Just wondering what peoples starting XI would be for the upcoming world cup and why....

Mine is:

------------------------------James------------------------------

---Richards-------Terry---------Jagielka--------------Cole

--Beckham------Gerrard-----Lampard--------A. Young

-------------------Rooney--------------Owen----------------

--------------Green----------------

--Johnson--Terry--Ferdinand--A. Cole

-Gerrard---Lampard--Barry---Walcott

----------Rooney---Crouch-----------

-----------------Hart--------------------

---Johnson--Terry--Ferdinand--A. Cole

---SWP----Gerrerd----Barry----A. Young

--------Rooney---------Defoe------------

--------------Green----------------

--Johnson--Terry--Ferdinand--A. Cole

--Beckham--Gerrard---Lampard--J. Cole

----------Rooney---Crouch-----------

Green has been doing well in the EPL. I do not think that any of the younger goalkeepers are ready for it yet. The back line seems almost a no brainer. Beckham contributes crossing, passing, and dead ball skills that no one in england possesses. Crouch can greatly benefit from those. Joe Cole can attack from the left while most of the left mids are out and out wingers

--------------Green----------------

--Johnson--Terry--Ferdinand--A. Cole

--Beckham--Gerrard---Lampard--A. Young

----------Rooney---C. Cole-----------

----------Green---------
--Johnson--Terry--Ferdinand--A. Cole
--Lennon--Gerrard--Lampard--A. Young
-------Rooney--Defoe/Owen--------

Subs:James, Brown, Upson, J. Cole, Beckham, Barry, Lescott, [C.] Cole, Walcott, Owen/Defoe

Well, England looks a sure bet for qualifying into the wc2010. Guess most people are rooting for England due to the popularity of the EPL.

Mine line up as follows:

1) Joe Hart

I was initailly rooting for Foster but think he has to prove alot as I think he lacks the focus during crucial games. Like James, I think he is pretty error prone.

I will probably have Joe Hart who I rate really highly and I think has great composure in goal.

2) Glen Johnson

Johnson has improved loads in the past season. He has more maturity in his play now and he should really be the 1st pick for right back now that Neville is over the hill.

3) Terry and Rio Ferdinand

Terry and Ferdinand are probably the 2 best defenders around in the League so should be no arguments here. They will be a great partnership. Terry's steel and hunger with Ferdinand's reading of the game will be great.

4) Ashley Cole

Left back spot is definitely Cole's, he is just the best English player in that position at the moment. Bridge as back up will be great.

5) Stevie G in right midfield

I will put Gerrard in midfield due to his industry and great crossing abilities. I will not have him in the center as I think he is too similar in the way he likes to go foward when compared to Lamps.

6) Barry and lamps in center mid

Lampard is really the man in the middle for me, a great midfielder with great desire and work rate. Ability to produce cover defensively and going foward in support is crucial.

Barry has done well under Fab in the midfield and should retain his place. His passing ability will be crucial too.

7) Joe Cole / Ashely Young

Cole will be the 1st choice in left mid if fit. Cole is so talented and so versatile and has loads of experience. He is the kind of player you need in a big game as he can produce.

8) Rooney and Defoe

Rooney is great both upfront or just behind the main man. Either way, he is a great threat to all teams.

Defoe is simply the one of the best finisher and someone you will want the chance to fall on in an tight game. His pace will be crucial too.


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GK: David James
Rb: Glen Johnson
Cb: John Terry
Cb: Rio Ferdinand
Lb: Ashley Cole
Rw: Ashley Young
Am: Steven Gerrard
Am: Frank Lampard
Lw: Arron Lennon
Cf: Wayne Rooney
St: Jermain Defoe

Subs: Crouch, Jagielka, Lescott, Barry, Beckham, Downing, Walcott

------------Green--------------
Johnson--Terry--Ferdinand--Cole
Lennon--Gerrard-Lampard-A. Young
------Defoe-------Rooney-------

Sub:walcott, agbonlahor, barry, lescott, crouch, bridge

------------------James---------------

---Johnson--Terry----Ferdinand--A. Cole--

---Beckham---Gerrard--Lampard---Milner---

------------Rooney---Defoe---------------

Sub: Green, Bridge, Lescott, Barry, A. Young, [C.] Cole, Owen

My main reason of picking Milner is that he really does well in the game against the Dutchs. He will earn Capello's trust and be included in the starting line-up

Well because england have so many mid's theye if they want can be the most versatile naitonal team right now if they wanted the could start a pacey team with lennon and walcott defoe or they could play a more wing bound team with beckham and milner and start crouch and cole

Almost all of us put Stevie G and Lampard together, but can they actually play together?

I think so.... I just don't see either of the two playing further out near the wing, and theres no way that I would choose Gareth Barry over Stevie G or Lamps.... They are both much more technically gifted and more attacking than Barry.... Plus they have plenty more experience.... Something England need right now

--------------james (c'mon now)---------------

-----johnson----rio--------terry------cole------

--Joe Cole----Stevie G-----Milner----Wright-Phillips

Defoe roon-dog

Subs- Hart, Walcott, Lamps, Bent, Lescott, Downing

Here's mine:

------------------------James------------------------

--Johnson--------Terry---------Ferdinand-------Cole--

---------Gerrard--------Lampard---------Barry--------

---Young--------------------------------------Rooney

-------------------------Defoe------------------------

Defoe has certainly been on form, and Gerrard, Lamps and Gareth can all attack even though they are in a holding midfield position. I don't think Gerrard suits the wing, but Rooney has been playing there for Manchester United, so he might fit the bill. Young was good against the Netherlands, and my defence have been performining normally, except Ferdinand, who was astonishingly bad against Holland. James is in my goal