Hi all. A brief debate on the main CCFC forum re Englands world cup chances 2014 led me to ponder the options for squad selection.I know its only January so lots of opportunity to consider alternatives.
So if you were the England manager- who would you pick and why?
There is lots of resource out there- I found this link http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...pick-your-23-then-compare-to-our-choices.html
Which is quite a novel approach?
Should we rely on the experience of Gerrard, Lampard, Cole... or blood "the kids" Lallana, Oxlade Chamberlaine etc with a view to them gaining experience in what we all acknowledge(apart from the rabid press!!) is a world cup England have little or no chance in?
All welcome of course, not limited to "Englishmen"... although those from a non English persuasion- if you could temper your world cup "anxieties " for England's fate to reasoned arguments would be great.:wave:
I probably went more youth than experience, though there are still some old heads (Gerrard and Cole in particular). Wouldn't take Lampard personally, think at international level he's past it. My squad was:
I'd maybe swap out either Townsend or Walcott for a more traditional centre-forward type like Andy Carroll, but I wouldn't be starting him ever.
I also avoided picking people like Barry and Milner, because while I understand the notion that they "do a job" I don't think that job is remotely approaching international class, and their careers are on the way out.
I definitely think youth should be prioritised ahead of experience. It's the next World Cup we should be worried about, the weather will be much more to our liking and a great deal of the youngsters will be in their prime.
Outside shouts could be Curtis Davis, Gareth Barry, Jay Rodriguez. I'd also consider asking Terry if he wants to come along as I think Cahill and Terry are developing a very good understanding at Chelsea
I agree, but I really can't think of anyone else, I don't like the thought of playing jones or smalling out of position, Richards doesn't play, lowton's having a mixed season, is clyne English? Jenkinson doesn't play enough.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - so please excuse any spelling or grammar errors
As a Coventry-born "Paddy", I'm not a huge England fan, but would LOVE to see them do well in the World Cup. 1966 was such a long time ago and I remember it well. Even my old mum, a real old Cork lady, was leaping around when the final whistle went!
As for the team, I'm not too good at making selections, but I would certainly include Southampton's Ricky Lambert. Sturridge and Welbeck should also be included. Just my worthless opinion :thinking about: