Posted September 8, 200915 yr I think we (obviously we meaning England) are. Bilic is doing his best to claim a seat at the 'mind games' table but his attempts are as convincing as Obi Mikel's 30 yard free kicks. His credibility as an international manager seem to be pinned mainly on one victory over us when we were managed by a man with the tactical nous of a deer in Texas that decides to get a bulls eye tattooed on its arse - it is actually fitting that he has one key moment that defines his managerial career because he also his one key moment that defines his playing career, that being taking a dive in the World Cup to get Laurent Blanc sent off. I suspect Capello is going to opt for Crouch from the start despite Defoe's rich vein of form and use Defoe as an option off the bench - personally I would pick Defoe from the start as I feel the player in form deserves the nod. I also wonder whether Capello will start with Lennon. Again I think he should however I still think Lennon is not good enough to play on the right hand side at the World Cup for the simple reason that when he crosses the ball there is not a concerned barn door in the country. When we come up against teams that counter at pace (such as Brazil and Spain) the last thing we need is a winger that crosses a ball so erratically that it is as likely to create a chance for the opposition as it is for us. Unfortunately our other pace option on the right hand side (SWP) is equally poor in terms of his delivery.
September 9, 200915 yr I hope England wins and qualify for the world cup. I kinda missed you at Euro 2008. Croatia isn't a bad team, but England has played really well lately (though I heard you wasn't that good in the last game) and at home I really don't think you will lose. Croatia might manage a draw if they are really lucky, but I think England will win. I might actually watch this game since Sweden play earlier against Malta. It should end before Englands game begins. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a swedish win too. And I hope Denmark lose or atleast drop points. If they do, then we have a chance to grab the first position in the group.
September 9, 200915 yr I suspect Capello is going to opt for Crouch from the start despite Defoe's rich vein of form and use Defoe as an option off the bench - personally I would pick Defoe from the start as I feel the player in form deserves the nod.I also wonder whether Capello will start with Lennon. Again I think he should however I still think Lennon is not good enough to play on the right hand side at the World Cup for the simple reason that when he crosses the ball there is not a concerned barn door in the country. When we come up against teams that counter at pace (such as Brazil and Spain) the last thing we need is a winger that crosses a ball so erratically that it is as likely to create a chance for the opposition as it is for us. Unfortunately our other pace option on the right hand side (SWP) is equally poor in terms of his delivery. Loz - is that a slight back-track on Defoe? I know you have pointed out that he is the man in form but I seem to recall you didn't rate him full-stop. If it was down to you would you still be picking Owen?!! And I reckon despite his good form he'll remain on the bench and Heskey will get the nod.
September 9, 200915 yr he has made a massive arse of himself over the diving thing, especially after the way hes acted in the past as you pointed out. on the formation and choice of striker, i can understand why he goes for heskey as a battering ram then brings defoe on later after the defence is tired, but in a game like this i would prefer he start with a goal threat like defoe.
September 9, 200915 yr I can't see us losing this, even if we have been somewhat unimpressive in victory lately. No matter how good Defoe gets, I'm still always going to think of him as a sh*t Michael Owen...
September 9, 200915 yr I dont really care about In ger lund and its booing supporters. The demon in me would like a draw - just for all the bolox that will be written tomorrow
September 9, 200915 yr BTW - why are we letting our players play in a F.i.F.A. competition when F.I.F.A have banned from replacing them if and when they are injured?
September 9, 200915 yr Author Loz - is that a slight back-track on Defoe? I know you have pointed out that he is the man in form but I seem to recall you didn't rate him full-stop. If it was down to you would you still be picking Owen?!!And I reckon despite his good form he'll remain on the bench and Heskey will get the nod. Not a back track at all. The previous threads were mainly to do with whether we should sign Defoe and I said no chance as I don't think he is good enough. I still don't. England can't use the transfer market and so Capello has to select from what is available. Based on current form Defoe deserves the nod however I still don't think he is good enough to deliver consistently at the highest level and it is this, combined with our lack of ability to cross a ball into the box, that will probably see us get no further than the quarter finals in the World Cup again.
September 9, 200915 yr the fact is, under capello, england (and our key player, rooney) score more with heskey in the side than it does with defoe (when both start).
September 9, 200915 yr Lennon looks damn good - Ashley will have to watch him closely when we are playing Sp*ds
September 9, 200915 yr 2-0 Gerrard. I've left the telly in disgust as I hate the fact that I'm supporting an England team which includes Gerrard. I was unable to celebrate that c**t scoring So still 1-0 as far as I'm concerned
September 9, 200915 yr Author 4-1 - Johnson at fault on the right hand side but there should have been an offside flag.
September 9, 200915 yr Congratulations England, and will be cheering you on in South Africa. Except Gerrard.
September 9, 200915 yr Who said that Gerrard and Lamps couldn't play in the same side together? Great performance. Tops off a great qualifying campaign, and now we can get back to the real football this weekend!
September 9, 200915 yr Very good performance by England. 3-1 win (Gerrards don't count, Wicksy's right) and they were very comfortable
