England v Switzerland
Before Fabio Capello announces his squad later this week, gaffr has decided to offer its views on the England side which should face Switzerland on 6th February.
When players turn out for England they seemingly fail to gel under formations other than 4-4-2. This is despite the fact that many of them comfortably adapt to a range of different on-pitch configurations at club level. England’s best period of form under McClaren included the home victories over Israel and Russia when 4-4-2 was employed with Emile Heskey as the target man. Whilst this may have proved successful in these home fixtures, a strict adherence to an Anglo-Saxon 4-4-2 is unlikely to win a major tournament in the contemporary era. Capello should therefore look to shape England under an alternative formation without straying too far from the ‘traditional’ English game.
England are still lacking an abundance of fit, high-quality centre forwards. Owen has not yet returned to form after injury, whilst Crouch is an irregular starter for Liverpool. Capello should only include players who are on form and of genuine international quality; two forwards should not be employed just to adhere to a 4-4-2 line-up. Rooney is England’s only in form striker of international quality and currently leads the line for Man Utd. Capello must therefore start with one forward against Switzerland, and play one defensive midfielder behind a quartet of advanced midfielders. England will thus be structured according to a 4-1-4-1 formation.
Behind Rooney, in central midfield, Gerrard and Wright-Phillips will line up together. Wright-Phillips has thrived recently in a central role for Chelsea and should be given an opportunity in this position for England. This formation will offer him the scope to push forwards in support of Rooney to ensure that an unmanageable gap does not develop between midfield and attack. If Wright-Phillips advances into a support striker role this formation could be considered 4-1-3-1-1, thereby limiting the extent of the departure from 4-4-2. Gerrard should be selected for this match but if his England form remains substandard then Capello should drop him at a later date. A lofty reputation, rightfully attained in club football, has kept Gerrard in international football for many years despite consistently poor performances at this level. Joe Cole should play on the left of midfield, whilst the right-midfield slot is up for grabs, but on this occasion goes to David Bentley. Owen Hargreaves is handed the defensive midfield role ahead of Michael Carrick and Gareth Barry.
At the back, in the absence of John Terry, wildcard David Wheater from Middlesbrough joins Rio Ferdinand in the centre of defence. Micah Richards continues at right-back but during Capello’s reign may move into a central defensive role. Wayne Bridge is selected at left-back. David James is placed between the sticks as he’s the best available goalkeeper at the moment and should only be usurped when a more suitable candidate becomes apparent.
Edward @ January 29, 2008
Ed, as usual you’re talking twaddle. The only reason Michael Owen is off form is he’s forced to play with a bunch of toon muppets every week. Put Rooney ‘in the hole’, give Owen some decent service, and give Gerrard a free roaming role in front of the defensive Hargreaves/Carrick. As for the rest of the team - give some ramdoms a try by all means.
In the meantime - let’s hear your views on the ever-rising star of the mighty Villa - though having seen them play at Villa park on Saturday I can’t quite believe we’re currently in 5th.