeepers - Joe Hart, Robert Green, John Ruddy.

Defenders - Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson, Phil Jones, Joleon Lescott, John Terry.

Midfielders - Gareth Barry, Stewart Downing, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Ashley Young.

Strikers - Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck.

Standby - Jack Butland, Phil Jagielka, Jordan Henderson, Adam Johnson, Daniel Sturridge.


First thoughts: Where the **** is Crouch? Can't believe how badly screwed over he's been by England managers considering his international record. He has like 1 goal every 100 minutes or something. Picked behind Heskey for years and now kicked out altogether.

Also, Downing?! I'm struggling to think of an English Premiership winger who ISN'T more deserving of a place. 36 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 72 fruitless shots.

STEWART F*CKING DOWNING. Unbelievable. I just don't see how this guy manages to be rated so highly when he's had an awful season.
Johnson doesn't belong there, either. Especially when you see that Micah Richards isn't in there. I've come to the conclusion that someone at the FA has it in for him, he's been overlooked so many times, it's ridiculous.

Gotta feel for Micah, how do you not include him with the season he's had? Especially with Walker out injured, would have figured Micah was a shoe-in for RB. Glen ******* Johnson, what a joke.

And no Carrick yet Henderson is on standby? Has Roy watched ANY football this season at all? Damn.

No richard is shocking, and Carrick. Carrick probably had his best season with United. I would of ditched Lamps and Gerard over some youth too. Not like were going to win anything this year, should be transitioning.

Has Oxlade really been better that Sturridge? I'm fine with him not being selected, it might motivate him after a poor 2nd half of the season, but come on, Downing (and I like the Aston Villa Downing) and him over Sturridge? No Crouch, no Carrick, no Richards and some undeserved call-ups there. Pretty bad.

Right, well here's the squad:

http://eur.yimg.com/ng/sp/eurosport/20120516/25/dccb889ec1c60ad8fab4b9bbe025e9a7.png

I am absolutely FURIOUS with this squad. I cant believe what a **** selection it is.

1) Goalkeepers - ROB GREEN!? You mean Championship player and WC2010 DISASTER Rob Green? I know there are not a lot of choices, but surely Scott Carson would be a better choice, and couldnt a manager with an iota of influence persuade Ben Foster whom he used to manage to come out of retirement for one tournament)

2) Defenders - What the **** is he playing at relying on Glen Johnson? Johnson is a horrendously overrated player who has had a terrible season AND who undermined Roy at Liverpool. And then the only right back cover is Phil Jones and right back isnt his primary position! Alright it is a shame Walker isnt fit, but Richards has had a great season and is a far better player than Johnson, and can cover the central positions too.

3) Midfield - Great idea Roy, select Barry, Gerrard, Lampard and Milner, the midfield which Germany humiliated last world cup. How many chances are these guys gonna get? Lampard and Gerrard couldnt perform for england in their prime, now both are well past their best. Barry shouldn't be anywhere near the England squad, Milner is a workhorse but not much else. No more than one or two of those four should have made the squad. DOWNING being named is enough to make me want to punch Roy in the face and not happy to see Walcott there either when Sturridge, Johnson, Lennon etc are left out. INFURIATING. Honestly, I'd even rather take a punt on someone like Dyer than those idiots.

4) Forwards - why do managers KEEP calling up Jermaine Defoe? With Rooney banned for three matches and the potential for Carroll to be a donkey all tournament, we need another option to LEAD THE LINE and Defoe is so bad at that he has been no more than a sub at Tottenham his entire career and constantly disappoints for England.

5) Reserves - So Butland who played at Cheltenham last season is a better option than Carson? And JORDAN ******* HENDERSON!!!!


So yeah, not not happy at all. Actually very angry. Disgraceful. Could not be more wrong. Roy Hodgson deserves to be shot in the face repeatedly.

(By the way you know Harry would have had the guts to dump at least some of the players who are well past their prime and dont even deserve an international swansong, and actually pick the players based on form and take a chance on some younger players, you know, players that actually play as a team and might actually benefit from some big tournament experience before the next world cup?)

Roy Hogson is a "red" which is why he's obviously biased for Liverpool players. England will fail miserably just like the "reds".

...sigh, the more a look at it the worse it gets. At least psycho was playing youth.

Looks like Carrick declined/retired England unless he was given a starting position... not sure how the other lot are ranking before him.

Hahahahahaha holy ****. Although, wouldn't it be epic if he won it?

more like a miracle.

Hahahahahaha holy ****. Although, wouldn't it be epic if he won it?

Group stage exit written all over that mediocre squad.

Has Oxlade really been better that Sturridge?the apparent justification for Ox's selection:He is a very exciting player who has made an impression on me, not least in his performance against AC Milan at the Emirates.

I was there live and saw how well he dealt with Pirlo and Ambrosini. He can play wide or central and for future and can continue as he started.hahaha :-D

(H)!

Hodgson was to man who got rid Roberto Carlos from Inter because he couldn't defend

I hear you guys all complain, but apart from Micah Richards (who is this guy not a starter for anybody? He is a machine, should be the first one to be picked) and Theo Walcott (def better choice than Downing), who else would you have picked?

Ok, lets say we take Richards, Walcott and Crouch instead, how much better are your chances of getting out of the group stages? There is just nobody to select from at all really.

Theo is in the squad. Micah should obviously be the starting right back. It's hard to have many other complaints though. England just isn't that talented. Sturridge is probably a starter in a 4-3-3, but he has really struggled since Chelsea abandoned that formation. I certainly wouldn't prefer him over Theo or Ox in a 4-2-3-1, much less Ashley Young.

I think there are legitimate complaints to be had about Defoe. Frankly I'm not sure a 4th striker is really needed when you only play with one. And even if you are definitely taking 4, I'd take Bent over him and maybe Sturridge, not to mention other midfielders or defenders.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lexS2u3ePc


Daaaamn. Old fool.

That is legitimately quite concerning. Maybe he also doesn't know which players he's picked and just selected names he could remember. Might explain the number of Liverpool players.

That is legitimately quite concerning. Maybe he also doesn't know which players he's picked and just selected names he could remember. Might explain the number of Liverpool players.haha


Has Oxlade really been better that Sturridge?the apparent justification for Ox's selection:He is a very exciting player who has made an impression on me, not least in his performance against AC Milan at the Emirates.

I was there live and saw how well he dealt with Pirlo and Ambrosini. He can play wide or central and for future and can continue as he started.hahaha :-Dhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lexS2u3ePc

Daaaamn. Old fool.surprised more hasn't been made of this gaffe ... ohh, the senile do make for good foolery ...

Believe me they both avoided that game in fear of the Ox.

Just as bad, He selected Defoe because he scores against teams that Hodgson has coached before, despite Harry Rednapp telling him that Defoe isn't a good player