World Cup Squad annouced

[LONG 2]

I'm going to go against the angry mob on this one...I don't mind having him in the side. Actually, I prefer it. IMO, England play a kind of 4-2-3-1 formation with a standard back four, Lampard and Barry (or an alternative if he doesn't make it back to fitness) with Gerrard, Rooney and Walcott/Lennon/SWP/Milner behind the front man. For me, Heskey plays his role as the front man so well in that he puts himself about - more so than what Crouch would do - and makes a hand full of himself to the two centre halves, which in turn, gives Rooney, Gerrard and co. a license to roam in the space behind. Granted, some sides may try to counteract this by deploying a holding, defensive midfielder, but for 90 minutes, I'm not sure he'd get the upper hand on that lot. If Rooney was to play in Heskey's role as the lone frontman, he'd end up being marked by two defenders, playing with his back to goal all game. And Gerrard does a fine job starting out on the left. No one expects Gerrard to hang on the touchline all game as an out-and-out winger like Giggs used to; actually some of the world's best players used to start wide and then come in side at will when the space/chance was there - Ronaldinho, Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi.

Like what you've written tips! Apart from the Scott Parker bit
Think i'd prefer King-Lampard!! (as Hargreaves is not in squad!)

[Rabbits XI]

I think that Heskey will go to the World Cup as he will offer a different 'plan' to that available with the selection of Bent (unless Bent scores a hat-trick tomorrow). Of the places available, I think one of Dawson/Upson will go, along with one of Wright-Phillips/J.Cole/A.Johnson. Baines and Warnock should miss out, I feel it is unlikely Capello will take a specialist left-back replacement as he has no right-back replacement. Carragher can cover both roles and there is the added option, where necessary, of Milner/Barry. Finally, Scott Parker for me is the weakest of the midfield options and will therefor stay at home.

Squad:
R.Green (likely No.1), D.James, J.Hart.

G.Johnson, A.Cole, J.Terry, R.Ferdinand (capt), L.King, J.Carragher, M.Dawson.

G.Barry, S.Gerrard, F.Lampard, T.Huddlestone, J.Milner, M.Carrick, A.Lennon, T.Walcott, A.Johnson.

P.Crouch, J.Defoe, W.Rooney, E.Heskey.

I predict that we can (and will), go all the way, most likely meeting Spain/Argentina in the Final.

[tips]

Finally, Scott Parker for me is the weakest of the midfield options and will therefor stay at home.

I understand that he's the least experienced (bar Adam Johnson), but for me, he is the best combative midfield option out of the lot. He's not going to pass a ball through a Yorkshire Terrier's legs from 60 yards or dash the length of the pitch to follow up a Heskey shot but he's a simple, no nonsense player who is holds his position well, much like Owen Hargreaves used to be able to do.

[watson]

After watching the warm up games on the box its been so very noticable how slow Huddlestone is. The pace and quality of Bent was not evident, so with those two poor performances in mind, my unlucky 7 are Parker, Lennon, Dawson, Huddlestone, Bent, Warnock and Baines. Apart from Parker the rest will a second chance 4 years time.

[Fingers]

1. Green
2. Hart
3. James

4. Johnson
5. Ferdinand
6. Terry
7. A Cole
8. King
9. Carragher
10. Baines

11. Gerrard
12. Lampard
13. Barry
14. Milner
15. J Cole
16. Walcott
17. A Johnson
18. Lennon

19. Rooney
20. Heskey
21. Crouch
22. Defoe

23. Carrick

[Mystery]

The 7 i think that Cappello is leaving out will be

Dawson
Upson
Warnock
SWP
Parker
Huddlestone
Bent

Have to pretty much agree with it, but would like to have seen Parker get a run out. Huddlestone had 2 chances and looked out of his depth, think Parker might have given a good account of himself.

Joe Hart should be No1 GK from what i have seen aswell.

My starting 11 against the USA would be

1. Hart

2. G Johnson
3. A Cole
5. Ferdinand
6. Terry

7. Lennon
8. Lampard
4. Gerrard
11. A Johnson

9. Heskey
10. Rooney

Dont think this will be the starting 11 but would be my choice, chose Heskey over Crouch because i think Crouch would be better off the bench and Heskey can do his bit for an hour and then make way for him. Hes not a traditional striker but we seem to do better with him up there. IF Barry is fit then he plays the holding role and Rooney plays up top with Gerrard and Lampard supporting from the midfield.

All that said, whatever side we put out i think will get to the Semi's at best. I hope we go all the way though!